Page 43 - Ma 2023 Galveston Monthly

cuisiNe | wiNe

Wines froM paso roBles You have To TrY

TasTe These ToP Picks from california’s cenTral coasT

by sandra CriTTenden

templeton Gap District in paso Robles

aso Robles wine country is located in the rolling hills Rodeo winner numerous times.
of the Central Coast of California, an equal distance Some of the most exciting wines in the area come
Pbetween San Francisco and Los Angeles. The region from smaller artisan producers that only sell direct to
enjoys a long growing season with warm days and cool consumers at the winery or online.
nights bringing forth vibrantly ripened grapes which make There are some names to know if travel plans are being
beautiful wines. considered or if special online orders are being made and
Grapes have been commercially grown in Paso Robles the top of that list starts with the Dusi family. The family’s
since the late 1800s, but modern winemaking in the heritage in the region dates back to the early 1920s where
region has a younger history beginning in the 1970s and the sustainable farming practices that were implemented
expanding throughout the following decades. Currently, eighty years ago are still followed today. Grapes from
Paso boasts more than 200 wineries with 40,000 acres the family vineyards are highly sought after by local
Photo courtesy of J Dusi Wines which is why the region has such a long grape growing where her grandfather Dante taught her the old-world
winemakers and well respected brands like Turley.
under vine.
The fruit and the wines they make are high quality
Janell Dusi was born and raised on the Dusi vineyard
Italian style of winemaking. She took an interest in turning
history. There are some larger production wineries making
the family’s produce into wine at an early age, even before
excellent wines that have become easier to find in Texas.
she was old enough to drink, and began making wine for
These include Tablas Creek vineyard which has a French
connection and is a pioneer for organic grape growing in
competitions.
Paso and J. Lohr vineyards, which has been a Houston
She now takes 20 percent of the family vineyard
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