Winemaking

Uncompromising Quality,
Wines of Integrity

WINEMAKER

Meet Brian Benson

A Paso Robles native who grew up among the vines, Brian was making wine at his family’s Paso Robles winery by the age of 13. At just 21, he launched his own label, guided by mentorship, grit, and deep roots in the community. At San Simeon Estate, Brian brings a blend of instinct, technical skill, and reverence for tradition to a portfolio that refuses shortcuts, favoring thoughtful farming, minimal intervention, and honest expression.

I believe that the best wines are born from planting for the site, farming for the vintage, and expressing what the fruit wants to be. My goal is to best express each vineyard block and each grape variety, whether that means the wine will be fruit-forward or dark, rich, and intense, soft and elegant, or big and bold.

— Brian Benson, Winemaker

TERROIR

Vineyard-First Approach

Our winemaking begins in the vineyard. We farm organically and plant our vine rows densely to encourage flavor concentration and balance. Through careful observation and analysis, Winemaker Brian Benson identifies the ideal vines for each site-driven bottling. Every cluster is sorted three times so that only the most pristine fruit makes it to the fermenter. The result: clarity, structure, and purity in the glass.

OENOLOGY

Care & Craft

In the cellar, we combine precision with curiosity. While no detail goes overlooked, we remain open to experimentation. Our barrel program includes vessels from 15 different French coopers, including a rare pink oak that’s more than 400 years old. We also ferment in custom concrete tanks hewn from limestone gathered from our estate. Every decision supports our intention to craft elegant wines that speak clearly of where they come from.

Explore the Range

ULTRA

Only produced in exceptional vintages, from the very finest fruit grown on our steep hillside site. Join the Mailing List or our Club for future access to these rare releases.

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ESTATE

Our much-anticipated Willow Creek wines will début with the 2027 vintage. These terroir-driven bottlings will express the essence of San Simeon Estate’s rare terroir.

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RESERVE

Sourced from San Simeon Estate as well as our neighboring organic Paso Robles and Monterey estate vineyards, our Reserve-tier wines express depth, complexity, and structure.

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TRIDENT

Flavorful and satisfying, our Classic wines are 100% sustainably estate-grown. Varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Rosé of Grenache, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier.

CLASSIC

Flavorful and satisfying, our Trident wines are 100% sustainably estate-grown. Varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Rosé of Grenache, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier.