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Absolution Cellars

845 Embarcadero, Suite H, Morro Bay, CA 93442
www.absolutioncellars.com

Region: Paso Robles

Owner/ Winemaker: Dirk Neumann

About: AUTHENTIC. BOUTIQUE. ARTISTIC. UNIQUE. Absolution Cellars specializes in limited-production, handcrafted, single-vineyard wines from select vineyards all throughout the beautiful Central Coast. With over 20 different varieties and wines made each year, you’ll find something to please every palate. Each wine that we make is the best version of itself – a unique portrait of place and time, an honest expression of where and when the grapes were grown.

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Cabernet Franc

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? Nebbiolo at a Palmina Tasting in the Wine Ghetto of Lompoc in 2011

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? Educating people about them and watching their eyes light up when they drink them.

AmByth Estate

510 Sequoia Lane Templeton, CA 93465
www.ambythestate.com

Region: Paso Robles, CA

Owner: Phillip Hart

Winemaker: Gelert Hart

About: We are a small family owned and operated vineyard, winery and farm in Paso Robles, CA. We believe in making authentic, terroir driven wines. Embracing biodynamic principles since 2003, our 42-acre estate, including 20 acres of vineyards, benefits from a unique microclimate and promotes a balanced ecosystem.

In winemaking, minimal intervention is key. Native yeasts, Terra Cotta clay Amphoras, and zero additives define our process. Hand harvesting, foot stomping, and adherence to Demeter and CCOF certifications showcase our dedication to transparency and purity.

AmByth Estate produces wines that tell a story—a story of sustainable farming, a love for the land, and a belief in the harmonious relationship between nature and craftsmanship.

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Counoise

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? In 2010 the love affair with single varietal Counoise started with our dry farmed estate fruit. In earlier years, we blended with Grenache or in our Estate GSM which we still do and love but there is something special about a single varietal Counoise.

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? The surprise and excitement of a new discovery. Usually these grapes are made to more authentic expressions which open a whole new realm of wine and wine drinking.

It’s always a joy to share wines made with lesser know varietals with our guests and friends and to be able to widen the consumers pallet and introduce them to a side of wine where they don’t know what to expect. A wine that initiates a good conversation and brings people together is what excites us the most.

Billy D Wines

PO Box 846 St. Helena, CA 94574
www.billydwines.com

Region: Northern California

Owner/Winemaker: Billy Davies

About: Bucking the norm with delicious, down-to-earth natural wines you can really drink. Rooted in the adventure days of 60s and 70s Napa Valley, Billy D remembers the best of times and looks to the future. Old school new. Returning to grapes like Chenin Blanc, Carignan, Napa Gamay (Valdiguie), French Colombard, and Barbera for the pure enjoyment of it. Vibrant wines we just want to drink ourselves!

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Napa Gamay (aka Valdiguie)

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? Drinking an Inglenook Charbono from the 1970s at Bern’s Steak House. (And drinking Petite Sirah from the 1960s before then!)

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? Personality, intrigue, and well matched to the original sites!

Boutz Cellars

7055 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles
Boutzcellars.com

Region: Adelaida District, Paso Robles

Owner: James & Manoli Boutzoukas

Winemaker: James Boutzoukas

About: Our story is about father and son embarking on a journey to build a legacy, both of whom have a passion for the outdoors, farming and of course – fine wine!

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Vidiano

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? Visiting wineries in Crete that focused on forgotten indigenous grape cultivars of Crete.

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? Unique and unlike any other white grape produces wines that are rich in texture with aromatics of stone fruits and floral aromas.

Cairjn Wine Cellars

2323 Tuley Road, Unit 120 Paso Robles, CA 93446
https://www.cairjnwinecellars.com/

Region: Paso Robles

Owner: Andy & Michele Neja

Winemaker: Andy Neja

About: Derived from the word, “cairn” which means “a heap of stones piled up as a memorial or as a landmark.” Our founder, Andy Neja, chose this name as a tribute to his family’s farming legacy and as a nod to the limestone-rich terrain of West Paso, where our vineyards are located.

