Castoro Cellars

A very large producer (50,000 cases of multiple varietals) that farms 600 acres of vineyards. Despite the size, this remains a down-to-earth operation.

The owners are Niels and Bimmer Udsen. Niels’ nickname is “Beaver.” While working in Italy, his friends called him “ll Castoro,” or beaver in Italian. The name stuck and the Castoro label sports a beaver and the tagline, “Dam Fine Wine.” The winemaking team here has been together for over 20 years: owner Niels Udsen, head winemaker Tom Myers, and assistant winemaker Michel Olsten. The wines are very fairly priced.

The Udesen’s purchased a local vineyard and when the opportunity to buy it arose, they acted in “blind faith,” thus the name, Bind Faith Vineyard for one of their Pinot Noir vineyard-designates.

Castoro Cellars winery is located at 6465 Von Dollen Road in San Miguel and is open to the public from 10-4 daily. 805-467-2002. The tasting room is at 1315 N Bethel Road in Templeton and is open from 11- 5:30 daily. 805-238-0725. The wines may be purchased on the website. A Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir is also available.