Cairjn Wine Cellars — Attraction in Paso Robles

Go to Cairjn: the new gem of Paso Robles. The winery is in the Paso Ghetto: the outside ain't pretty, but the inside delights.

Remember the secret to Paso Robles is its exceptional soil, but its day temperatures are high, which in general, makes growing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes unwise. However a few North-facing vineyards on the Westside deliver small lots of incredible Cabenet Sauvignon fruit and Cairjn's winemaker Andy absolutely knows how to blend it with Syrah and Grenache. He ranks with the best winemakers in Paso. His competition would include Benom and sixmilebridge. Taste his Grenache and Syrah's also. You will leave the winery wondering: "Who else knows about this place? Should I tell others or keep it a secret for myself? It is small."

Your experience matters also. While going to the winery is underwhelming, once you enter, you will understand how its understated elegant interior accents the wine. It's lime washed walls calmly force you to concentrate on the wine. Hillary, the tasting room manager, answers your questions directly with warm honesty. Andy hires talented, intelligent people. You will leave realizing an older definition of sophistication - quality matters.

Cairjn will become one of your set places to visit in...

Our visit to Cairjn Wine Cellars was simply spectacular! We opted for a 10:30 AM tasting and owner/winemaker Andy Neja was there to greet us as we entered the tasting room. Cairjn Wine Cellars is tucked away in an industrial area near the 46. There is absolutely no signage but we had been in this area before and already had a good idea where it was located. Our host for the tasting was Andy Neja who is the winemaker and owner of Cairjn. Andy is a wonderful guy, knowledgeable and outstanding winemaker. Andy treated us to a tasting of at least 9 of his wines and each wine was outstanding. Our favorites were the Albariño, the Grenache and the Syrah. All other wines were spectacular but these wines truly stood out. Tastings are very intimate. In fact we were the only ones tasting and therefore had Andy to ourselves. Cairjn Wine Cellars produces just 1,100 cases a year with plans to not exceed 2,000 cases a year. They are focused on producing quality over quantity which translates to outstanding wine, year after year. We plan to visit again in the fall and bring friends along with us. This is an easy 5 star winery. A must visit for those who...

THE BEST!!!!!

This is a small, family owned winery and among the best in Paso. As one of the first club members, I was very lucky to have found Cairjn when it was recommended to me by staff at another winery. The owners of Cairjn, Andy (a highly regarded winemaker) and Michelle Neja, are gracious and wonderful people. The wine is exquisite, highly rated, and the tasting experience with Victor is personal, educational and fun. Andy’s wine is so popular that in the few years since he’s been open he has had to triple his wine production. He’s running out of the current stock…..not a bad problem to have. If you follow reviews, those from Wine Enthusiast are in the mid to high 90s.

Be sure to take time to find this very special place on the East side, just off Union Road. I’ll bet you join the club. If not, you’ll be taking home some of the best wines in the...