There is firm empirical evidence to the effect that yeast and other varied wine pathogens die of boredom unless given an interesting environment within which to practice their art. Thus, at Le Cuvier, we have firmly dedicated ourselves to making life as interesting as possible, while leaving the entire process of winemaking in the hands (so to speak) of the wild beasties.
Indeed all human efforts in the effervescent process are evanescent. Simply put, wine is best when left to its own devices. Interference in the natural fermentation process is tolerated only wherein it extends the life of the creation. Our resulting wines not only develop a complex array of flavors and aromas, but are also incredibly age-worthy.
Indeed all human efforts in the effervescent process are evanescent. Simply put, wine is best when left to its own devices. Interference in the natural fermentation process is tolerated only wherein it extends the life of the creation. Our resulting wines not only develop a complex array of flavors and aromas, but are also incredibly age-worthy.
Services
Le Cuvier is indeed a very small winery with current annual production of just under 4,000 cases. Our maximum allowable size by virtue of the wisdom of County Regulations is just 5,000 cases. That means that even as we grow to full capacity, we are going to remain committed to our Elliptical Members & the kind, curious souls who deign to visit our tasting room.
Shortly after John Munch moved to Paso Robles in 1978, he acquired a bond to build a winery at his home property. Located at 3333 Vine Hill Lane, this served as the original bonded site of Adelaida Cellars, which John founded in 1981. He and his partners subsequently settled on a vineyard and winery site further west, but the bond remained intact, as did John's dream of someday building a winery there.
Le Cuvier derives its name from the French, & translates as a place where barrels & tanks are stored. Located in the hills to the west of Paso Robles on California's Central Coast, Le Cuvier was originally licensed in 1983. A new three level winery was built into the hillside at the original site in 2011.
Due to the current crisis we are not able to offer our traditional indoor wine tasting at this time, but we are excited to welcome you back for a sit down lunch & flight or the original food & wine pairing. We invite you to join us at our stunning hilltop location for a truly indulgent lunch experience.
As the recent rains retreat, prismatic drops of liquid are left to adorn the kalo leaves and pikake flowers. Slowly warmth returns, and along with it the pervasive aromas of the jungle, permeating sandalwood, followed by ripe papaya melding seamlessly to orange peel and finally into hibiscus. Now is the time.
Reviews (28)
Roy R.
Jan 24, 2022
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I'll keep this review short. No need to overdo it.
$40 (or was it $45?). Wine and food pairing. Best culinary/wine experience we had in Paso. An absolute must. The pairing in spot on, the attention from the team makes you feel like a VIP, the explanations of the wines are enlightening, and you'll probably leave wishing you had another day in PR so you can come back for the larger meal.
Things to note: don't go too hungry. It's meant to be a pairing, not a meal necessarily - so the portions are small (but exquisite). Another thing: I don't think they do wine tasting
$40 (or was it $45?). Wine and food pairing. Best culinary/wine experience we had in Paso. An absolute must. The pairing in spot on, the attention from the team makes you feel like a VIP, the explanations of the wines are enlightening, and you'll probably leave wishing you had another day in PR so you can come back for the larger meal.
Things to note: don't go too hungry. It's meant to be a pairing, not a meal necessarily - so the portions are small (but exquisite). Another thing: I don't think they do wine tasting
Isabella B.
Nov 21, 2021
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I've been lucky enough to visit Paso Robles four times over the course of two years. On my fourth visit to Paso I visited Le Cuvier - it was on short notice as I had gotten a recommendation from former employee Robert (who now works at another tasting room) to go visit there and his girlfriend is the sous chef. Knowing very well how the Paso Robles wine industry is interconnected with one another, I took his recommendation, as going down the rabbit hole of connections always leads to another great discovery (and I also wanted an early lunch stop before a 5-hour drive back to San Diego).
The
The
Richard F.
