Wine column: Discovering two more winery gems
In 1994, Juan Contreras’ family moved from Mexico to the U.S.
– On my latest turnaround trip to Paso Robles, I discovered two more gems: One, despite being part of the wine community for 25 years, just recently opened a tasting room and introduced its first vintage. The other is a trendsetter for 35 years. How did I ever miss him?
V1NO JUAN is a special place, where every label tells a story, and each wine holds a special meaning. Juan Contreras will share this as you savor his wines at his new tasting room, which opened in September of 2025, in downtown Paso, at the park.
Be on the ground floor, plan a visit before everyone else discovers V1NO JUAN. A tasting here is not only about wine, but reflects the story of a family’s journey, and passion, and you are honored to be part of that.
In 1994, Juan’s family moved from Mexico to the U.S. Four years later, at the age of 18, he started working at the Robert Hall Winery vineyard, and so his journey began.
As years passed in his new home, Juan transitioned from working in the vineyards harvesting grapes to becoming a cellar rat, then a cellar master. Over time, he developed a genuine love and understanding of grapes, terroir, and winemaking, with the dream to “one day” make his own wine. Eventually, he took the leap of faith to produce his own wines and opened his tasting room, where you can share Juan’s passion, knowledge, personality, and love of wine and learn his story.
His wines demonstrate the purity of the soil, but also the purity of his spirit and soul. His focus is on using grapes, whether from his own vineyard or sourced, that are grown organically and sustainably, without pesticides, and that truly reflect place, or terroir.
Step into the warm, welcoming tasting room, and you’ll immediately feel like you belong there. Whether Juan or his daughter Lillie is hosting you, their congenial personalities will embrace you as you enjoy their wines and learn about Juan’s journey.
Whether you’re enjoying their Besos Verdes, Lagrimas Secas, Sweet Encanto, or other selections, you’ll discover the story behind the labels and the dream behind the wines.
Plan a visit to this truly family-run winery and experience Juan’s passion in a bottle, with every sip you take.
Visit: V1NO JUAN, located in Paso Robles, at 840 11th Street, across from the Park , next to Catch Seafood.
Monday/Tuesday & Thursday: 4:00-8:00 pm (but if you come by at 7:59, you won’t be turned away).
Friday-Sunday: 11:00 am-8:00 pm
Reservations suggested.
(805) 610-3780
WWW.V1NOJUAN.COM
(and ask Juan the reason for the “1” in the name).
Dunning Vineyards, located in the Willow Creek district, was a real surprise for me! How have I missed this winery, a pioneering producer in Paso Robles, for over 30 years? I guess this explains the saying, “so many wineries, so little time.” Talk about a “hidden gem,” Dunning definitely fits the bill!
Dunning Vineyards produces wine and also preserves and continues the history of Paso Robles Wine County. Visiting Dunning Vineyards offers more than just tasting Paso wine; it’s also a history lesson, as Bob Dunning is a walking encyclopedia of the area. He has been making wine since 1991. In fact, as you drive up the narrow, winding road, you will see a sign proclaiming “sustainable farming since 1991, well before organic and sustainable farming became widespread and necessary for protecting and nurturing the earth.
A bit of history: Bob and his wife, Jo-Ann, bought property in the mid-1980s and became friends with Pebble Smith, owner of James Berry Vineyard. Dunning Vineyard’s first cuttings came from Pebble’s original chardonnay vineyard. As Bob will tell you, he learned most of what he knows about terroir, farming, soil, and winemaking from Pebble. At the time, Bob didn’t realize it, but he definitely started “at the top” with the absolute best.
Bob literally learned winemaking from the ground up. In addition to having Pebble as a mentor, Dunning Vineyards was one of the first 35 bonded wineries in Paso Robles. Today, there are several hundred.
During your visit to Dunning, enjoy sitting down not only with the owner/winemaker (and possibly his wife as well) but also with a Paso Robles pioneer and icon.
Bob learned about soil, terroir, temperature, soil nutrition, and all the factors necessary to grow quality grapes, as well as the varietals best suited to the conditions. When visiting Dunning, you will be treated to a selection of both Bordeaux and Rhone varietals, and yes, Burgundian chardonnay and pinot noir! Willow Creek is a special AVA, and if you find the right spot, you can grow almost anything.
Your tasting will be in the cave (delightful on a warm day) or out on the patio, surrounded by trees, brush, the sounds of birds, the breeze, and nature.
Bob and Jo-Ann make wine the traditional way: they are there to fine-tune what the earth dictates to them, in order to bring their handcrafted estate wines to the wine lover.
When you refer to “the road less travelled” or “off the beaten path,” Dunning Vineyards fits that description. Taking the drive to visit will reward you with an experience that’s hard to find elsewhere: tasting with a Paso pioneer in a welcoming environment, enjoying small-lot, handcrafted, elegant wines made in a way that allows the earth and vines to speak.
Make a plan to visit and sip with Bob Dunning and learn more about the unique charm of Paso Robles wine country from someone who has been there pretty much “since the beginning.” He will be happy to share his wines and knowledge with you.
By Appointment Only
1953 Niderer Road
Paso Robles, Ca
(805) 704-3135
WWW.DUNNINGWINES.COM
Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s unique lifestyle of wine, food and adventure, from Southern California through Paso Robles’ Central Coast to Napa Valley and beyond. He may be reached at: donsonderling@gmail.com.
