Paul Lato Wines
Paul Lato Wines is a boutique winery based in Santa Maria, California, renowned for its dedication to crafting small-lot, handcrafted wines. Founded by Paul Lato, a sommelier from Poland, the winery’s inception is rooted in Lato’s deep passion for wine and his journey from being a successful restaurateur to pursuing his dream of making exceptional wines in California.
Lato’s background as a sommelier shaped his philosophy that the best wines are those that reflect authenticity, harmony, and elegance. His approach to winemaking centers around the idea that wine should enhance culinary experiences while offering balance and refinement. He partners with some of the finest vineyard managers in Santa Barbara County, focusing on careful selection of vineyard blocks, low-yield harvests, and minimal intervention in the cellar. This allows him to preserve the natural character of the fruit and the 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.