by leslIe a. Westbrook

The word “awesome” gets overused a lot (I plead guilty), but I can’t think of a better description of Cass Winery and the Geneseo Inn in Paso Robles, unless I added an expletive .

A windy country road, not previously taken, leads to my destination (turn off the 101 to bucolic Highway 41) . Dotted with California live oak trees, cow, sheep, horses—the perfect prelude to afternoon arrival at the winery and six-unit luxury “bed and breakfast” set on 145 acres .

Mary Wessley, the tarot card reader at Porch in Summerland, recently suggested I keep a gratitude journal, writing down three things each day, and I began my list on a winter overnight at the vineyard . I was offered a lovely place at the table, at the wine club’s holiday dinner for 55 guests, next to Cass Winery’s debonair and frisky partner/builder-contractor Ted Plemons, who is responsible for the dreamy inn . 1 . I am filled with gratitude to spend the night in a bright, high-ceilinged room with a super comfy bed, lots of glass, mirrors, and light that’s been thoughtfully and sustainably designed and fashioned out of recycled shipping containers and other materials with a beautiful view of the vineyards . My favorite music playing on Alexa, (Tony Bennett and Antonio Carlos Jobim, among others) and no television is also pretty great . A hearty, delish breakfast in bed delivered to my room the next morning wasn’t too shabby either . 2 . I am particularly grateful that I attended one of Cass Winery’s wine club dinners in the “barn” where I met terrific people from near and far . Cass Winery partner Ted Plemons is the P .T . Barnum of the wine world . The surfer/former hippie/current builder contractor could have a second career as an amazing auctioneer—especially for charities . He loves promoting his highly rated wines, and for good reason . With labels featuring the contractor/builder’s likeness and named “Rocking Ted” and “Vintage Ted,” why wouldn’t he?

3 . I am also thankful that I experienced terrific Cass Winery Rhône and Bordeaux varietals at dinner, as well as at a tasting the following day with a few delectable nibbles . Hamburgers from onsite chef Charlie Paladin Wayne looked amazing at the tasting room and restaurant open to the public daily . If Paso wasn’t so far, I’d join the wine club, hang out here weekly, attend all the events, and take advantage of the private tastings and dining at the barn .

Cass Winery+Geneseo Inn, 7350 Linne Rd., Paso Robles. 805-2391730. casswines.com. Winery tasting room & café open 11 am–5 pm daily, reservations recommended.