Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden, Paso Robles – Combining Exceptional Art Alongside Superlative Wines in A Unique Fusion of Craftsmanship
Enter a world where wine and art collide at the Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden in Paso Robles, California. Family owned and run, the Frankel family have put their heart and soul into giving visitors a world-class experience, offering exclusive wine tastings alongside views of ornately made sculptures from local artists. This breathtaking combination of luxurious wines and magnificent art sets Sculpterra Winery apart from other local vineyards, with guests having the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in local artistry and a unique wine tasting experience.
Sculpterra’s History
What was once a 37-acre pistachio farm, is now home to a 125-acre vineyard, owned and operated by Dr. Warren Frankel and his son, Paul. Having found success with his initial plantings, Dr. Frankel expanded his operation, dappling in various different grape varieties. Situated in the heart of Linne Valley, Dr. Frankel and his wife, Kathy, knew they were onto something, grasping the opportunity to showcase not only their vast and indulgent variety of wines, but to also provide guests with a truly unique wine tasting experience.
Dr. Frankel’s first tasting room opened in October 2007, beginning what would become a magnificent display of fine art and craftsmanship.
Award-Winning Wines
After finding success with his initial 20 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, Dr. Frankel expanded his vineyard, adding Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Mouvedre, Petite Sirah, Viognier and Zinfandel varieties to his estate. With the addition of the tasting room on the estate, Paul Frankel’s wines have reached critical acclaim, boasting a number of awards for his first-class produce.
Most notably, the 2015 ‘Mega Focus’, named after a sculpture situated on the estate, displayed a mature and unique palate. Carmel, floral and dried herb hits the nose while raspberry, plum and spice fill the mouth. Sculpterra’s 2016 Heroe Viogner is another crowd pleaser, boasting sweet notes of apricot, honey, white peaches, and vanilla.
With wines that “tantalize your taste buds,” it is no wonder Paul Frankel’s 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that can be opened from now until 2025. Your tongue will be doing a tap dance for years to come. These unique and robust wines are made all the better by their quirky labels, featuring elegant depictions of the estates sculptures.
Top off your indulgent experience with a vast range of retail food options, giving visitors a chance to create a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds.
The Artists
Guests are greeted with a spectacular site as they enter the Sculpterra Winery, passing through an ornate and carefully crafted iron gate designed by the infamous Robert ‘Dr. Iron’ Bentley. From the fencing around the property to the baroque embellishments in the tasting room, ‘Dr. Iron’ has spared no detail in his unique and impressive craftsmanship.
While Sculpterra displays the works of some amazing visiting artists, the most impressive pieces can be attributed to iconic artists such as the late John Jagger and his protégé, Dale Evers. Primarily employing bronze and granite, Jagger certainly left his mark on the estate. One sculptor, simply titled ‘Puma’, is an intricate feast for the eyes, weighing in at 20,000 pounds and carefully carved to perfection. Following his theme of creating feline figures, Jagger’s ‘Golden Morning’ features a 14-foot cat stretching into the sun, weighing an astounding 17,000 pounds with extravagant whiskers to match!
Following his passing, cutting-edge artist Dale Evers began to showcase his finest throughout the grandiose estate. Perhaps his most iconic piece, ‘Focus’ is a site to behold. Coming in at 24 feet, the sculpture depicts a large, golden bronze bow. In place of the usual arrow, Evers inserted a sleek human form as a testament to the strength and prosperity of the human spirit.
The works of other aspiring artists such as Steve Kalar, Robert Maja and WB Eckert are also featured throughout the estate and the tasting room, creating a truly enriching experience for every guest.
‘His Healing Hands’
Guests can truly appreciate their experience at Sculpterra knowing that, with the help of Dr. Frankel, a portion of the winery’s proceeds is dedicated to Dr. Frankel’s foundation ‘His Healing Hands’. Alongside a number of other medical professionals, Dr. Frankel funds and attends medical trips in which, according to the passionate general manager Kyle Coots, medical care is provided to “those who need it.”
The Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden is simply a must for those visiting or passing through Paso Robles. The Winery and gardens are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, therefore, you have no excuse not to indulge.
