Wine Words from the West Coast of California

“The reason I bought this land,” remarks Dave Caparone, founder of Caparone Winery in Paso Robles, “was that I had been experimenting in 1974 and 1975, making wine from Zinfandel grapes from a number of different vineyards. I became convinced that grape maturity was a big factor in quality, so looked for a good site to grow Zinfandel. In 1978, my wife Mary and I bought this piece of about 98 acres. We planted our first vineyards in 1980 and made a little wine. Then I knew I had found the right micro-climate for good Zin.”


In his 26-acre vineyard Dave grows only red grapes; Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Aglianico. All are planted on their own roots. “These are excellent varieties, especially the Aglianico which was brought by the Greeks to Italy in pre-Roman times,” says Dave. “It is a very late-ripening grape. Very spicy. Not enough growers are interested in these grapes in California,” he mentions. Dave is credited with being the first grower to raise Sangiovese vines, and produce wine from that varietal, from cuttings brought to California from Montalcino, Italy. Dave’s first Sangiovese was made in 1986 and released in 1988.

“We’re still a small winery,” Dave comments. “I ran it all by myself while the boys, Marc and Steve, were growing up. When they decided they wanted to work in the vineyards and winery, we planted some more vines and slowly increased our annual production to 10,000 cases. That’s the level we want to maintain.” With a grin he adds, “We haven’t won a medal in 21 years – but then, we’ve never entered a competition.”

Caparone Winery is open every day, except major holidays, from 11:00 am till 5:00 pm at 2280 San Marcos Road, Paso Robles, CA