Paso Robles destination is a must-see for wine and art lovers of all ages
—Family-owned and operated from the beginning, Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden has become a destination for wine and art lovers since first opening for business in 2007.
With his wife, Kathy, by his side, Dr. Warren Frankel is the visionary and driving force behind the unique setting in Paso Robles. Their son, Paul Frankel, is the winemaker and vineyard manager, and their daughter, Faith Frankel, M.D. serves as the food pairing and tasting experience expert. Her husband, Truman Prewitt, handles all marketing and promotions for the business.
From dream to reality
“The winery was founded to support medical missions, Dr. Frankel’s passion, as well as local art,” Prewitt says. “Not too long ago, art options in Paso, and San Luis Obispo County in general, were scarce. Dr. Frankel wanted to change that.”
And, just how did this idea for utilizing a winery and artwork to help others come to be? It’s been a fabulous journey, indeed. While backpacking through Europe, a young Warren Frankel visited Frognear Park, a famous garden in Norway featuring sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Spending hours in the garden with its many human forms, he was amazed by God’s creation.
Eventually, his career path led him to serve in the United States Army where he received his training to become a physician. Decades later, while practicing family medicine in Templeton, Dr. Frankel met John Jagger in church after returning from a medical mission. Hearing about Jagger’s artwork and dream to build a larger-than-life sculpture garden, the good doctor couldn’t help but think how great that would be for the community.
It was during this same timeframe when his son decided to study viticulture and winemaking at Cal Poly SLO. Everything was lining up – make art to bring in people, make quality wine to pay for more art, and to support additional medical missions. Thus, Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden was born.
An artist’s vision
“The overall decor was more of the artist’s vision to bring to the public,” Prewitt says. “Jagger designed the garden and the general exterior. He started with what he thought was his best work, ‘Morning Glory,’ a sunning cat in the very front of the garden.”
All of the cabinetry, doors, windows, the two 700-pound chandeliers, and metal work throughout the property were custom-built by Robert Bentley in his unique old-world style. An abundance of art has been added over the years. Recent pieces include the Safari by Monte de Gallo with its nine animal sculptures, and the Stagecoach, which is perfect for interactive social media shots.
Award-winning wines
The artwork in the garden and inside the tasting room is stunning, and the award-winning wines are spectacular. Customer favorites include the viognier, grenache, and cabernet sauvignon. All are top-sellers that tend to sell out quickly.
“The wines evolve every season, and seeing the wines change is a real treat,” Winemaker Paul Frankel says. “Our viognier always pleases. It’s become known as the red wine drinker’s white.”
Frankel points to his Paso Pink Rosé, a blend of grenache, syrah, and mourvèdre, as being “a great wine that is not too sweet or tart.” He suggests the Petite Syrah for those who prefer a bit more boldness. Prewitt’s go-to red wine is Figurine, a blend of primitivo, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot.
The Héroe label, consisting of a viognier, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, and primitivo, was created to honor all past and present production workers. Proceeds from sales support the Gold Coast Chapter of The Flying Samaritans which operates free medical clinics in Baja California, Mexico.
The family’s commitment to giving back to their community and those in need is evident. As a veteran, Dr. Frankel values the importance of honoring those who have served their country and he is currently on the board at Camp Roberts Historical Museum. Various efforts at Sculpterra help support four artists on staff and four medical missions annually. A rotation of art from more than 100 local artists is also featured in the tasting room each year.
Welcoming and inviting atmosphere
The knowledgeable and professional tasting room staff strives for a high level of friendliness to accommodate all types of wine drinkers.
“With the high volume of tasting room traffic, and the amount of information to convey regarding the wine profile, winemaking process, medical missions, and a variety of art, it’s essential to have the best staff,” Prewitt explains. “Deciding what information and how much to share with customers requires getting to know them first, and we take pride in doing just that.”
On weekends, musical guests add to the serenity of the space, and a rotation of food trucks serve up a variety of offerings including seasonal specials.
Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden, located at 5015 Linne Road in Paso Robles, is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, including the wedding venue, featured artists, and special events such as their spectacular Fourth of July celebration, visit sculpterra.com or call (805) 226-8881. Learn more about Héroe at heroewine.com.
—Meagan Friberg
