Diablo Paso Wines
Get the Dirt from Enrique Torres
“Paso Robles is very special to us not only because the climate allows us to grow top quality grapes; but also because Paso is rich with honest and hardworking families.”
What was your first vintage year? 2012
How many cases do you make per vintage? 1350
Do you have a Tasting Room?
Yes, in downtown Paso Robles. We are open Daily, Noon-8pm Fri-Sun and 4-8pm Mon-Thurs.
How did you get your start in the winemaking business?
I began working in the wine industry during Harvest 2001 and have moved up from a Cellar Rat to an Assistant Winemaker.
What wine made you want to become a winemaker/start your own winery?
Red varietals are my preferred grapes. I have a strong connection with Tempranillo because of my Spanish Heritage.
What varietals do you work with? Which varietal/wine is your favorite to make?
I work with primarily Spanish Varietals: Tempranillo, Grenache, Verdejo, and Albarino. My favorite is by far Tempranillo. Paso Robles is similar to the central part of Spain with hot days and cold nights.
What vineyards do you source from?
I work with a few vineyards from Paso Robles appellation because our climate allows us to grow top quality grapes. I strongly believe Paso Robles has the perfect weather with hot dry days and chilly nights that allow grapes to mature and fully ripen.
What type of oak treatment do you use?
We use American and French oak Medium toast plus with loose grain for our Tempranillo, which allows us to age our wines slowly for 14 months in barricas. We age our Grenache for only 12 months in select 75% New French Oak. We have found French Oak is the best friend for this delicate varietal.
What do you love about your winemaking region? What makes it different special?
Paso Robles is very special to us not only because the climate allows us to grow top quality grapes; but also because Paso is rich with honest and hardworking families. Diablo Paso Wines is proud to be a part of the Paso Appellation rise along with other wineries and vineyards.
What's the story behind your name/label?
Diablo Paso describes the soul and depth of my wines. When I was a child, I was quite active and restless, so my siblings [maybe mother sounds better] gave me the nickname “little devil” (pequeno diablo in Spanish). Though the nickname got lost with time, the restlessness stayed there and became a part of the way I make wine as well. So I decided to connect my childhood with my labels and since the grapes for the wines come from Paso Robles, the name Diablo Paso was born.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about the wine business before you started your own winery?
Save money before beginning. Have a plan B with a current passport and a full bag of cash.
We're curious…do you even get tired of drinking your own wine? Is it considered bad form to dip into your inventory?
I never get tired of my wines but rather enjoy breaking out the different vintages and varietals with family and friends. They compare and enjoy!
For more information about Diablo Paso, please visit their website or follow them on FACEBOOK.