Conceived in partnership between John Anthony Truchard and Jeff Kandarian, Serial Wines was inspired by the diverse terroir of the Paso Robles region along the central coast of California. Truchard, founder and CEO of John Anthony Family of Wines (which Serial Wines is a part of), spent many years making wine in Napa Valley before pursuing Paso Roble’s topography. He and Kandarian, now Serial Wine’s executive winemaker, released their first branded red blend in 2015.
“Initially, Serial Wines were only available online, but in March 2022 we opened the Serial Wines Tasting Lounge in downtown Paso Robles’ historic Odd Fellows building, with design by acclaimed craftsman Richard Von Saal,” Truchard explains.
He describes the new tasting lounge as “an environment for the senses,” with original artworks adorning the wine bottle labels—each inspired by the wine they contain—and nestled among the lively downtown ambience. The 2,500-square-foot lounge can seat 65 and offers a private tasting room for small groups of six to eight. The lounge is also available for full buyouts.
“At Serial Wines, we’re known for rich and nuanced wines that showcase the diversity and excellence of the Paso Robles region,” Truchard says. “Sourcing from our partners’ meticulously farmed estates and the Deseo estate, we produce varietal-specific wines, nuanced blends, sub-AVA designates, and single-vineyard releases from Paso Robles’ myriad microclimates.”
What started with that 2015 red blend of Rhône varietals has lead to over a dozen current releases ranging from light and refreshing Alberino to a dark rich Syrah. And to honor that growth and the one-year anniversary of the tasting lounge’s opening, Serial Wines released its inaugural estate wine in May accompanied by a lineup of events and programs all year long. “The 2022 Serial Deseo Vineyard Rosé is a vineyard-designate estate wine from the 108-acre Deseo Vineyard in Paso Robles’ Estrella District,” he explains. “It’s a blend of Tempranillo and Syrah grown exclusively for rosé production, featuring bright and clean flavors of watermelon, blood orange, and just-ripe raspberry.”
Events will include the Dinner Series at Deseo Vineyards, where guests can take part in an intimate dining and wine-tasting experience at the on-site private estate, or try one of the winemaker dinners held at favorite Paso Robles restaurants. The second annual Serial Masquerade party will take place in November.