Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery welcomes new winemaker
Dallas Parnigoni.
– Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery has announced the appointment of Dallas Parnigoni as winemaker, marking a new chapter for the family-owned estate ahead of its 22nd harvest in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles.
Parnigoni joins an established production team that includes cellar master Jesse Baker, vineyard manager Daniel Martinez, and founding winemaker Bob Tillman. The team is responsible for producing Rhône-style wines grown exclusively on the estate’s high-elevation property.
“We’re thrilled to have Dallas join the team,” said Bob Tillman. “His academic background, hands-on experience, and passion for Rhône wines make him an ideal addition. With Dallas leading winemaking alongside Jesse and Daniel, the future of Alta Colina is in great hands.”
Parnigoni holds a master’s degree in wine and viticulture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he focused on fermentation and oxidation-reduction potential. He began his winemaking journey in his family’s Kentucky vineyard and has worked harvests in Australia, the Sierra Foothills, Santa Cruz, and Paso Robles.
Following the departure of former winemaker Molly Lonborg, the winery says it continues a philosophy of deliberate growth.
“Bob built the foundation. Molly carried it forward with care and talent,” said owner Maggie Tillman. “And now, with Dallas joining Jesse and Daniel in production, we’re excited to keep growing in a way that’s true to who we are: collaborative, curious, and totally devoted to this vineyard.”
Bob and Lynn Tillman, who founded Alta Colina in 2003, both grew up in Gallup, New Mexico. After careers in engineering and computer science, they shifted to vineyard life in Paso Robles. Bob Tillman, now the founding winemaker, focuses on vineyard strategy and regenerative farming practices. He mentors the production team and oversees the vineyard’s long-term health.
Maggie Tillman, owner and director of sales and marketing, joined Alta Colina full-time in 2011. She has led initiatives such as building the membership program and launching the Trailer Pond, a vintage trailer campground. Her wine preferences include Picpoul Blanc, rosé, Carbonic Grenache, Claudia Cuvée Marsanne, GSM, Old 900, and Toasted Slope Syrah.
Parnigoni cited the Old 900 Syrah as his favorite Alta Colina wine. “There’s nothing like finding that rare single block of vineyard that produces a red so exciting you’re forced to call your mother to tell her about it,” he said. Outside of winemaking, he practices jiu jitsu, enjoys mountain biking, and listens to history podcasts.
Daniel Martinez, vineyard manager, is a second-generation vineyard professional raised on the Central Coast. He has a hands-on approach and a personal history tied to the vineyards. His favorite wine is the GSM blend.
Jesse Baker, cellar master, has deep family roots in Paso Robles dating back to the 1800s. He entered the wine industry through personal connections and describes each vintage as unique.
Melissa Swanson, director of hospitality and Trailer Pond camp coordinator, is a former kindergarten teacher and Central Coast local. She manages guest experiences across the estate and favors the Old 900 Syrah.
Ivey Reynolds, membership manager, studied enology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and has worked at Alta Colina since 2016. She prefers Downslope for pizza, rosé while cooking, and Toasted Slope for date nights.
Emily Seide, tasting room manager, is originally from Newport, Rhode Island, and brings over 20 years of hospitality experience, including owning a wine and cheese bar in New York City. She is a certified cheese professional and currently favors Lynn’s Cuvée.
Michelle Locke, wine educator, grew up in a military family and identifies as a California native. She is a mother and grandmother and believes wine preference depends on the occasion.
Ed Hale, tasting room host and Mr. Fixit, moved to Paso Robles in 2018 after a 46-year career in procurement. He enjoys traveling and local wines, particularly Grenache Blanc and Sun Worshipper.
Denise Hale, bookkeeper, joined Alta Colina in 2018 after a 25-year accounting career. She also hosts at a nearby winery and enjoys Lynn’s Cuvée for its flavor and story.
Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery was founded by Bob and Lynn Tillman in 2003. The estate produces Rhône-style wines from its westside Paso Robles vineyard and offers guest experiences including mountaintop tastings and stays at the Trailer Pond. All wines are estate-grown, made, and shared on site with a focus on authenticity, sustainability, and community.
