The Scoop: The Hope family planted an apple orchard and grape vineyard in Paso Robles, California, in 1978. The climate turned out to be well-suited for grapes, so they started producing Hope Family Wines and helped grow the region’s reputation for fine wines. Couples can tour the winery for a day date experience or order some bottles to celebrate at home. Traveling to the winery’s Tasting Cellar can also offer a memorable start to a vacation in the Paso Robles area.
In 1978, Paso Robles, California, wasn’t known as a wine region. When the Hope family moved to the area as second-generation farmers, they weren’t sure what to grow on their property, so they planted both apples and grapes.
The grapes thrived because they do well in climates with long growing seasons, dramatic shifts between day and night temperatures, and diverse soil types. Paso Robles had the ideal climate for growing red wine grapes in Central California.
The Hope family soon stopped growing apples to focus on their vineyards and began producing wine. More than 40 years later, Hope Family Wines offers Cabernet Sauvignon, however also offers small production Rhone varieties and special bottlings for club members.
Hope Family Wines offers an inviting atmosphere for dates or friendly outings.
“Regardless of the varieties planted, the expression of Paso Robles is displayed in the glass with spice, licorice and berry in the nose, soft textures and silky tannins on the palate,” the winery explains on its website.
The Hope Family Wines team is led by AustinHope, a third-generation farmer, who led the family business into winemaking. Austin, his wife, and his daughters continue the family legacy of producing wines that honor the local ecosystem.
“Austin believes that good wine should be accessible to everyone and always aims to overdeliver with every wine he produces,” said Whitney Hrdlicka, Director of Marketing for Hope Family Wines.
Austin’s team also ensures that visitors have memorable experiences at the vineyards. Couples can take informative tours on a date and bring home a few bottles to enjoy later.
“Our entire team has a passion for wine and truly loves to give guests the most unique and friendly experience possible,” Whitney said.
Making Paso Robles, California, a Wine Destination
The success of Hope Family Wines led to a boom in wineries in the Paso Robles region. Now, the area boasts more than 200 wineries, and many wine-loving couples plan vacations around visiting as many as possible.
Austin explained why this particular American Viticultural Region (AVA) is such a prime location for wine production:
“The sun, soil, and sea. The Paso Robles AVA provides an abundance of sunshine during the growing season, creating idyllic conditions for growing world-class wine grapes. Arguably the most important element, the soil of our home is one of the most unique and diverse of any growing region in the world.”
Hope Family Wines has diversified into five unique brands, each with its own mission: Liberty School, Treana, Quest, Austin Hope, and Troublemaker. Though Hope Family Wines produces many white and red wine variations, Austin emphasizes that Cabernet Sauvignon is King.
“We believe our wines set the standard for luxury Paso Robles Cabernet, and we always aim to overdeliver in wine quality and experience,” said Whitney.
In addition to creating fine wines, Austin also aims to make Paso Robles an even more desirable tourist destination.
“Austin has helped shape the Paso Robles Wine Country. He believes Paso Robles is one of the world’s finest wine regions and works tirelessly to promote the region,” Whitney told us.
Vineyard Tours are a Fun Way for Couples to Unwind
Couples who love wine can center a vacation or a date night around the vineyards of Paso Robles.
They can book lodging for extended stays near Lake Nacimiento, which offers 165 miles of shoreline and views of lakes, mountains, forests, and waterfalls. Visitors can also take one of seven wine trails that meander through some of the most popular wineries in the region.
But first, they can visit the winery that started it all: Hope Family Wines. Couples can book a Tasting Cellar experience, which is a private adventure designed for couples by Austin and Celeste Hope, perfect for a scintillating date activity.
The vineyard opened its Tasting Cellar to provide guests with a luxury wine-tasting experience.
“They created the Tasting Cellar as an extension of their home. Its décor is beautifully crafted with unique artwork and custom furniture that translates to an eclectic yet refined and relaxed feel,” said Whitney.
The private experience is designed to ensure couples can experience the wines in an intimate atmosphere and receive the personal attention that many wineries can’t provide.
Couples can choose from a Legacy Tasting, which delivers five wines selected by Austin. Or, if they love Cabernet Sauvignon, they can opt for the Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon instead. In each experience, couples try five wines from Treana and Austin Hope.
During the tasting experience, couples can relax in one of the winery’s cabanas overlooking the winery’s beautiful estate. Paso Robles’ Meditteranean climate features rolling hills, olive and almond trees, and fields of mature vineyards.
Hope Family Wines: A Tasty Gift for That Special Someone
Couples who can’t travel to Hope Family Wines in person can still enjoy its memorable wines on date nights at home.
They can join the Hope Family Wines Cellar Club and have bottles delivered to their door. Members can choose to have either six or 12 bottles of seasonal wine allocations shipped to their home twice a year. They’ll also receive discounts on merchandise, complimentary tastings, and priority reservations when they decide to visit the winery.
Club members also have special opportunities when they visit the vineyards in person.
“Our winemaking team crafts wines exclusively for our club that are not available anywhere else. This makes wine tasting with us a fun experience because you can try such a vast selection of wine that you couldn’t try anywhere else,” said Jo Armstrong, Director of Hospitality.
Those who’d like to try Hope Family Wines before committing to the club can order individual bottles of any of its brands on the website.
Whether couples book an experience at the vineyard or order a bottle for date night, the Hope Family Wines team is excited to help make those connections.
“We cater to each visitor to make sure they walk away feeling like they understand Austin’s vision and have a new appreciation for the wines we’ve worked so hard to produce,” Jo said.
Though Austin has spent his life around wine, he said he’s still excited to explore how grapes create unique wines. Over the years, he has increased his commitment to producing high-quality wines.
“Wine brings people together in ways that no other beverage can. Austin’s lifelong passion is creating affordable wines for as many people as possible. He wants those wines to be accessible and enjoyed at dinner tables with family and friends,” Whitney said.
