This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the talented women winemakers of Downtown Paso Robles Wineries who are shaping the region’s dynamic wine scene. These passionate and skilled vintners bring innovation, craftsmanship, and a unique perspective to their wines, creating exceptional vintages that showcase the diversity and richness of Paso Robles. Join us in raising a glass to the women behind the barrels, whose dedication and artistry continue to inspire and redefine the industry.
Read more about women in the wine industry. Cheers to women in wine!
Cypher Winery: Susan Mahler
Cypher winemaker Susan A. Mahler grew up with a solid sense of independence via an adventure-fueled, free-range 70’s style childhood. Her love for nature and a passion for the outdoors led SAM to study Aviation, Earth Science, while also diving into winemaking. She then co-founded Four Vines in Berkeley and made the move to Paso Robles in 2002 to focus on running a winery. Flash forward to 2020, the adventure continues with Cypher’s 10th anniversary and the release of the long-awaited Anime Series, bringing things full circle in this adventure called life.
Dracaena Winery: Lori Budd
Lori’s winemaking journey began with a hands-on experience at a “make wine with us” facility, where she and her husband crafted wine using grapes from Lodi. As their passion and expertise grew, they transitioned to a more serious operation with Crush Pad in San Francisco, where their wines received enthusiastic praise from friends and colleagues. They took the next step by purchasing property in Arroyo Grande, planning their new wine label, Dracaena Wines. While the name may be unconventional, it carries deep personal significance. Dracaena [druh-see-nuh] is the genus name of the Draco plant, a nod to both Lori’s scientific background and the cherished memory of her beloved Weimaraner, Draco. Through Dracaena Wines, she blends her passion for winemaking with a heartfelt tribute to a loyal companion.
Hayseed & Housdon: Holli Epperly
Hayseed’s Tasting Room Manager is also a winemaker of her own Bubbly label, Metronome. This Sparkling Wine is by Hayseed & Housdon’s right-hand woman, Holli Epperly, is her 2nd release. Holli’s passion for California wine began in 2014 when she and her husband were married in Healdsburg. That passion deepened after they relocated to California shortly thereafter—a place she now calls home indefinitely. Her journey into winemaking was sparked by a friendship with a talented local winemaker whose sparkling wine program left a lasting impression. Inspired by the artistry and complexity of the craft, she knew she had to be a part of it.
Her focus remains unwavering: to create vintage, extended tirage sparkling wines that exude both elegance and an effortless cool, making the intricate world of sparkling wine more accessible. Beyond winemaking, Metronome proudly supports the Save the Music Foundation, reinforcing Holli’s belief that, much like music, exceptional wine is meant to bring people together.
Hoyt Family Wines: Carol Hoyt
Carol Hoyt’s winemaking journey began in Malibu, sparked by a stay at a working vineyard shortly after she and her husband, Stephen, were married. Inspired by the experience, they planted their own vineyard at their Malibu home, initially as a passion project. However, Carol soon realized their vines would yield more fruit than expected, prompting her to take on the challenge of winemaking. Her first wines were crafted in their kitchen, marking the beginning of what would become a lifelong pursuit of excellence in winemaking.
What started as a small, homegrown endeavor has since evolved into Hoyt Family Vineyards, now thriving in the heart of Paso Robles. Carol oversees both grape growing and winemaking, with her vineyards nestled in the prestigious Willow Creek District—an area celebrated for its exceptional terroir. Committed to producing high-quality wines that express the land’s character, Carol’s hands-on approach ensures that each bottle reflects her dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and the artistry of winemaking.
PasoSecco: Elizabeth Stilson
Elizabeth is a winemaker passionate about crafting exceptional wines that tell a unique story. Elizabeth, a Central Coast native, discovered her passion for winemaking while growing up among the region’s picturesque vineyards. For her, winemaking is more than a profession—it is a deeply rooted journey shaped by the land and her experiences.
With seven years of hands-on industry experience, Elizabeth has honed her craft at esteemed wineries including Field Recordings, The Fableist Wine Company, and Union Sacre, also serving as assistant winemaker at Caelesta Vineyards. Elizabeth has now embraced an exciting new challenge as the winemaker for the growing PasoSecco brand, focusing on sparkling wines and refining her expertise and furthering her impact in Paso Robles.
Pianetta Winery: Caitlin Pianetta
Caitlin’s passion for farming began early, riding around her family’s Paso Robles vineyard with her uncle. Her father, a former Navy and commercial pilot, purchased the 95-acre property in 1997, planting Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah with the intent to sell the fruit. Encouraged by local winemakers, he founded Pianetta Winery in 2002.
After spending summers working in the vineyard, Caitlin earned a B.S. in Agribusiness from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and initially focused on sales and marketing for the family business. As the winery grew, she became increasingly involved in winemaking, bringing creativity and adaptability to the physically demanding work. Today, she continues to manage vineyard operations, producing estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, while also crafting wines from sourced varietals like Sangiovese, Barbera, and Zinfandel.
Symbiosis Wines: Glenna Thompson
Every bottle of Symbiosis wine is crafted on-site, by hand, by a single winemaker—Glenna Thompson. Glenna’s unconventional path to winemaking is a testament to her diverse expertise and passion for both science and art. With a background spanning upholstery, ballet, biology, exhibit design, aquaculture, and environmental microbiology, she pursued a Ph.D. in marine microbiology before an unexpected wine-tasting trip to Paso Robles altered her course.
Drawn to the region’s dynamic wine industry, she spent several years managing laboratory operations for various wineries, refining her understanding of the intricate balance between chemistry and creativity in winemaking. Recognizing that winemaking is a true fusion of art and science, Glenna founded Symbiosis in 2007, where she continues to craft distinctive, handcrafted wines that reflect her unique perspective and expertise.
Read more about women in the wine industry.
