Over 50 years of influencing Paso Robles wines
Gary Eberle, whom some call the “Godfather of Paso Robles Wine,” celebrates his 80th Birthday on March 31, 2024. This celebration honors the passion and tenacity of his 54 years in the wine industry and 45 years at the helm of the Eberle Winery. He will be celebrating with an Easter Sunday brunch with employees and friends. Although he wants a small get-together, his employees say the number of attendees is increasing. Still, with Gary’s reputation in the wine industry, it is a wonder they can keep it manageable.
What will they be serving wine-wise? Gary wants to celebrate with two imperials, 1977 and 1978 Estrella Cabernet Sauvignon. Eberle Winery is known for its cabernet sauvignon, one of Gary’s favorites, making it fitting that this is the variety to celebrate his birthday.
Gary credits much of his inspiration and business model to his friend and mentor Robert Mondavi. While many consider the Eberle Winery large, it is a modest, medium-sized winery. I often call it the Mondavi of the Central Coast, but not on as grand a scale. Gary’s presence and Mondavi’s influence are felt at the winery. Often, you will find him perched by the front entry, sipping wine and welcoming patrons along with his winery ambassadors, two poodles, Sangiovese and Barbera. If the right music is playing, they might even serenade you in unison by howling a chorus with their noses pointed to the sky.
After graduating from Penn State with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Gary studied cellular genetics at Louisiana State University. During this time, he discovered wine and decided to become a winemaker. Gary relocated to California to study enology at UC Davis and received his degree in 1973.
In 1973, he moved to Paso Robles and became a founding partner in Estrella River Winery & Vineyards. During this time, he is credited with planting the first syrah vines. By the late 70s, Gary decided to venture out on his own. Instead of your typical buyout, he took his share in the form of juice, which allowed him to create wine under his own label. His first Eberle wine, a cabernet sauvignon, was released in 1979. In 1984, the Eberle Winery tasting room opened to the public.
In German, Eberle means small boar. Looking around the winery, one discovers the boar, one of the winery’s iconic symbols. A sculpture and a fountain bearing the boar adorn the grounds. The boar is the winery’s logo and is found on the wine label.
The boar in Germanic culture symbolizes a warrior, and Gary Eberle has that warrior instinct. As a pioneer, he was the first to plant syrah on the Central Coast and to produce wine with 100% syrah in the United States. His cabernet sauvignon was the first to have the Paso Robles AVA designation placed on his label. Gary Eberle’s passion for his winery, winemaking, Paso Robles, and the wine industry has earned him many honors, including the 2020 American Legend Wine Star Award from the Wine Enthusiast, the California State Fair Lifetime Achievement Award, the Robert Mondavi Hospitality Award, and the Wine Industry Person of the Year from the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA).
Another Mondavi influence relates to visiting the winery for a wine tasting. Eberle Winery does not charge for tastings. The tasting includes a free tour of the winery and caves, the latter a must. Eberle is one of the few wineries that are free of charge, but that goes along with Gary’s passion. He wants you to experience his wines whenever you visit Paso Robles.
A quote on the wall adjacent to Gary’s perch by the front entry sums it up: “The difference between wine and children is you can sit down and reason with a bottle of cabernet.” This quote by Gary Eberle speaks for all the Eberle wines and is a testament to Gary’s love and dedication to his wine, winery, and Paso Robles.
Happy 80th birthday Gary Eberle.
Eberle Winery is located at 3810 Highway 46 East in Paso Robles. Reservations preferred. For hours, reservations, and more information, visit www.eberlewinery.com or call (805) 238-9607.
—Cori Solomon
