Paso Robles winery opens first tasting room downtown after 10 years of online-only sales
A winery named after a beloved pet dog just opened its first tasting room in downtown Paso Robles after 10 years of online-only sales.
Dracaena Wines opened the doors of its tasting room at 1244 Pine Street, Suite 101B, on Monday.
The winery was started by Lori and Michael Budd, who live and work in Fresno and Paso Robles.
Dracaena Wines started production in 2013 with 75 cases of cabernet franc, according to a news release from the Paso Robles winery.
After the wine received a 91 point-rating from Wine Enthusiast magazine, “They promptly sold out, the release said.
Dracaena Wines now produces two types of cabernet franc in various varietals, as well as chenin blanc, rosé and a Bordeaux blend.
Its have received numerous awards and accolades, including silver medals at the renowned San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, according to the winery website.
The Budds named their winery after their first Weimaraner dog, Draco, who died at 14 in 2011, according to the winery website, and planted a dragon tree — scientific name Draecaena draco — on the property in his memory.
An image of a Weimaraner dog graces the winery’s bottles.
Dracaena Wines will celebrate the grand opening of its tasting room on March 18.
Appointments for tastings can be booked online by calling 805-270-3327 or visiting calendly.com/dracaenawines/downtown-tastings.
Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are preferred, the owners said.
The tasting room will likely be open noon to 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, but opening hours are subject to change, Lori Budd said.
This story was originally published March 9, 2023 at 5:30 AM.
