L’Aventure Winery – The Vineyard

I have known Stephan Asseo for decades: first in Bordeaux when he made the wines of his family at Domaine Courteillac, Fleur Cardinal and Robin, and later at L’Aventure Winery in Califorinia’s Paso Robles.

L’Aventure means “the adventure” in English, and it certainly has been just that for the energetic Frenchman and his family.

Stephan is a real man of the earth – call him a “salt of the earth,” if you wish. He believes in his soil and microclimate in Paso Robles. His vines are meticulously maintained. This is why he sold everything in France and moved to Paso in the early 1990s. I have to say that I thought he was crazy to leave Bordeaux, but when I finally saw his vines and his winery a few months ago, I was happy he made the right decision. He makes excellent wines too.

Check out the video.