A brief history
If you’re fortunate enough to step into the Lone Madrone winery you’ve arrived at a pretty special place. It’s unpretentious, friendly yet classy; a great place to sample exquisite wine and eat great food. Perfect for relaxing with friends and making a few new ones along the way. You won’t be disappointed when you experience Burger Sunday or a wine club dinner cooked by the exceptional Chef Jeffrey Scott.
Having previously met the Collins family a few times, I was fortunate enough to be invited to sit with Neil, Marci and Jordan on a beautiful Californian afternoon one Burger Sunday. It was like sitting with a rock star of wine. Neil casually passing his knowledge of wine on to anyone (everyone) interested, while sat under the shade of a parasol and his signature hat. Meanwhile sister Jackie was cruising the clientele always smiling and totally unflustered, making sure everyone was topped up but still managing a joke with seemingly everyone she met. Jordan shared some of his own wine knowledge - now there’s definitely a chip off the old block. If you haven’t guessed by now this is definitely a family run business.
Neil and Marci’s other son Austin also works as a Winemaker with Neil at Tablas Creek Vineyard, and Jackie’s son Lucas who was a Winemaker in Santa Barbara for ten years has taken over as Lone Madrone's National Sales Rep.
“I like to think we know a little about making wine” says Neil. “I love the whole process, and the people - farming, timing, tasting and of course we’re a family. With the vagaries of the central California weather, winemaking can be a hit and miss affair”. Fortunately, he doesn’t miss too often, voted Wine Person of the year for Paso Robles by his peers.
