Our Producers
Paul Lato
Paul Lato is a Santa Barbara County winemaker whose wines deftly pair bold New World fruit aromatics with Old World structure, sourced from top Central Coast vineyards including Bentrock, Drum Canyon, Bien Nacido, Pisoni and Talley.
Paul Lato’s wine story starts far from Santa Barbara. Growing up in Poland in the 1970s, when there were few opportunities to prosper or be creative, he and a friend left for Spain and found work in the culinary scene. That’s where the spark for fine wine first took hold, and an opportunity to study hospitality management in Canada set him on the path to becoming a sommelier.
He built a stable career as a sommelier in Toronto, and worked two harvests in Santa Barbara alongside winemaking luminary Jim Clendenen along the way. He fell for the region both times, but going home to Toronto felt like the safer bet. Walking away from a steady career for the risk of making wine full time was too much to give up. That changed on September 11, 2001. Like a lot of people that year, Paul found himself asking what he was waiting for. Life felt too short not to do the work he loved. In 2002, he left Toronto for good and moved to Santa Barbara County to make wine. Within a few vintages he poured a wine for none other than renowned critic Robert Parker, who validated Paul’s decision to leave his sommelier job for his passion.
After 25 vintages, Paul is not one to rest on his laurels. Most recently, his 2023 Pinot Noir “Stand By Me” from Drum Canyon Vineyard earned 99 points from critic Jeb Dunnuck, the highest rating of any Santa Barbara County wine of the vintage. Paul Lato wines display subtle nods to his artistry and inspiration. The recognizable diamond-shaped label is inspired by the Harlequin in Pablo Picasso’s paintings, the jester who is both truth-teller and entertainer, a symbol of the balance in making a serious yet enjoyable wine. Each bottling is named after an inspiring story from Paul’s winemaking journey, such as “Seabiscuit,” “Stand By Me” and “Suerte,” names that invite the question of the story behind them.
THE VINEYARDS
Paul is one of the Central Coast’s most critically acclaimed winemakers, and where he sources fruit is a big reason why. Over time, he’s secured contracts at some of the region’s best-farmed vineyards, including Drum Canyon, Bentrock, Pisoni, Bien Nacido, Two Wolves, Zotovich, Talley, Solomon Hills and Larner. Each site brings its own soil and climate to the wines, layered onto Paul’s own exacting winemaking style. He is especially particular about the blocks he takes from these vineyards, whether it’s a particular clone, a sun-facing slope or a farming technique, which translates to quality over quantity in each bottling. His philosophy of vineyard selection comes from his mother’s secret to great cooking: “Buy the best ingredients and don’t screw it up!”
WHAT'S IN THE
GLASS
Paul’s wines are known for pairing a New World nose (bold, expressive fruit) with a more classic, Old World structure (deep, savory and mineral-driven). That combination, big upfront fruit balanced by real restraint, is what critics and longtime fans point to when they talk about what makes his wines distinct.
VISIT
There’s a good chance that one of Paul Lato’s Pinot Noir or Chardonnays will be on our Reserve Flight because his wines often define a vintage here. Ask us when Paul will be in our room next for a private event, or if his Sauvignon Blanc or Syrah is available to try too.
