There are over 200 wineries in Paso Robles and they come in many sizes and shapes but one winery that is uniquely different is Poalillo Vineyards. Charlie Poalillo is the owner, the winemaker, and the storyteller. Charlie first came to Paso Robles in 1969 as an amateur winemaker to buy grapes and bring them back to his Southern California home. He and his wife Joyce fell in love with Paso Robles and made the move in 1978 and purchased vineyards and their home.
The winery is about as low key as you can get. There is no Poalillo Vineyards Website, the winery is open by appointment only, the tasting room is part of the barrel room, and less than 500 cases of wine are made annually. Word-of-mouth and being part of the Far Out Wineries of Paso Robles group garners enough visitors to the winery to keep Charlie busy and sell 90% of his wine out of the tasting room.
We visited with Charlie on our recent trip to Paso Robles. It was our second time there and like the last time we visited, Charlie entertained us with many stories and his good wines. Charlie makes six wines, two whites and four reds that include his estate Zinfandel. In between tasting each wine Charlie tells us a story. In 1978 when he purchased his vineyards there were only three wineries in Paso Robles, Pesenti, York Mountain, and Rotta. Today, there are over 200 wineries in the County. This is Charlie’s third career change. He was a commercial photographer, real estate agent, and finally a winemaker. Poalillo Vineyards became bonded in 1995 and Charlie’s first vintage of Zinfandel in 1992 won a gold medal at the Orange County Fair.
More stories and 45 minutes later, we finished tasting all the Poalillo wines. All are good wines, particularly the red wines. All of the Poalillo reds are big and robust but very well balanced. Although the wines are somewhat high in alcohol, you would never know it tasting these pleasant wines.
When is Paso Robles wine country make it point to visit Poalillo Vineyards. The ride to the winery on Willow Oaks Road may be the most beautiful in all of Paso Robles and then of course, there is Charlie Poalillo. See our Hidden Wineries of Paso Robles
Comments
Hi, My maiden name is Barbara Paolillo, family is from Benevento, Italy and Bronx, New York… just wondered if there is any relation…
P.S. I heard your wine is really good!
bvknapp@yahoo.com
I was never able to leave my vehicle when I pulled in. There were to aggressive dogs circling my Jeep. When I told the man standing there, ( no one else there), I would not get out because of the dogs, he blew up. Turns out he was the son-in-law. He became abusive and threatened me. Later in the day I was told by others that they would not go there either because of this very same treatment.
Now I will say this: I have a bottle of their wine signed by Charlie that I got from him> I met him at another office where he works. He seemed like a nice old guy, but maybe he does not know what is taking place when folks come to his newly opened wine tasting room on Vineyard Drive. Pass them buy and go up the road to Osolibre instead. You will be happy you did.
I am sorry to hear this news. Charlie is such a great guy and I am sure he will not be happy when he read this information.
Joe
3yrs ago when I first arrived in America I traveled to Paso Robles and met Charlie. I knew I had found one of my favorite Americans.
I make sure I visit him and the Poalillo vineyard each year to stock up on his lovely wine!
His Estate Zinfadel is truly amazing, and Charlie is a gem of a gentleman. I love tasting wine while hearing his stories and listening to Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra.
On some visits I’ve even spent time meeting the rest of the family. They were all charming people who graciously shared the experience of tasting the first of the new season’s wine with me. Gladly I haven’t had the experience involving the dogs and hope that was a once off experience. Charlie’s legacy deserves so much better.
Like you, we have had no trouble with the dogs. We love Charlie’s stories.
Joe