Luis Nunez and Venture Vineyard Zinfandel: Tiny Vineyard, Huge Passion

The Central Coast of California has developed into one of the better wine regions in the world. There are many reasons for the explosion and growth in wineries in areas like Paso Robles but first and foremost, it's the land and climate.

Numerous people have visited the beautiful rolling hills of Paso Robles and fallen in love with the place. Far enough away from the two giant metropolitan areas of Los Angeles and the Bay Area, there's still a quaint small town atmosphere combined with striking views and weather ... oh, and wine.

These visitors may either use Paso Robles as a destination or to live in. Some venturous inhabitants, who moved here, choose to go into the wine business themselves as a business or a hobby. That's where Venture Vineyard comes in ... and maybe a secret?

Luis Nunez was looking to retire after a long successful career as a peace officer in corrections here in California. Originally from Queens, New York, he purchased an attractive home on a plot of land five minutes from downtown Paso Robles. It had views with a stunning pool overlooking the town. There was roughly a third of an acre of dirt between the pool and house. The question: What do to do with it?

Michael, a good friend of his suggested grape vines for the extra space and as Luis says: "It was on". The passion started five years ago.

The soil was tested and found to have the magic formula which has brought businesses from all around the globe to El Paso de Robles (our official name which means 'Pass of the Oaks'). Zinfandel was planted and after a couple years of letting the vines mature (great jelly was made from those earlier grapes), the first crush produced a small but powerful 25 cases.

Christian Lazo's Steve Christian - of some renown of his own in wine-making - was a friend of Luis' and helped with processing and storage. This first lot would be called the Anomaly. It was bottled and is now about to hit the circuit of wine tasting competition including the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa and Mid State Fair here in Paso Robles.

There's last year's crush which will be bottled next spring and called the Shark - it should produce closer to 50 cases. The current crop in the ground will be picked in early fall and already has a name and possible twist. The name will be the Bullet and this Zinfandel may become a port. Summer's weather could very well dictate the Bullet's future.

Currently the vines are fine and were not affected by the terrible mid-spring freeze we had here on the Central Coast, which caused a lot of devastation to farming in California. Also, the freak rains we had in late spring have not caused any mildew.

Luiz has had several experts in the industry tell him he has a mighty fine wine. I'm not an expert but I helped him drink his wine and it is a joy to the world (OK, enough with Three Dog Night references).

So what's the secret? You could say it's the fertile and potent soil. You could say it's the terraced hillside and natural breezes. You could say Luis has a special ability which comes naturally. All these are true but the real secret is his personal touch. He hovers over and cares for each vine as if it's the only one there. No other winery can offer the passioned concern and watchful eye that Luis presents. Or as Luis says, "Eh! You gotta have passion." By the way, his sister Rose visit's the tiny vineyard and gives her own extra and personal charm to the vines.

Personally, I would think someone would want those vines for expansion of a tasty and potent yet smooth Zinfandel but Luis isn't sure he wants to go that far.

What kind of future is held in store for little Venture Vineyard is anybody's guess but a passionate vintner with a potentially highly accomplished Zinfandel bodes well for a person, who just might be the next star in wine-making.

Sources - IGGPRA, Wine Spectator