Midnight Cellars
A brief history
Midnight Cellars began as a slightly tipsy, laughing mention on the back patio at Domaine Carneros in the summer of 1993. Enjoying a family getaway to Napa and Sonoma, and after several winery visits, Rich is responsible for making the whimsical statement that would change their lives forever: "hey old man, when you retire you should buy a place like this and have us run it for you."
Laughed at and forgotten, years later it became a possibility. Robert decided to retire early from his career as a patent attorney and was still full of energy and passion to begin a new venture. He amazingly remembered Rich's idea and said to him "if you were serious about this winery thing, I'm in." Rich was newly married and living in Chicago with his beautiful wife Michele, and the initial response was "no way Dad."
However, after considerable thought and glasses of wine, Michele and Rich committed to the crazy plan. They sold their new house, one of their cars and drove to California to start a new life. It sounds crazy, but no kidding this happened! They arrived in California on July 31, 1995 and immediately dove into country life. No bars. No restaurants. No shopping. There was nothing in Paso Robles. The Chicago city folk experienced a major culture shock.
Each family member selected a job and set about learning their role: Robert and Mary Jane focused on the overall operations. Michele managed the tasting room and later became the bookkeeper. Rich began learning how to plant, maintain, and harvest the vineyard followed by the heady task of making wine.
After 27 years of steep learning curves, the focus remains on keeping wine accessible, affordable, and fun for everyone.
Cheers to the Hartenberger Family for making this dream a reality.
Laughed at and forgotten, years later it became a possibility. Robert decided to retire early from his career as a patent attorney and was still full of energy and passion to begin a new venture. He amazingly remembered Rich's idea and said to him "if you were serious about this winery thing, I'm in." Rich was newly married and living in Chicago with his beautiful wife Michele, and the initial response was "no way Dad."
However, after considerable thought and glasses of wine, Michele and Rich committed to the crazy plan. They sold their new house, one of their cars and drove to California to start a new life. It sounds crazy, but no kidding this happened! They arrived in California on July 31, 1995 and immediately dove into country life. No bars. No restaurants. No shopping. There was nothing in Paso Robles. The Chicago city folk experienced a major culture shock.
Each family member selected a job and set about learning their role: Robert and Mary Jane focused on the overall operations. Michele managed the tasting room and later became the bookkeeper. Rich began learning how to plant, maintain, and harvest the vineyard followed by the heady task of making wine.
After 27 years of steep learning curves, the focus remains on keeping wine accessible, affordable, and fun for everyone.
Cheers to the Hartenberger Family for making this dream a reality.
Established in 1995
2925 Anderson Road
United States, California
93446
