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 about the direction their winery is headed more than 30 years later. They began making wine in the early 1980s, and over the course of the next ten years, bought equipment and opened a tasting room. The winery site was purchased in 1991, and within the past decade, existing vineyards were purchased and new vineyards planted. Today, the winery is a certified organic facility and more than 350 acres farmed by Castoro Cellars are grown organically. 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’ lifelong 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. Veteran winemaker Tom Myers has been with Castoro Cellars for over two decades and, in 2007, was joined by Enologist Sherrie Holzer to complete the winemaking team.
Today, the winery is 100 percernt estate grown and the name Castoro Cellars is now associated with a long list of premium wines, with a special focus on Paso Robles Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Niels and Bimmer consider their Zinfusion, Pinot Noir Whale Rock, and Cobble Creek Zinfandel to be their flagship wines. Zinfusion has developed a cult following and is considered to be an excellent representation of Paso Robles Zinfandel. All of the wines are highly acclaimed; in fact, the 2012 Zinfusion Reserve scored 95 points and won a Gold medal and Best of Class at the LA International Wine Competition.
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. Guests are also invited to step outside and play an 18-hole round of disc golf in Whale Rock Vineyard.
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.
For more information, please visit: castorocellars.com