Ep 142: From Paso Robles Wine Fanatics to Family Legacies – Featuring Thibido and Ecluse

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam Montiel brings together two voices that showcase the heart and soul of Paso Robles wine country in very different ways.

First, Mike Adams, the founder of the Facebook group Paso Robles Wine Fanatics, joins the conversation. What started as a small place to swap tasting notes has grown into a digital community of nearly 25,000 members who share their Paso bottles, adventures, and recommendations every day.

Also in studio is Josh Beckett, a name synonymous with Paso. His family launched Peachy Canyon back in the 1980s, he and his brother created Chronic Cellars, and now with his wife Gibsey, Josh is crafting estate wines at Thibido. Most recently, the couple took over one of Paso’s heritage brands, Ecluse Winery, continuing a story of legacy and reinvention that reflects Paso itself.

Later in the show, our Travel Paso Spotlight shines on the Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival. Adam chats with Luke Udsen of Castoro Cellars about how this annual September celebration has grown into one of Paso’s most beloved events, blending music, art, food, wine, and community in a way only Paso can.

In this week’s Paso Wine Wire, Adam shares some of the latest headlines from around the region:

1. Tobin James Cellars – 30th Annual James Gang Festival
   
   March 20–21, 2026 — a milestone weekend of live music, dancing, Tobin James wines, barrel samples, and food from more than 20 chefs, all under 30,000 square feet of tented space.


2. Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Foundation Awards $18,000 in Scholarships
   
   Twelve local high school seniors received scholarships funded through the Paso Wine Virtual Auction, which returns September 15–20, 2025.


3. LXV Wine + Ulloa Cellars Named to Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40
   
   Neeta & Kunal Mittal of LXV and Nancy Gonzales of Ulloa Cellars were recognized among innovators shaping the future of wine in America. Stay tuned for a full episode featuring these Paso tastemakers.

Whether it’s online communities, family wineries, or festivals that bring thousands together, this episode is all about connection — and how Paso keeps finding new ways to share its story.

Links from this episode:

• Paso Robles Wine Fanatics (Facebook Group)


• Thibido Wines


• Ecluse Winery


• Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival


• Travel Paso

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com

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Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

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🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

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