Nov 08, 2021
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We haven't been to the winery in 5 years but just went a few days ago . Had the best experience. We did the pairings with the lunch entree. It was awesome . The wines were very good and the food was absolutely fantastic . The wine pourer was knowledgeable, helpful and attentive. We had an opportunity to meet and thank the Chef for the great meal . She is very young and extremely talented . She has a bright future . We will be going back .
Jim L.
Oct 31, 2021
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We visited 10 wineries while in Paso and our experience at Le Cuvier was head and shoulders above the others. We have been members here for years and wanted to share the experience with our family and friends by reserving a lunch table. The entire experience was amazing starting with the beautiful setting and scenery overlooking the valley. All of the wines and pairings were delicious, including the main entree and featured pairing. As great as the product was, it was Mo, our server, who truly made it a perfect experience. She took the time to make us feel comfortable and to get to know us. We
Margarita Martin
Oct 30, 2021
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Jenny S.
Oct 01, 2021
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A much more involved wine tasting, which includes multiple courses of food meant to each pair with different glasses of wine!
The menu rotates and changes as do the glasses of wine. We got to enjoy great outdoor views with our wine pairing plus our sommelier was exactly that, very informative about the wines and wine in general!
The husband was such a fan of the wines he became a member, which he's hoping will allow us to do a vertical tasting with them in the future. We even liked one of their white wines and we are normally red wine drinkers!
The menu rotates and changes as do the glasses of wine. We got to enjoy great outdoor views with our wine pairing plus our sommelier was exactly that, very informative about the wines and wine in general!
The husband was such a fan of the wines he became a member, which he's hoping will allow us to do a vertical tasting with them in the future. We even liked one of their white wines and we are normally red wine drinkers!
Natasha Scrivner
Sep 05, 2021
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Great wine and food pairings but Covid has shown their true colors. To be financially supporting them as a club member when tastings weren’t even allowed to having the hardest time getting in for a tasting is ridiculous. Then to finally get one and show up a little late, unable to call due to no cell coverage and be greeted with “ well we will have to rush your tasting” was just appalling. Here we are members who have spent a lot of money on wine already and to be welcomed like that was not ok. We have never been treated like that at any other winery during these new times. Unfortunately
Kurt Smith
Aug 02, 2021
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Le Cuvier is a beautiful winery atop a small mountain with an excellent view.
Typical for current times, outdoor dining and the staff really goes above and beyond to ensure a good experience.
The wine pairings are phenomenal and the paired lunch is always amazing!
I cannot recommend this winery enough.
Typical for current times, outdoor dining and the staff really goes above and beyond to ensure a good experience.
The wine pairings are phenomenal and the paired lunch is always amazing!
I cannot recommend this winery enough.
Dcn Susan Arnold
Jul 31, 2021
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I have been wine tasting and then I have been wine TASTING. This is a fabulous experience in learning about tasting and all the nuances that go into making a really fine wine. Every experience I have had at Le Cuvier has been different and yet has always exceeded expectations. Even during the height of Covid_19 shut-downs they created a safe and yet pleasant experience. The food pairings are equally spot on and delicious. My most recent visit on 7/18 was outstanding. I commend to you David whose knowledge is par excellence. Gosh. Knowing how the dirt and the slant of the hill affects the taste
Denis S.
Jul 31, 2021
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We came here years ago and haven't stopped talking about it since. So when we vacationed i. The area we convinced our group to give it a shot.
They built out a great little outdoor area and have their tastings down to a science. Each glass is meticulously paired with a single bit of food and true presentation puts most wineries to shame.
I didn't fall in love with any of the wines this time, but the experience is well worth it.
They built out a great little outdoor area and have their tastings down to a science. Each glass is meticulously paired with a single bit of food and true presentation puts most wineries to shame.
I didn't fall in love with any of the wines this time, but the experience is well worth it.
Carl B. A.
Jul 27, 2021
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Vincent Levalois
Jul 22, 2021
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Kimba
Jul 19, 2021
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Rebecca S.
Jun 20, 2021
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Blown away by the kindness of this winery! My husband and I came here for my birthday on a Monday. I was very sad because Le Cuvier only offers the full wine and lunch pairing on the weekend. Since it was Monday, we did the wine and appetizers pairing, which is offered daily.
