How We Began Our Paso Robles Winery
Michael Dilsaver’s passion for wine began in the private cellar of Master Sommelier Yvonne Rich. In 1990, Michael moved into her Altadena, California neighborhood. Upon meeting, they formed a lifelong friendship. Being a prominent Real Estate Broker in Pasadena, California, Michael began inviting family, friends and clients to Yvonne’s Wine Educational Series. Each four-week class ended in an awe-inspiring dinner.
Philip Krumal’s love for wine and winemaking started with a passion for cooking. In 1995, he was a guest at one of Yvonne’s classes. At the time, Philip was the Finance Manager for a BMW dealership. Due to their common interests, Michael and Philip quickly developed a solid and lasting friendship.
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Friendships lead to fun times, exceptional food and great wine. Yvonne’s organized wine adventures throughout California and Europe prompted Michael and Philip to want to invest in the industry. After a visit to every wine region in California, and due to Michael’s gift in seeing areas that have tremendous upside potential, they decided Paso would be the perfect place to land. After relocating to Paso in 2000, Philip was introduced to Mark Goldberg, a master winemaker in the Pinot Noir varietal. Philip became his apprentice. While working with his mentor at Windward, Philip studied winemaking at U.C. Davis and cooking at CIA in Napa Valley. Soon thereafter, Philip and MIchael established the Asuncion Ridge brand. Their first vintage was made in 2005. |
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Twenty years later, Asuncion Ridge has expanded from its original location to several other vineyard properties. Multiple vacation rentals have been added. The winery has grown from focusing on Pinot Noir alone to white wines, Rosé, and several red blends, which include the use of Zinfandel, Rhone and Bordeaux varietals. What started with friendship, food, and wine adventures has become a focused vision and a fulfilled aspiration. Both Philip and Michael feel the purchase of the property located on Peachy Canyon in the Willow Creek District has completed their dream: a place to bring family, friends and loved ones to enjoy wine country life. |
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“It’s not so much about the lifestyle of the rich and famous as it is farming chemistry and its unique form of art,” Philip says. “This industry is not competitive,” says Michael. “It’s about wine, food, and having a good time. You don’t do it for the money -- you do it for the benefits it provides and how it enhances our lives.” Welcome to Asuncion Ridge.
May your experience here enhance and enrich your lives, relationships and palate.