Paul Lato Wines

"From my experience of tasting the finest wines from around the world, all the greatest wines possess authenticity, harmony, and elegance. These are the qualities I constantly try to capture in my wines. The ultimate goal is to create wines that are seamless and textural with enough structure and balance to complement fine cuisine."

Paul Lato

Winemaker

From Sommelier to Winemaker

Paul Lato Wines is a boutique winery in Santa Maria, California, known for small-lot, handcrafted wines. Founded by Paul Lato, a Polish sommelier, the winery stems from his passion for wine. Lato transitioned from a successful restaurateur to pursuing his dream of making exceptional wines in California.

As a sommelier, Lato believes the best wines reflect authenticity, harmony, and elegance. His winemaking philosophy centers on enhancing culinary experiences with balanced, refined wines. He partners with top vineyard managers in Santa Barbara County, carefully selecting blocks, harvesting low yields, and using minimal intervention in the cellar. This preserves the natural character of the fruit and terroir.

Paul Lato Wines has built a reputation for excellence, particularly with its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, though the winery also produces Syrah, Grenache, and other varietals. Each wine is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing bold flavours, silky textures, and a remarkable sense of place. His wines are often highly rated, with some receiving scores in the upper 90s from leading critics like Robert Parker and Jeb Dunnuck.

The limited production and high quality of Paul Lato’s wines have made them highly sought after by collectors and wine enthusiasts alike, making the winery a standout in the California wine scene.

"I want my wines to give pleasure and keep your palate interested until the last drop from the bottle – I hope you like them at first sip and love them at the last."

Paul Lato