Family-run Midnight Cellars offers “true to character” Bordeaux varietals for San Luis Obispo County wine tasting.

After our stop at Castoro on our Paso Robles wine tasting tour, we decided to check out Midnight Cellars. This small (8.000 cases annually) family-owned operation is also in Templeton, and is also part of our central coast wine passport, Priority Wine Pass. As we drove in, we felt Midnight Cellars’ “locals” vibe — not the exclusive, off-putting sense, but the understated, friendly feel you get in agricultural regions.

We were greeted by an enthusiastic and amiable hostess, and started in on another free wine tasting in Paso Robles region, courtesy of our wine passport! (As Priority Wine Pass holders, the $10 tasting fee is waived!) As we chatted about the wines and central coast wine tasting, we browsed about the tasting room, noticing all the military-related pictures and hangings decorating the walls. In character with its “locals” ambiance, we learned the Hartenberger family’s operation proudly supports the military personnel in and visiting the area – kudos!

This San Luis Obispo County wine tasting featured Bordeaux varietals and blends, (some of which get great 90+ ratings!) The wine grapes themselves are all grown on 28 acres of the family’s 160 acre estate which includes the tasting room. This Paso Robles/San Luis Obispo county region is known as the Templeton Gap (so this is actually a Templeton wine tasting, or more specifically,  a [newly-established] Willow Creek District wine tasting). The vines are located on a gradually sloping hillside with a marine-type microclimate, lending itself to the featured Bordeaux varietals including cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, malbec, zinfandel and chardonnay.

Richard Hartenberger, the owner and winemaker, emphasizes the grape in his wine production and bottling. He describes his style as “true to character,” and for us, that’s a very apt description. All the wines we sampled were easy to drink, not complex, just very straightforward presentations of the varietals — very pleasant.

On our way out, we were finally able to meet the renowned 🙂 feline denizen of the vineyard, the beautiful Chardonnay – a warm reminder of the character small family operations lend to communities. Central coast wine tasting has such varied offerings and experiences, and we appreciate the many places our wine passport encourages us to explore!