As owners of Castoro Cellars, one of the oldest wineries in the Paso Robles region, the husband and wife team of Niels and Bimmer Udsen couldn’t be more excited to be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the winery. They began making wine in the early 1980s and over the course of the next 10 years, bought equipment and opened a tasting room. The winery site, located in Templeton, California, was purchased in 1991, and within the past decade existing vineyards were purchased and new vineyards planted. Today, more than 350 acres farmed by Castoro Cellars in are grown organically. The winery is also a certified organic facility.
In addition, the winery’s sustainable farming techniques have earned a Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Vineyard certification for its remaining vineyards. This distinction acknowledges Castoro Cellars’ commitment to environmental stewardship, fair treatment of employees, and economic viability. SIP Vineyard certification was established by the Central Coast Vineyard Team to identify sustainably farmed wines to customers.
The Udsens say they named the winery Castoro Cellars after the Italian translation of Niels’ life-long nickname “Beaver,” prompting the motto “Dam Fine Wine.” From the wine cellar to the tasting room, all who contribute to Castoro wines hold strongly to the belief that high quality wines should be accessible to consumers.
“We feel wine is an essential part of the daily meal,” says Niels. “We provide consumers with outstanding wines that will allow them a fine bottle with any meal.”
The past 30-plus years have seen Castoro grow from producing a few barrels of wine in a rented corner of someone else’s winery to developing a custom-crush operation and a 60,000-case winery. The winemaking team, including Niels, veteran Winemaker Tom Myers, and Assistant Winemaker Mikel Olsten, has worked together for over two decades. In 2007, Enologist Sherrie Holzer joined the team. Maintaining quality while increasing production can be a challenging task for small wineries. However, Castoro Cellars has managed to expand production without sacrificing quality. “The size of the winery relative to our brand has allowed us to have built-in growth capability without compromise.This situation is still in place,” adds Niels.
Today, the winery is growing all of its own grapes. The name Castoro
Cellars is now associated with a long list of premium wines, with a special focus on the Paso Robles Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Niels and Bimmer consider their Zinfusion, Whale Rock, and Cobble Creek Zinfandels to be their flagship wines.
Castoro Cellars’ winery and tasting room are located in two separate and distinct settings. The winery is to be found “off the beaten path” and provides the space desired for Castoro’s production facilities.
The tasting room, situated just off Highway 46 West, is a shopper’s delight, full of gifts and curiosities for wine lovers. Plus, guests are delighted to have the opportunity to taste the wines of Castoro Cellars’ distinguished portfolio. The tasting room staff have worked at Castoro Cellars for many years and have garnered a reputation for incredible hospitality. They invite their Paso neighbors, and anyone passing through Paso Robles, to come to the tasting room, raise a glass, and toast the good fortune and success of the region and enjoy its wines.
WHAT TO BUY
’10 Viognier Estate Stone’s Throw – $19
Intense floral aromas with a dry, crisp finish
’11 Tango – $19
Ripe pear, melon, enticing oak, white blend
’06 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – $30
Cherry pit, cassis, cracked pepper, licorice
’10 Pinot Noir Whale Rock – $30
Lush, cherry, black tea
’09 Zinfandel Estate Whale Rock – $30
Spice, dark berries, touch of oak
CONTACT
888-326-3463
info@castorocellars.com
castorocellars.com
TASTING
Tasting Room Open Daily 10–5:30
1315 N Bethel Rd.
Templeton, CA 93465
SPECIAL NOTES
Picnic grounds, gift shop, pet friendly, organic farming practices, wine club discounts.
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Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
