The Tasting Panel magazine

December 2015

Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/611718

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 97 of 136

december 2015  /  the tasting panel  /  97 p aso Robles made global headlines last year when the TTB authorized 11 new sub-AVAs within the state's largest and most diverse wine region.* Growth both in the number of wineries and planted acres was spurred when Paso was expanded by close to 26,000 acres* in 2008. But the AVA petition — spearheaded by Austin Hope of Hope Family Wines and Justin Smith of Saxum Vineyards began when the two tried to establish a separate Westside Paso Robles sub-AVA, prompting other growers to get involved and ultimately led to the proposal for the 11 sub-AVAs that was submitted in 2007. The proposal came to fruition seven years later and is the key that will unlock growth in value for the region. From humble beginnings fueled by hard work and determination, the Hope Family's presence has been a boon to Paso Robles since 1978. When Chuck Hope turned his hand at growing grapes, he quickly became one of the largest growers in the county. "Building the region has been like riding a rollercoaster," observed second-generation winegrower Austin Hope, who is deservedly proud of his family's tradition of being leaders, not followers. In what has now become a value-added trend among growers, the Hope family became vintners in 1987. With that expansion they put Liberty School, a label sourced from their fruit that had belonged to Chuck Wagner, on the map in 1996. Just over a year later, the company built a winery and production facility which is now home to a family of brands—including Treana, Austin Hope, Troublemaker and Candor—that reflect the diversity and quality inherent in the region. Best of Class The success of Hope's Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon, which holds the coveted position as one of Canada's top-selling varietal red wines, can be attributed to a number of factors, not the least of which being the region's markedly consistent vintages. Given the different meso-climates, soils and elevations in the region, even-keeled vintages are a bonus. Hope sources both Cabernet Sauvignon and a newly-introduced Merlot from across the AVA but looks to the central El Pomar District and cooler Western districts that butt up against the Santa Lucia Mountains for the ripest fruit, PASO'S HOPE FAMILY WINES RECEIVES HIGH MARKS FOR liberty school The Hope family became vintners in 1987, which has grown into a family of brands—including Candor, Troublemaker, Austin Hope and Treana—that reflect the diversity and quality inherent in the region. Liberty School, a label sourced from their fruit that had belonged to Chuck Wagner, put Hope Family on the map in 1996. by Deborah Parker Wong

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of The Tasting Panel magazine - December 2015