Page 105 - SLO Visitors Guide Fall 2023

Wine Tasting
Visit the Riboli Family of San Antonio Winery
Paso Robles destination offers wine tasting, bistro, gift shop, and pairings for holiday meals
It’s always a great time to visit Paso Robles wine country, but there’s just something special about the
fall with its cooler days and the an- ticipation of the upcoming holiday season. And there’s no better place to visit than the conveniently located tasting room at Riboli Family of San Antonio Winery.
Family-owned, with the third and fourth generations now oversee- ing daily operations, it’s one of the most highly awarded wineries in California. And the Paso Robles tast- ing room with outdoor patio seating, an indoor bistro, and the best gift shop around is the place to be!
“We’ve always specialized in the consumer, and our approach is com- fortable yet educational. We want people to learn,” fourth-generation winemaker Anthony Riboli said. “We want everyone to feel wel- comed, and that’s why we offer many types of wines, from a big bold cab- ernet to a light sparkling semi-sweet wine. Our selection, and our ability to please all of the different palates set us apart. It’s been our philosophy for 106 years, and it will continue to be our philosophy.”
Invested in the Paso Robles area for more than three decades, com- munity is important to the Riboli family. Over the years, they have achieved many accomplishments with their vineyards and winery, in- cluding attaining both organic vine- yard certifications and sustainable vineyard and winery certifications through the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.
“We are all about being good neighbors, using water wisely, and being part of the entire Paso Robles community,” Riboli said. “This is our second home and the longer we’ve been involved in the area, the more we’ve invested in resources and our time.”
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This sense of community came with Santo Cambianica when he started San Antonio Winery in Los Angeles more than 106 years ago.
His nephew Stefano Riboli and his bride, Maddalena, later owned the winery and instilled the family work ethic in their children – Santo, Cathy and Steve. Today, the fourth genera- tion includes Anthony Riboli (head winemaker), Chris Riboli, Dante Colombatti, Jennifer Riboli Converse, Blake Anderson, and David Riboli who hold various positions within the company. Stefano passed away
in 2019. Maddalena celebrated her 100th in December of 2022.
“He was our family patriarch, and we raise a toast to his 97 years of a great life,” Riboli said. “We all miss him and are honored to carry on his incredible legacy.”
The Riboli Family Paso Robles vineyards include Maddalena, Stefano, Stefano II, and Pretty Penny vineyards in the El Pomar District AVA, Creston Highlands and Riboli Creston vineyards in the Creston District AVA, and newly acquired Jada Vineyards and Winery and Riboli Willow Creek vineyard in the Willow Creek District AVA. They also have vineyards in the Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands AVAs of Monterey and the Rutherford appella- tion of Napa Valley.
“What I like most about having our own vineyards is learning about the individual vineyards,” said Riboli.
“I am able to have a better experien- tial factor to the winemaking, which I do believe is important. The longer we work with these vineyards, the better we know them and that’s exciting.”
Wine pairings
Riboli’s pairing recommenda- tions include the San Simeon Pinot Noir for turkey, ham, prime rib,
or salmon. For people who want a bigger, bolder red wine, try the San Simeon Cabernet Sauvignon, or the San Simeon Sauvignon Blanc for lighter foods.
The Maddalena Rosé and San Simeon Grenache Rosé go well with shrimp, appetizers, and lighter en- trees including salmon and turkey. The La Quinta Syrah Port is just fantastic with a flourless chocolate cake.
The Riboli Family of San Antonio Winery tasting room is located a 2610 Buena Vista Drive, just off Highway 46 East; open Sun-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m. For more infor- mation visit sanantoniowinery.com or call (805) 226-2600.
—Meagan Friberg
-VISIT US FOR A COMPLIMENTARY TASTING­
Enjoy our winery grounds, taste our remarkable wines, picnic, play bocce or just relax in the shade.
GLUNZ FAMILY WINERY & CELLARS
OPEN DAILY 10AM-5PM ~ LOCATED AT 8331 HIGHWAY 46E GFWC.COM ~ 805-238-1400
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