When the hostess and owner found out it was my birthday, they had the chef make the weekend only lunch pairing for me specially, and it meant so much! The chef even came to talk to us after and he was so kind and we learned a lot of good tips about grilling from him!
This winery is a must in Paso! It is beautiful, the
When the hostess and owner found out it was my birthday, they had the chef make the weekend only lunch pairing for me specially, and it meant so much! The chef even came to talk to us after and he was so kind and we learned a lot of good tips about grilling from him!
This winery is a must in Paso! It is beautiful, the
C. J.
May 07, 2021
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You will not find another experience like this on the central coast.
First and foremost, the wine is incredible and the tasting room is lovely.
The truly unique part of the experience though, is that every tasting is accompanied by the most delicious and complementary bite. This truly heightens the wine and adds such a fun twist to the experience.
After you're done with your tasting, buy a bottle of wine and drink it while you relax in an Adirondack chair and enjoy the beautiful view.
First and foremost, the wine is incredible and the tasting room is lovely.
The truly unique part of the experience though, is that every tasting is accompanied by the most delicious and complementary bite. This truly heightens the wine and adds such a fun twist to the experience.
After you're done with your tasting, buy a bottle of wine and drink it while you relax in an Adirondack chair and enjoy the beautiful view.
Beverly W.
Apr 01, 2021
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Nina S.
Mar 15, 2021
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Wow!! An absolute must for wine lovers in Paso! We love the unique experience with the food and wine pairings that they offer. We visited for our second time over the weekend, and it was a total hit amongst our group.
The wine here is excellent! We love supporting a boutique winery. One person in our group fell in love, and joined their wine membership. The Malbec was my favorite - incredible!
All of the food tastings were delicious, and we are grateful that they modified for a vegetarian in our group. Our server was FANTASTIC - I feel horrible that I cannot recall her name. She did share she
The wine here is excellent! We love supporting a boutique winery. One person in our group fell in love, and joined their wine membership. The Malbec was my favorite - incredible!
All of the food tastings were delicious, and we are grateful that they modified for a vegetarian in our group. Our server was FANTASTIC - I feel horrible that I cannot recall her name. She did share she
Justin R.
Mar 10, 2021
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Absolutely phenomenal experience. This is no ordinary tasting experience Le Cuvier goes above and beyond to immerse you in a five star experience. The tasting is paired with exquisite bites from blueberry duck cristini to lemon shrimp and quinoa wonton that pair perfect and bring out each unique element of the wine. Presentation is 5 out of 5. Highly recommend the malbrc, full bodied leathery choclately.
Gretchen R.
Dec 23, 2020
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Beautiful mountain-top views from Le Cuvier's outdoor dining setup during covid. Reservations required, as we found pretty much all wineries have been during these times. They take restrictions and safety very seriously. Once you arrive, somebody comes to greet you then your table is set up while you wait at your car. You are then shown to your table with all tastings and food laid out on the table. They utilize a "transfer table" to bring anything else to you such as water, as they do not take or place anything directly on the dining table once you're seated.
The lunch
The lunch
Annie S.
Dec 12, 2020
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Terrance P.
Nov 03, 2020
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This is one of those rare occasions that I give 5 stars and this place is sooo deserving of it.
I couldn't get a reservation for Saturday but managed to get one for Sunday brunch.
We opted for their lunch and pairing which included full lunch consisting of a beef tenderloin made to perfection.
On arrival, we were greeted in the parking lot by a staff. They followed strict covid-19 guidelines and only allowed entrance at your designated reserved time. A table was set for us at the property's edge which had a wide view of the valley on which the property sat. All the accoutrements were
I couldn't get a reservation for Saturday but managed to get one for Sunday brunch.
We opted for their lunch and pairing which included full lunch consisting of a beef tenderloin made to perfection.
On arrival, we were greeted in the parking lot by a staff. They followed strict covid-19 guidelines and only allowed entrance at your designated reserved time. A table was set for us at the property's edge which had a wide view of the valley on which the property sat. All the accoutrements were
Miriam M.
