As published in the Paso Robles Daily News!
(The direct link): http://pasoroblesdailynews.com/dilecta-wines-joins-paso-underground/29690/
Winemaker Orion Stang of Dilecta Wines at the Paso Underground.
Winemaker Orion Stang recently joined the Paso Underground opening a new tasting area for his Dilecta Wines. He is replacing Guillaume Fabre’s Clos Solene. Fabre recently moved and opened his own tasting room and wine making facility in the new Tin City wine area off Ramada Drive.
Paso Underground is a collective of four local boutique wineries, sharing a space in downtown Paso Robles, right off the park behind Villa Creek restaurant. Dilecta Wines joins Edmond August, Turtle Rock and Aaron Wines in the intimate setting.
Currently introducing his second release, Stang’s love of wine and winemaking is part of his DNA. Growing up in the Central Coast, he and his family would often picnic in the fields and burgeoning vineyards, and that was his first introduction to the wonderful world of Paso wines. In 2005 Stang travelled throughout Italy, specifically Tuscany, becoming familiar with Italian wines and winemaking.
On his return, enrolling in Napa Valley’s Culinary Institute, Stang earned his Master Sommelier Certificate and continued his own wine education by working at several well established restaurants. However, he wanted more than to just recommend fine wines, he wanted to make them.
In 2007 his hands-on winemaking education began, working for Eric Jensen of Booker Vineyards, first as vineyard manager then as assistant winemaker. Under Jensen’s tutelage, Stang’s passion for creating wine grew and he began to dream of one day making his own wine.
Several years later, Stang realized his dream with the 2011 inaugural release of the Dilecta label – Dilecta meaning lovely in Latin. Currently, there are two selections: Unorthodox, a big Syrah with fruit sourced from Caliza and Alta Colina vineyards and The Tiller, a Grenache/Syrah blend with fruit sourced from Caliza and Russell Family Vineyards.
Stang’s wines were an instant success, receiving praise from Jeb Dunnick of the Rhone Report, and sold out quickly. At the same time, catching the attention of Scott Hawley of Torrin and head winemaker at Law Wine Estates, Stang was brought on as assistant winemaker at Law.
Clearly, Stang’s contributions to the Paso Robles wine scene, both as assistant winemaker at Law and at the helm of his own Dilecta label, will continue to be significant.
Being a small producer, 250 cases of the 2012 vintage, when the opportunity to join The Paso Underground came up, he jumped on it. As Orion said: “I’m really excited to be pouring with such talented winemakers and to have a spot of my own in the Paso Underground.”
Visit the Paso Underground at: 1140 Pine Street, Paso Robles, Ca. 93446, (805) 237-0799. It’s open Friday and Saturday from 1-7 p.m. and Sunday from 1–5 p.m. Or contact Stang for a tasting appointment at (805) 369-9129 or orion@Dilectawines.com.
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