Blending is an art that’s practiced at every turn at Grey Wolf Cellars and Barton Family Wines. The winery was founded in 1994 by Joe and Shirlene Barton, whose son Joe has since taken the reins and modernized the brand. This year, the winery is celebrating its 20-year milestone year at the Highway 46 West property with a new, updated label design and recent remodel of its tasting room, now known as the Barton House.
Joe is a master blender. He personally handcrafts an impressive portfolio for the winery’s two labels by adhering to Old World winemaking techniques to craft wines that epitomize the uniqueness of Paso Robles as a wine region. His wines demonstrate his uncanny ability of finding the best grapes and his eagerness to try something new. Unique varieties, such as Ugni Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Barbera, and Tannat, enhance his options for wine blends. The 2014 Grey Wolf Sentinelle is a captivating white blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier that has won the hearts of many including Wine Enthusiast who gave it an Editor’s Choice Award and 92 points.
When Joe and his wife Jenny decided to update the family’s farmhouse tasting room, they went a step beyond and trans-formed it into The Barton House, a homey, yet ultra-modern space that seamlessly blends the family’s past with the present. Beyond the wines, guests enjoy lunch served by Jeffry’s Catering five days a week. Behind the house, there’s a quiet spot with plenty of chairs for lounging under giant shady trees. A bit farther back, the tasting room for KROBAR Craft Distillery, the ethanol-induced brainchild of Joe and fellow winemaker, Stephen Kroener, awaits.
Grey Wolf Cellars and Barton Family Wines is the only property in the area to offer wine, food, and spirits in one location. Now that’s a master blend, for sure.