The Art at the Heart of Winemaking - An Interview with Don Brady of the Robert Hall Winery

Left to Right: Caine Thompson, Managing Director; Amanda Gorter, Winemaker; Don Brady, Head Winemaker

THE ART OF Winemaking AN INTERVIEW WITH DON BRADY OF THE ROBERT HALL WINERY

BY GINA COHEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX FAMUN

Tucked away in the gentle rolling hills of San Luis Obispo County, lies the beautiful and historic town of Paso Robles. This entire region is a captivating destination for history buffs, hikers, foodies and especially, oenophiles.

The Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA) is known for producing quality wines made from Zinfandel but what many do not realize is that there are over 40 different varieties grown within these 26,000 acres.

Recently, Gina Cohen, editor and publisher of Edible Orange County, had a conversation with Don Brady, head winemaker of the Robert Hall Winery about the origin of this famous winery, the art of winemaking and why Paso Robles is the hottest destination for tourists from around the world, as well as Californians.

QRobert Hall was from Minnesota. I imagine there are many stories about the journey that led him from Minnesota to California, to start this winery. Can you elaborate on the path that brought him here, from Minnesota, and provide some insight into the vision he had for the winery and how he made it a reality?

ARobert Hall was a self-made man, a true Paso Robles pioneer by way of a blue-collar upbringing in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was known as an entrepreneur, innovator and, most importantly, a person with a strong work ethic, passion for excellence and boots on the ground for a great result.

Robert enjoyed many milestones during his entrepreneurial journey, but his crowning achievement was his namesake winery. Robert loved wine, and a trip to France’s Rhône Valley transformed that love into a full-fledged passion. It was that trip, where he visited the valley’s storied wineries, that an idea was sparked. Being a hands-on entrepreneur served him well as he set out to create his own world-class wines. He sought far and wide for the perfect climate and soils, a quest that led him to the vibrant and diverse

Left to right: Red oak-grilled Wagyu tri-tip; Five spice rubbed Cornish game hens; Kurobuta pork belly, slow braised with Rosé, Paso Robles region on California’s Central Coast. Here, he had a vision not only for his own wines, but also for Paso Robles as an upand-coming region that would ultimately gain world-class status.

From day one, Robert and I partnered together, with me as head winemaker and serving as a creative force behind our wines. Today, we’re proud to source grapes from all 11 AVAs in the region, crafting wines whose elegance, balance and diversity embody the essence of Paso Robles.

QDon, you are known as the creative force behind the success of this winery. How did you get into the business of winemaking?

AMy grandparents ranched in West Texas, where I grew up. I’d spend many school holidays there. One year, the University of Texas planted a 1,000-acre vineyard next to my grandparents’ ranch. Over time, I became very interested in the vineyard and eventually got a job working there and in the University’s winery. That’s where it all began. I truly believe that once you step foot into the wine industry, you never want to leave.

In 1998, my family and I moved out to California, where I became one of the first senior winemakers for Delicato Family Vineyards. Through some industry colleagues, I was introduced to Robert Hall. After hearing his story and vision for the future of the brand, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. The idea of growing and creating high-quality wines by hand and that showcased the best attributes of the region really resonated with me. I came on board as the founding winemaker over 20 years ago, and I am proud to have helped bring that vision to life.

Of course, I have not done so alone in that time. We’ve had several amazing members of the winemaking team, including current winemaker Amanda Gorter, who joined Robert Hall Winery in 2016. She also grew up in an agricultural family, so we really understand each other. We play off each other very well with our combination of various strengths. At the end of the day, it is all about the teamwork that makes Robert Hall wines what they are. Our hard work, dedication, and focus on our craft really come through with every bottle of wine we make.

Robert Hall Cavern Select Grenache Gris, Paso Robles and Select Syrah, Paso Robles

QRobert Hall wines have a reputation as some of the best wines coming out of California.

The winery has three Paso Robles estate vineyards in the Geneseo and Estrella Districts, totaling 136 planted acres of fruit. In addition to growing Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Syrah, the winery also sources grapes across the Paso Robles AVAs. What is it that makes the wine cultivated from the Robert Hall vineyards so good, is it the climate of this area, your specific process… the soil?

AThe wine comes out so well thanks to the climate, the soil, our process, but, mostly, because of the perfect blend between all those things. We must stay curious as winemakers. It’s important that we ask questions because that is how we will continuously improve. We’re always learning and exploring the diversity of the Paso Robles AVA. We are open to new and different ideas, even when it comes to the winemaking process. Sometimes we employ the early forms of winemaking, then turn around to ideate and attempt new forms of innovation that push the boundaries.

Regardless, we let the grapes tell us what they need to be their best. We always look at ways we can enhance the voice of vineyards so they can tell the story of Paso Robles and Robert Hall Winery through wine. Q People from all over the world visit this winery. What can one expect when they travel to Robert Hall Winery as part of a day trip or a weekend?

ARobert Hall Winery provides all the best experiences a world class winery has to offer. These include traditional tastings of our award-winning wines in an onsite tasting room, a barrel sample experience in one of the largest underground caverns in Paso Robles, tour of our property including the regenerative-farmed vineyards, and indulgent, seasonally curated food and wine pairings from our expert onsite chef. During the summer, we also produce a Live from Paso music series each Friday showcasing local talent on our outdoor patio.

Our Cavern Club - the exclusive Robert Hall Winery wine club - provides more than savings on our wine. It offers members exclusive experiences at the winery and special wines, not available to the public. For example, our winter event in December 2021, will feature a behind-the-scenes tour of the property with the winemaking team, followed by local Paso Robles culinary creations and live entertainment.

We also host public and private events onsite. From small gatherings to corporate retreats and weddings, our expansive terraces with views of the vineyards and spectacular indoor and

outdoor settings, the winery is perfect for any event.

Off property, we are only three miles from downtown Paso Robles, which is home to some of the best restaurants on the Central Coast of California. Also, within 20 miles, you’ll find several quaint coastal towns to help round out a weekend getaway in the beautiful Central Coast wine country.

QThis area is incredibly beautiful year-round, but Autumn is almost magical. What do you have planned for guests visiting during this season and do you have special events coming up for the holidays?

AWe have several special events planned this fall, starting with the Paso Robles Harvest Wine Weekend on October 15 – 17. We are kicking off the festivities with our Robert Hall 20th Vintage Celebration. During the weekend, we will reflect on the past 20 years, and look toward the future with live music, winery tours, special food and wine pairings, as well as the inaugural release of our limited production Robert Hall Reserve Cavern Select Cabernet Sauvignon.

We have our first Wine Workshop starting on November 2. Every month will feature a different variety, starting with Tempranillo in November. Take a world tour of the varietal with a tasting and conversation about this Spanish grape.

QDon, thank you for taking the time to talk with me today. Do you have any parting thoughts for our readers?

ALocated in the heart of Paso Robles, you are invited to create memories with us. At Robert Hall Winery, we toast you and to the good life well-earned. We look forward to sharing a glass with you.

Thank you, Don! It has been my great pleasure talking with you today.