About the business listing
Alma Sol Winery is a cherished family venture nestled in the picturesque Paso Robles appellation. As a micro-boutique winery, it stands out for its commitment to excellence in crafting Bordeaux-style wines, encompassing both single varietals and unique blends. Beyond the traditional scope, Alma Sol occasionally delights connoisseurs with limited releases of non-Bordeaux varietals. What sets Alma Sol apart is not just their exceptional wines, but the ethos behind every bottle.
The winemaking journey of Alma Sol commenced in 2002 when John and Lisa, the passionate owners, embarked on weekend trips to their family vineyard in Paso Robles. This experience became a catalyst for their immersion in the winemaking world. The approachability and openness of local winemakers fueled their passion, leading them to delve deeply into vineyard practices, varietals suited to the region, and the intricacies of the winemaking process.
In 2009, armed with newfound knowledge and a shared dedication to crafting wines with "soul" and "sun," John and Lisa officially licensed Alma Sol. The name itself reflects the essence of their winemaking philosophy. They chose Paso Robles fruit to challenge the perception that the region is solely renowned for Zinfandel and Rhone varietals. Alma Sol's primary focus was to prove that outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon could be realized in the heart of the Central Coast.
The debut commercial vintage in 2009 marked the beginning of Alma Sol's impactful presence in the wine industry. Their meticulous hand-picking of grapes in small lots, combined with a deep respect for the fruit and a commitment to artisan winemaking, resulted in wines that swiftly garnered acclaim. The inaugural releases, including a notable 90 Pts from Wine Enthusiast, cemented Alma Sol's reputation for producing wines that encapsulate the unique terroir of Paso Robles.
Today, Alma Sol Winery stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between passion, knowledge, and the bountiful Central Coast sun. With every bottle, Alma Sol invites wine enthusiasts to savor the culmination of a family's dedication to crafting exceptional Bordeaux wines that reflect both the soul of the region and the warmth of the California sun.
John Shaw, along with his wife Lisa, is the visionary founder behind a boutique winery that exemplifies a passion for balanced, low-alcohol wines with excellent acidity. Their wine making journey, spanning over two decades, has been an exploration of the diverse and dynamic world of wine.
The couple's love affair with wine began in earnest between 2002 and 2009 when they made regular pilgrimages from Thousand Oaks to their family's vineyard in Paso Robles. These weekend excursions served as an immersive education into the nuances of the burgeoning wine region. Recognizing Paso Robles' untapped potential for Bordeaux-style wines, the Shaws embarked on crafting their inaugural Cabernet Sauvignon in 2009. The first commercial release in 2011 marked the beginning of their foray into the world of producing exquisite wines, with an annual production of a modest 800 cases.
Adding another layer to their vinous adventure, the Shaws established a tasting room in Thousand Oaks. Here, they not only honed the art of winemaking but also mastered the delicate balance of catering to the diverse needs of visitors. John emphasizes the importance of tailoring the experience to individual preferences, acknowledging that every visitor seeks something different – whether it's a relaxed moment with loved ones or an in-depth exploration of wine varietals.
For those stepping into the tasting room, John encourages curiosity and engagement. The philosophy is clear – ask questions freely, never feel intimidated, and embrace the opportunity to discover new wines and varietals. It's an open invitation to relax, learn, enjoy, and potentially be surprised by the world of wines.
Now, let's delve into the remarkable wines crafted by John and Lisa Shaw:
2016 Cuevas Estate Vineyard, Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon:
- Awards: Gold Medal, 2020 Monterey International Wine Competition
- Pairing Recommendations: English Coastal Cheddar, creamy soft blue cheese, prime rib with jus, or truffle Mac and Cheese.
- Cellaring: Enjoy now or hold up to 10 years.
- Tasting Notes: A symphony of balanced, juicy red and black fruit, with enchanting aromas of lavender and honeycomb leading to a satisfying finish.
2018 Paso Robles Meritage:
- Awards: 95 Points, Platinum Medal, Monterey International Wine Competition
- Pairing Recommendations: Hearty meat dishes, beef tenderloin, braised short ribs, roast lamb, wild mushroom risotto, eggplant Parmesan.
- Cellaring: Enjoy now or hold up to 10 years.
- Tasting Notes: Enticing aromas of dark fruits, including black cherries, black currants, ripe plum, and well-integrated toasted oak. Luscious flavors of black cherries, licorice, and mocha meld seamlessly with balanced acidity and fine-grained tannins, concluding with a velvety, lingering finish.
Winemaker's Notes:
- 2016 Cuevas Estate Vineyard, Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon: Sourced exclusively from the family-owned Cuevas Vineyard in the San Miguel District, Paso Robles AVA. Harvested from premium rows and vines on the south side of the vineyard, the wine spent 32 months in 100% French Oak (50% new), bottled unfined and unfiltered.
- 2018 Paso Robles Meritage: Fruit sourced from the Estrella, Willow Creek, and Adelaida Districts in the Paso Robles AVA. Aged for 32 months in 100% French oak (75% new).
How to get there
1321 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, USA
Opening Hours
Thursdays & Fridays 6PM—9PM
Saturdays 1PM—6PM
Sundays 1PM—5PM
Click Here To See Our Products & Services