Tom and Peggy Westberg have each been a part of the Paso Robles wine community since the late 1970’s. However starting their own winery was never the main plan. It grew out of a fun project of making small lots of artisan wines for friends and family. To this end, Tom & Peggy took the leap and are devoted to crafting, tasting and selling wine in the style they are known for: friendly, informal and unpretentious.
Tom purchased the Willow Creek property in 1983 and the Westbergs have converted an old barn into their winery and tasting room. Above the winery/tasting room there are guest accommodations for visitors and friends. In 1991 the first three acres of grapes were planted; an acre each of Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Merlot. The vineyard is perched on a shale bluff at an elevation of 1100 feet. Plants rooted despite there being virtually no top soil on the chalky hillsides and produce an average of 1 1/2 -2 tons per acre. In 2008 they removed the initial planting of Sangiovese (which was difficult to ripen) and planted more Zinfandel and also Petite Sirah. An acre of Merlot was grafted over to Grenache in 2010..
The low yield of grapes per vine results in highly concentrated fruit clusters that create wines of intense, strong character and color that age well. Located on the west-side in the Templeton Gap the vines experience warm summer breezy days and cool nights. The ocean influence allows the fruit to ripen with good intensity and firm acidity. The white wines are sourced from neighboring vineyards and cool climate central coast vines. They are fruity and crisp with a slightly sweet finish in some varieties.
The Westbergs want to keep things simple, and their down-to-earth motto-”Fine wine made by and for the common man”-suits their low key approach, as does their reasonable per bottle price. In keeping with the friendly family atmosphere, Tom’s nephew Don Burns and his wife Claudia joined the winery, vineyard and tasting room team in 2008. Don and Claudia bring years of experience and knowledge in fine dining and wine sales.
Having such small production, starting a Wine Club was important to Westberg Cellars. This will give loyal friends and fans the chance to be first to taste new releases and the assurance of a personal allocation each year.
Come taste our wines and enjoy our views of the Santa Lucia Mountain range. We are open the third weekend of each month, all festival weekends and appointments are always welcome.
