🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷

Today, we’re talking about dirt.

Not just any dirt, but living soil. The kind that breathes, holds water, stores carbon, and might just be the difference between surviving the next 50 years or not.

Because right now, something big is happening in Paso Robles. If you haven’t heard the term yet, you’re about to hear it a lot more. Regenerative Organic Certified. ROC.

And here’s the thing. This isn’t a buzzword. This isn’t marketing. This is a full-on shift in how we farm, how we think, and how we take care of the land. And Paso is leading that charge on a global level.

In this episode, Adam sits down with two of Paso Robles’ most forward-thinking minds, Jason Haas of Tablas Creek Vineyard and Cris Cherry of Villa Creek and MAHA Estate, to kick off a special series exploring the future of farming and wine.

This isn’t just about what’s in your glass. It’s about what’s happening beneath it. Soil health, farmworker fairness, and animal welfare, the pillars of ROC, are reshaping how wine is grown.

Jason breaks it down in a way that actually makes sense, farming not just to sustain, but to improve the land and community. Cris brings the real-world perspective, sharing what it looks like to live this every day at MAHA Estate, from sheep in the vineyard to the economics of doing things the right way.

Together, they unpack why this matters now more than ever, and how regenerative farming could be a key piece in the future of agriculture.

You’ll also hear how Paso has quietly become a global epicenter for regenerative viticulture, with wineries like Tablas Creek, MAHA Estate, Booker, Halter Ranch, and others helping push the industry forward.

Later in the show, Adam heads just off Highway 101 for a Travel Paso Spotlight on Firestone Walker Brewing Company, where beer, food, and community collide. With the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest celebrating 30 years, plus a can’t-miss block party open to the public, it’s a perfect reminder that Paso is more than just wine, it’s an experience.

🍷 FEATURED GUESTS

Tablas Creek Vineyard (Jason Haas)
🌐 https://tablascreek.com
📸 https://www.instagram.com/tablascreek/

MAHA Estate / Villa Creek (Cris Cherry)
🌐 https://www.villacreekwine.com
📸 https://www.instagram.com/villacreekcellars/

🌐 PASO WINE WIRE

Paso Wine Fanatics Annual Tasting at Caliza Winery
One of the most passionate wine communities in the country is bringing the heat this spring. Owner-poured wines, gourmet food, live music, and Adam co-hosting.
🔗 https://pasorobleswinefanatics.com/pages/events

Soup & Syrah Festival (April 12, Templeton)
Comfort food meets Rhône magic, all benefiting Jack’s Helping Hand.
🔗 https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/soup-and-syrah-festival-benefits-programs-for-children-with-special-needs/219172/

Robert Hall Launches ROC Wines at Whole Foods
A major milestone. Regenerative organic wines are hitting national retail shelves, and Paso’s impact just went mainstream.

🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT

Firestone Walker Brewing Company
🌐 https://www.firestonewalker.com

Plan your trip → https://travelpaso.com

🌱 LEARN MORE ABOUT ROC

🔗 https://pasowine.com/grower_certification/regenerative-organic-certified/
🔗 https://regenorganic.org

🎉 PASO WINE FEST WEEKEND MAY 15-17

Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso
One of the region’s premier events featuring winemakers and chefs, including Adam as a judge
https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/paired-paso/

Sparkling Paso
A must for bubble lovers, showcasing sparkling wines from across the region
https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/sparkling-paso/

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow
Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover.

🎙️ Credits
Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel
Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir
Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com
Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture)
Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective
📱 Download the Paso Wine App
🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow
If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover.

©2026 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

Ep 165: You Down with ROC, Yeah You Know Me – Featuring Tablas Creek | Villa Creek (MAHA Estate)

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 165: You Down with ROC, Yeah You Know Me – Featuring Tablas Creek | Villa Creek (MAHA Estate)