Nov 02, 2020
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Ok so I know I was supposed to come for the wine but guys, I am still dreaming about the full lunch/tapas style pairing I had there. The menu is created by the in-house chef Daniel and consists of five amuse-bouches pairings and a main. $45 for Lamb lollipops with browned butter sage mashed potatoes and golden beets plus the tastings and amuse bouches...woof. Honestly it was to die for and only on weekends right now so plan accordingly- side note, directed my little sister there after my great lunch there and she went on a week day in which they offered the five amuse-bouches with each tasting
Chloe Howard
Sep 12, 2020
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Steph H.
Jul 19, 2020
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Bottom line: I'm now a member lol
We came on a suggestion from a coworker. Right now, they take reservations during COVID for all party sizes so we made one the day before online. I looked it up ahead of time and they pair food with wine. Both things I love. So I was instantly sold. Upon investigation I learn their wine is roughly $75 a bottle and was convinced I would not buy anything beyond the tasting. BUT the service was great, food great, and wine GREAT! Bill was fantastic and taught us about smelling the top middle and bottom of a glass which I had never heard with YEARS of wine tasting
We came on a suggestion from a coworker. Right now, they take reservations during COVID for all party sizes so we made one the day before online. I looked it up ahead of time and they pair food with wine. Both things I love. So I was instantly sold. Upon investigation I learn their wine is roughly $75 a bottle and was convinced I would not buy anything beyond the tasting. BUT the service was great, food great, and wine GREAT! Bill was fantastic and taught us about smelling the top middle and bottom of a glass which I had never heard with YEARS of wine tasting
Jeri F.
Jul 04, 2020
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Amazed is an understatement of how we felt about this winery. Right from the start, we were treated so well by everyone we encountered here. We had reservations at 11:45 on a Friday morning. This was our very first trip to Paso Robles and Le Cuvier, through some serendipitous reason, was to be our first stop. There's a sign at the parking lot that tells you to wait in your car. We didn't have to wait even a few seconds and were immediately approached by not one, but two of the hostesses. They informed us that our table was being prepared and to wait in the car until it's ready. That
Cathy Kimchi
Sep 12, 2019
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This winery is absolutely great.
First off, this winery is easy to find. Super intimate, and David who helped us out was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. My boyfriend and I had a great time, great laughs.
I highly recommend Le Cuvier. All the wines have deep, rich, flavors and every single one had its character.
We brought our dog all the way from LA, couldn't leave her home. She was allowed on the patio!
I had such a great time. Leah was a friendly host and guided us well!
Thank you for such an awesome experience.
First off, this winery is easy to find. Super intimate, and David who helped us out was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. My boyfriend and I had a great time, great laughs.
I highly recommend Le Cuvier. All the wines have deep, rich, flavors and every single one had its character.
We brought our dog all the way from LA, couldn't leave her home. She was allowed on the patio!
I had such a great time. Leah was a friendly host and guided us well!
Thank you for such an awesome experience.
Lynnette M.
Sep 07, 2019
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This special boutique-style winery is slightly off the well-beaten path, up a winding driveway and perched on its own hilltop, with a magnificent view of the valley below.
The beautiful tasting room is often busy but if you can, have David pour for you. He possesses an encyclopedia-like knowledge of all things related to soil composition, micro-climates, grapes, skins, varietals, harvest, and the nuances of wine-making, aging, and sustainability practices. Just ask and ye shall be insightfully and humorously educated, while sipping and enjoying the deliciously-thoughtful food pairings.
Becoming
The beautiful tasting room is often busy but if you can, have David pour for you. He possesses an encyclopedia-like knowledge of all things related to soil composition, micro-climates, grapes, skins, varietals, harvest, and the nuances of wine-making, aging, and sustainability practices. Just ask and ye shall be insightfully and humorously educated, while sipping and enjoying the deliciously-thoughtful food pairings.
Becoming
Mihaela Mika
Dec 21, 2017
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