Eberle Winery: Trouble in Cow Town?

Well, if you follow the wine industry in Paso Robles at all I am sure you’ve heard about what’s going on at Eberle Winery. If not you can check this link here. I have a problem sharing this link because I do not know how much of it is accurate but it’s really the only thing being published about it.

Aside from originally hearing about this yesterday on local TV station KSBY, I have received two other sources of information from parties close to the matter that I will not discuss here. Instead I bring this up for a couple of reasons…1) it’s a good reminder to not spread rumors or untrue statements until you know fully what is going on and 2) it seems like another reminder to not do business with family.

The only thing I can say on the matter is that if, for some reason, Gary Eberle removes himself or gets removed from Eberle Winery…I hate to think what will happen to such an iconic brand. Gary is the brand. When people go to the winery they are obviously going for the wine but I know people go with the hopes of meeting Gary himself. I’ve been there when Gary is BBQing and seen women and men alike clamor to get a photo with him or to have him sign a bottle.

The last time we were there a gentlemen came up while Gary was working his new outdoor pizza oven and told him that his boss went to school with Gary. In telling that to Gary, the guy seemed so enthralled to have a connection like that. I’ve seen this on more occasions that I can count and would simply hate to see Paso Robles lose something like that.

Gary has done so much for Paso Robles, the wine industry, and giving back to the community and I see the respect and admiration people have for him…myself included. The last thing we need right now are local media outlets and others making a soap opera out of this. Let the parties involved figure this out and yes, I personally hope Gary ends up on top in this situation.

Good luck Gary, and I would only urge the local community to walk softly around this until this plays itself out.