The inspiration to establish a small, family-owned winery came after 15 years of successful experimental home winemaking with local grapes. Robert had been producing great wine from Paso Robles vineyards non-commercially for years. But grapes were getting harder and harder to find and Robert was quickly outgrowing his sources. He wanted complete control from the vineyard to the bottle in an effort to produce only the finest wines. In 1991 he began planting his own vineyard with Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in partnership with his brother John and sister Barbara. According to Robert they are not completely done. We want the “right grape for the area.” In 1999, under Robert’s management, Syrah and Zinfandel were planted on the property adjacent to the Dunning ranch and the first crop will be harvested in 2001. 
 

From the Ocean to the Fields

Robert came to the area from Malibu, California. In 1960 his family purchased 80 acres in the hills west of Paso Robles where the vineyard and winery are now located. Robert, his wife Jo-Ann and son Garrett live on the property. Located on the property is also aptly named the “Vintage House” once a limestone cellar that served as the wineries’ first barrel room. This structure was built in the early 1900’s and is on every bottle of Dunning Vineyards Estate Wine. It has now been converted into a beautiful Country Inn containing two suites availble for travelers to our area. Over the years he helped out at neighboring vineyards receiving practical, hands-on operational lessons. 

Wishing to further expand his technical knowledge, Robert then took classes in both enology and viticulture at the University of California, Davis. “The schooling is good for the technical part, but winemaking really comes from the fields,” Robert feels. “Matching the right varietal to micro climate along with proper canopy management is very important.” 

Because of the two advantages of the climate and the soil, Robert believes his westside Paso Robles vineyard is in the perfect locale. The high 1400-foot elevations of the vineyards, along with soils that are lean, calcareous rock, produce low yielding vines. The warm summer days of Paso Robles along with the afternoon cooling affect of the near by Pacific Ocean, allows for a longer growing season and adds intensity and concentration to our fruit. 

Viticulture practices include a mix of Vertical Shoot Positioning, GDC and traditional head pruning, dry farming training methods.  Additionally, we take a “hands on” approach in the vineyards, spending time with canopy management and crop thinning, with the focus on keeping the vines always in balance. 

Traditional winemaking using small lot fermentation, gentle hand punching of the red must, barrel fermentation of the whites along with the use of 100% French oak barrels result in wines that are incredibly rich, concentrated and elegant.

Topping off these ideal growing conditions, Robert does much of the work himself, including pruning the vines, hand-selecting the grapes, and then fermenting and aging in small lots. “My focus is on quality,” Robert says. “Making wine from your own vineyard, that’s what it’s all about.” 

The small intimate winery currently produces less than 2000 cases annually, with expectations to grow to about 4500 cases as the new vineyards begin bearing fruit..Robert prefers to remain small so he can retain the closeness with his visitors.  Dunning Vineyards is a member of the Paso Robles Far Out Wineries and the Paso Robles Grand Crew.

Dunning Vineyards is located at 1953 Niderer Road in the rolling countryside the Adelaida Hills west of Paso Robles. By car, take Highway 46 West from Highway 101 just over three miles to Oakdale Road. Head right onto Oakdale and drive one-half mile.Turn right onto Las Tablas Willow Creek Road and drive about 1.2 miles. Bear right onto Niderer Road and continue about one mile. Turn left up the path to the winery. Click here for a map. 

We offer complimentary tasting of our estate wines in our tasting room.

Hours: Dunning Vineyards is open to the public on Thursday through Monday from 11 to 5. Other weekday tastings can also be arranged; give us a call.

The trip to Dunning Vineyards is well worth it just for the scenery alone. “I like to see people come out here and enjoy themselves,” says Robert. “We are only minutes from town, but you have to be willing to take the time to find us.” In addition to personal tours of the winery itself, visitors are encouraged to come picnic or just relax in their idyllic setting. A grove of large oak trees shades the outdoor barbecue area, and it is an ideal place to enjoy a glass of their estate grown wine.

Discounts are available at the winery (and by mail) to all Wine Club members!