Ep 117 – Paso’s Movers & Shakers (& Not the Winemakers) Earning National Recognition

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, recorded at the renowned Robert Hall Winery in Paso Robles, host Adam Montiel delves into the journeys of three influential figures recently honored as 2024 Wine Industry Leaders by Wine Business Monthly:

• Maeve Pesquera, Executive Vice President of the Luxury Division at O’Neill Vintners & Distillers (oneillwine.com) and Robert Hall Winery (roberthallwinery.com). Maeve’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in elevating luxury wine brands, including the recent acquisitions of Ram’s Gate Winery and Substance Wines.
• Amanda Wittstrom Higgins, Founder of Full Cup Solutions (fullcupsolutions.com) and the nonprofit Dream Big Darling (dreambigdarling.org). Amanda’s dedication to mentorship, education, and strategic consulting through Full Cup Solutions has empowered countless women in the wine and spirits industry, fostering a community of emerging leaders and creating pathways for innovation and growth.
• Caine Thompson, Managing Director of Sustainability at Robert Hall Winery (roberthallwinery.com) and O’Neill Vintners & Distillers (oneillwine.com). Caine’s commitment to regenerative farming and sustainability is driving significant advancements in vineyard practices, promoting environmental stewardship within the industry.

Later in the episode, the Travel Paso Spotlight features an insightful conversation with Ryan Hopple, General Manager of Sensorio in Paso Robles. Ryan shares the inspiration and impact behind Sensorio’s immersive art installations, including the mesmerizing Field of Light, which has become a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors.

Relevant Links

• Robert Hall Winery

Website: roberthallwinery.com

Instagram: @roberthallwinery

• O’Neill Vintners & Distillers

Website: oneillwine.com

Instagram: @oneillwines

• Dream Big Darling

Website: dreambigdarling.org

Instagram: @dreambigdarling

• Full Cup Solutions

Website: fullcupsolutions.com

Instagram: @fullcupsolutions

• Sensorio

Website: sensoriopaso.com

Instagram: @sensoriopaso

• Travel Paso

Website: travelpaso.com

Instagram: @travelpaso

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

Attention San Luis Obispo County residents! You can take advantage of the exclusive Locals Only tickets at a special price. On sale now through Friday, Feb. 28, locals enjoy discounted General Admission tickets for the Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 17, for $99. This significant savings is only for SLO County residents. Visit www.pasowine.com/winefest/ to learn more.

Links & Resources

• Cork and Cruise Bordeaux Trip: corkandcruise.com
• Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance: pasowine.com

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine.

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country.

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

See Moonshiner Collective LIVE IN SLO Nov 15!

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.