The name Hope appears in every chapter of the 30-plus year wine industry history of Paso Robles. Chuck Hope planted one of the first vineyards just east of the Salinas River in 1978, and was instrumental in establishing the region’s solid reputation for high quality grape growing. He helped other vineyards get their start and was a founding member of what is now the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.
Chuck’s son, Austin Hope, grew up sharing his father’s passion for grape growing and Paso Robles. Austin became a winemaker and is now Chairman of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. Today, this innovative farming family owns Hope Family Wines, producer of the Liberty School, Treana, Candor, Troublemaker, and Austin Hope brands.
While the Hopes are steeped in tradition, they are known for blazing new trails. Austin is a champion of the anti-snob approach to wine drinking and embraces new technology and non-traditional marketing methods. Treana, the Hopes’ first label, is one example.
“We made a very bold decision to launch Treana White as a Rhône-style blend in the 1990s,” Austin says. “With the launch of Treana Red in 1996, we helped inspire the now thriving genre of distinct Paso blends, which incorporate both Rhône and Bordeaux varietals. Several Paso Robles producers have since made a real name for themselves with these types of blends.”
Austin believes that Paso Robles’ diversity is its biggest strength. “We can grow excellent Rhône varietals here, especially Syrah and Grenache, and then go five miles east and grow world class Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Merlot,” he says. “We haven’t been pigeonholed to just one varietal, and that’s a good thing.”
In the spring of 2015, the Hopes renovated their Treana Tasting Cellar to create a comfortable lounge-style setting that embodies the winery’s spirit. Situated on the Hope Family Estate Vineyard in the Templeton Gap District, the Treana Tasting Cellar features Treana wines as well as Austin’s Rhône-style wines bottled under the Austin Hope label.
What to Buy
’13 Treana Red – $45
Ripe dark fruit, exotic spice
’13 Austin Hope Syrah – $55
Bold black fruits, herb-smoked bacon, pepper
’13 Austin Hope Grenache – $55
Red fruit, leather, cinnamon
Special Notes
Private tastings and tours, pet friendly, sustainable farming practices, picnic area, wine club discounts.
Contact
1585 Live Oak Rd.
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Phone: 805-238-4112
Email: info@hfwines.com
Website: treanawines.com
Tasting Room:Open Thur–Mon 10–4
Touring & Tasting
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine.