It requires hard work and dedication to make wine, and at Cairjn, we have a deep respect for the men and women who work tirelessly to bring each vintage to fruition. That’s why we honor their efforts by staying true to our commitment to quality and sustainability.

Now producing 800 cases annually, our portfolio of wines reflects our commitment to quality and sustainability. Our dream is to provide our customers with a truly unique wine experience. Join us on this journey as we build a landmark wine for Paso Robles.

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Albariño

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? I tasted Albariño early on in my wine journey and I fell in love with its freshness and wonderful floral and citrus characters.

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? Their uniqueness and pouring them for people that have never heard of them and watching their enjoyment of this new variety.

Cavaletti Vineyard

165 Poindexter Avenue, Suite D, Ventura, CA
www.cavalettivineyards.com

Region: Ventura County

Owner/Winemaker: Patrick Kelly

About: We are a family owned winery producing wines of personality and place since 2016.

What is your favorite forgotten grape?  Alicante Bouschet

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape?  First harvest – Grenache 2016

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? They are just fun to work with. No pretense and no preconceived notions.

Cuatro Dias Winery

www.cuatrodiaswines.com

Region: Paso Robles,CA

Owner/Winemaker: Greg Allen

About: Greg Allen’s journey through the world of fine wines, as the visionary owner and mastermind winemaker behind Cuatro Dias Winery, is truly inspiring. His passion for winemaking, honed through prestigious programs and his pivotal role at the historical San Antonio Winery, sets the stage for a remarkable story. What’s particularly remarkable about Greg’s story is his dedication and perseverance. Balancing a demanding primary career as a Firefighter/Paramedic with his winemaking dreams is a testament to his commitment. The unique schedule he devised, with 2 intense 24-hour shifts followed by 4 days off, allowed him to birth Cuatro Dias, dedicating the maximum time he could to his craft.

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Albariño

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? My first experience with Albariño. Having enjoyed the characteristics of Albariño, I was contracted by another winery to make the wine for them at a cost of reviving 50 percent of the product for payment. The actual fruit was cloned and named after the famed Alan Kinne who just recently passed. During fermentation, all the characteristics came together producing a great full-bodied wine with a great nose. There is more to life than Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay!

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? Paso Robles has great vineyards that have planted Albariño which continues to be a outstanding white varietal.

Derby Wine Estates

525 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles
www.derbywineestates.com

Region: Paso Robles

Owners: Ray and Pam Derby

Winemaker: Sean Geoghegan

About: Derby Wine Estate is a boutique, family owned winery with three Estate vineyards across the central coast and a Tasting Room & production facility on the outskirts of downtown Paso Robles. We have a passion for good wine and good company, and strive to share both with everyone who walks through our door.

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Cinsault

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? I honestly can’t remember, I have always looked for lesser known grapes and heritage vines to expand my palate.

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? The world of flavors and textures that open up when you think (and drink) outside the box.

Dubost

9988 Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
https://www.dubostwine.com

Region: Adelaida District, Paso Robles Region

Owners: Kate & Curt Dubost

Winemaker: Zachary Raines

About: Small lot, handcrafted, award-winning wines, produced in a strawbale winery nestled in the hills of Adelaida.

What is your favorite forgotten grape?  Touriga Nacional

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape?  Negrette. I had no experience with it at all. Our winemaker had an opportunity to purchase some and when it came time to bottle he was going to blend it. It is often used as a blending grape because of its dark color and low tannins. I tasted it and fell in love. We did a single Negrette for many years after that. Sadly, we do not grow it and are no longer producing it.

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? My experience with Negrette pushed me to think/taste beyond what I was familiar with in grape varietals. It showed me that there was a world of aromas, textures and flavors out there to be explored. Negrette become my “go to” wine for lamb and I had a special chocolate dish we paired with it in the tasting room. So versatile. AND it introduced us to Chris Kern.