🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE 167 🍷
ROC PART 3: ROOTS, RESPONSIBILITY & THE FUTURE OF FARMING

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam closes out the three-part deep dive into Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) farming with two powerhouse voices helping lead the movement in Paso Robles.

First up is Hilary Graves of Booker Vineyard, grower, educator, vineyard strategist, and one of the most respected minds in California viticulture. Hilary shares why ROC matters, how farmers can help capture carbon, and why consumers hold more power than they realize every time they shop or order wine.

Then Adam welcomes Kevin Sass, veteran winemaker of Halter Ranch, whose decades of Paso experience meet one of the region’s most stunning estates. Kevin breaks down what certification means, why transparency matters, how Halter balances multiple vineyards across states, and yes… why planes literally land at the winery.

This episode goes beyond buzzwords and into the real questions:

How do we farm better?
How do we support workers better?
How do we leave land better than we found it?

And if Paso Robles is going to lead the wine world in something… this feels like a damn good place to start.

🌿 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT

Before your next Paso getaway, start here:
https://travelpaso.com

Later in the show, Adam checks in with Jeffry Weisinger, Interim Executive Director of Paso Main Street, and owner of local favorite Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ.

They talk about the upcoming Paso Robles Olive & Lavender Festival on May 9th, a downtown celebration of local olive oils, lavender goods, shopping specials, food, cocktails, and community spirit.

The event also serves as the largest annual fundraiser for Paso Main Street, helping support treasured traditions like Santa in the Park, Teddy Bear Tea, Elegant Evening, and more.

🎉 EVENT LINKS

Paso Robles Olive & Lavender Festival – May 9
https://pasoroblesdowntown.org/downtown-event/paso-robles-olive-festival-lavender-festival-may-9th/

🍷 FEATURED GUEST LINKS

Booker Vineyard – https://www.bookerwines.com
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/bookervineyard/
Halter Ranch – https://www.halterranch.com
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/halterranch/
Paso Main Street / Downtown Paso Robles – https://pasoroblesdowntown.org
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/prmainstreet/
Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ – Downtown Paso Robles

🌐 PASO WINE WIRE

🏰 The Anderson Paso Opens Restaurant Doors
The “first castle on the right” on Highway 46 West debuts its new restaurant, cocktail bar, and hospitality concept.
🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/316431

🤝 Chefs Helping Chefs Supports Baby Saoirse McCabe
A sold-out Central Coast fundraiser rallied chefs, wineries, and hospitality leaders in support of the McCabe family during baby Saoirse’s cancer fight.
❤️ DONATE TO SUPPORT SAOIRSE MCCABE

GoFundMe: Support Saoirse’s Journey – Hope & Healing Ahead
🔗 https://gofundme.com/f/support-saoirses-journey-hope-and-healing-ahead

Fiscal Sponsor EIN: 77-0206822

🍑 Peachy Canyon Names Paul Sowerby General Manager
Paso veteran Paul Sowerby steps into leadership at one of the region’s most iconic family wineries.
🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/316647

🌱 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

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🎙️ 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

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©2026 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

EP 167: ROC Part 3 – Roots, Responsibility & Future of Farming – Featuring Halter Ranch Vineyard | Booker Vineyard

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

EP 167: ROC Part 3 – Roots, Responsibility & Future of Farming – Featuring Halter Ranch Vineyard | Booker Vineyard