Paso Robles

Paso Robles Willow Creek District

Cabernet Franc

Syrah

Zinfandel

Cabernet Sauvignon

Malbec

Grenache

Chardonnay

Petit Verdot

Grenache Blanc

Tannat

Merlot

Petite Sirah

Sangiovese

Viognier

Picpoul Blanc

Roussanne

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.

United States

California

Midnight Cellars

Cabernet Franc "Moonlight"

Syrah-Zinfandel Blend

The color is a vibrant ruby. Aromas of strawberries, mocha, vanilla, and cherries unite. Fresh red raspberries dominate the palate, with underlying flinty chalkiness and hints of dried sage, all accented with balanced acidity, and tannins.

Full Moon

Zinfandel Blend

Rosé

Luna Rose

Petit Verdot "Synnove"

Syrah "Nocturne"

White

Grenache Blanc "Andromeda"

Malbec "Solstice"

Tannat "Titan"

Fortified

Hannah & Joe's Gemini Port

Red Blend

Gemini Reserve

Mare Nectaris

Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

Zenith Estate Cuvee

A lighter styled, easy drinking, fruit driven wine with delicate flavors of strawberry, cherry, and bramble that finishes with a surprisingly structured acidity. This lovely Rhone varietal has found a new home in Paso Robles as our soil composition, being predominately calcareous limestone, is similar to the Rhone Valley of France. The limestone helps bring out a chalky minerality in the wine.

Grenache "Moonbeam"

Dark blueberry, blackberry and a hint of tar show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is softer in texture, with blueberry, pepper and woody flavors. 

Petite Sirah "Eclipse"

Light aromas of cranberries, strawberries and dried roses have hints of wet clay on the nose of this bottling. The palate is tightly woven with tart red-fruit flavors, as asphalt and game elements add intrigue.

Sangiovese "Starlight"

Zinfandel "Crescent"

Cabernet Sauvignon "Nebula"

White Blend

This wine is a beautiful straw color and the nose is dominated by honeysuckle, flinty minerality, and subtle honey essences. The mouthfeel is surprisingly full and complex with flavors of tropical fruits, vanilla, Asian pear, and stone fruit that mingle playfully on the palate. The finish is framed with firm acidity, minerals, and fresh fruit.

Aurora Reserve

Green apple and minerals on the nose coupled with a delicate balance of vanilla from new French oak. The palate is moderately creamy with notes of brioche and Asian pear. Crisp and refreshing finish with a well-balanced liveliness that entices you to enjoy another sip.

Estate Chardonnay

This wine’s warm dark plum scents offset a panoply of spice, clove, mocha, licorice and unsweetened cocoa. Its dark-fruited concentration has a mildly resinous savor to the brambly tannins. —P.J.C. 

Estate Zinfandel

Vin Celeste

Strawberry, blueberry and dark wood aromas converge on the nose of this bottling. The palate is fruit-forward, with ripe and juicy but not overpowering flavors of strawberry that are balanced by seriously woody tannins and sharp acidity. MATT KETTMANN, Wine Enthusiast

Estate Merlot

Paso Robles

Midnight Cellars

22 Wines from 16 Grape Varieties

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