Page 107 - SLO Visitors Guide - Fall 2024

slovisitorsguide.com FALL 2024 107
Specialazing in Specialazing in
Cab Franc & Chenin Blanc Cab Franc & Chenin Blanc
Dog Friendly • Casual Atmosphere • Husband & Wife Team Dog Friendly • Casual Atmosphere • Husband & Wife Team
1244 Pine St. 101B, Downtown Paso Robles 1244 Pine St. 101B, Downtown Paso Robles
(805) 270-3327 • www.dracaenawines.com (805) 270-3327 • www.dracaenawines.com
Wine Tasting
Carol Hoyt the accidental winemaker
Hoyt Family
Vineyards sets the
cabernet standard
When Carol and Stephen
Hoyt were just married,
a stay at a working vineyard in-
spired them to have a vineyard of
their own. At the time, Carol was
a working model and actress, best
known for her popular character,
the Villainous Divatox, in the
Power Rangers series. Upon start-
ing a family, Carol took a break
from performing, and she and
Stephen moved to Malibu. There
they planted their first vineyard –
in their backyard! Having no idea
of what they were getting them-
selves into, Carol soon discovered
they would have a lot of fruit, and
quickly learned to make her first
wine in their kitchen.
Long gone are the days of
making wine at home. Carol
now makes wine and grows all
her grapes in the heart of Paso
Robles. Nestled in the renowned
Willow Creek District, Hoyt
Family Vineyards is a gem among
local wineries.
Hoyt Family Vineyards Ranch
is a unique experience. “We are
in the heart of some of the best
wineries, just a hop, skip, and a
jump from nearby vineyards and
tasting rooms. You can have the
experience of going downtown
to their tasting room or book a
vineyard tour right there on the
ranch,” said Carol, who is the
owner and winemaker of Hoyt
Family Vineyards.
The vineyard tour is like Mr.
Toad’s wild ride! The host and
Riley (winery dog) who is the
copilot take you on an ATV tour
around the 130 acres learning
about viticulture and what it takes
to grow grapes. You never know
what wildlife you will encounter
from quail, hawks, turkey vul-
tures, owls even bobcats! Along
with feeding goats and picking
farm-fresh eggs. A one-of-a-kind
experience!
“The views around Paso are
pretty spectacular and we feel
lucky to have some that rival the
best! Truly amazing,” said Carol.
The downtown Paso Robles
tasting room offers a beachy, laid-
back feel for guests. Chillax, enjoy
its cool vibe and sip impressive
wines by the flight, the glass, or
the bottle. Make sure to try all
their award-winning wines includ-
ing the 2018 Tempranillo, 2018
Grenache, and 2016 Petite Sirah,
which won Gold medals at the
Central Coast Wine Competition.
“We like to say ‘Our Wines
Pair Best With Friends’ and we
look forward to when people
come visit us at the tasting room
or the ranch. We want them to feel
like family,” Carol said.
Hoyt Family Vineyard Down-
town Tasting Room is located at 1322
Park St. in Paso Robles. Open Thurs-
Sat, from noon- 8 p.m., Sun noon- 5
p.m. and Mon-Wed. by appointment.
Hoyt Family Vineyards Ranch is
located at 2015 Township Rd. in
Paso Robles. For more information
visit hoytfamilyvineyards.com or call
(805) 369-1092.
— Sadie Mae Mace
Owner and winemaker Carol Hoyt.