The first winery on 46 West is Doce Robles Winery. Turn up Twelve Oaks Drive and come to a large vineyard property and the home of the appropriately named Doce Robles (Twelve Oaks) Winery. The little oak crowned hilltop is where the owners live, work and introduce visitors to their Paso Robles wines. The greeting committee at Doce Robles includes a family of five friendly German Shepard’s, who I am told are all related.

 

Once inside the casual tasting room, two adorable cats usually snuggled up in their napping basket may give you a yawn or two. The views from this former ranch house look out at seemingly miles of vineyards. Inside are olive oils, pottery, some unique candle wall sconces, logo clothing, bottled spicy green beans and glassware, all displayed on glass topped wine barrels. The pot bellied stove adds warmth in the winter and ambiance in the summer. The laid back tasting experience here can also become a party which the owners happily enjoy. A deck under the oaks provides a panoramic view and a place to relax.

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The Tasting bar staff pours Viognier, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, and a few red wine blends. The wine is made by owner Jim Jacobsen with small open top fermentors and barrel aged for 2 or more years in American and French Oak. Wines are gravity fed and are only pumped twice from field to bottle. This minimal handling insures the quality that starts in the vineyard is not lost during the making of the wine. The owner’s favorite quotes include, “Quality begins in the vine” and “The real work is done in the vineyard”.