Growing up in the heart of Napa Valley, winemaker Laura Orozco is intimately familiar with what makes a great wine. Her family is originally from Mexico, however, her father moved to the United States in the early 1970s to work in the vineyards and follow the ‘golden path’ to provide a better future for his family. Paso d'Oro is the Spanish phrase for "Way of Gold," which pays tribute to Orozco's family journey. The name also evokes the California sunshine that paints the golden hills and valleys of the Paso Robles landscape. Laura aims to produce wines that are true to the variety and with a sense of place, her award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon does just that.

The project is certified sustainable by Lodi Rules, which supports the farmers, vintners, and an entire agricultural community who embrace their responsibility to care for the environment and the people.

California is the heart of American wine production, accounting for around 80% of all U.S. wine. Its vast and varied landscape offers an extraordinary range of climates and terroirs, allowing a broad diversity of grape varieties and wine styles. Stretching over 1,100 kilometres from north to south, the state includes world-famous wine regions such as Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, and Mendocino.

Key wine towns include Napa, St. Helena, Healdsburg, and Santa Rosa. Napa Valley is renowned globally for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon, while Sonoma produces acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel. Further south, Santa Barbara is noted for its cool-climate Syrah and Pinot Noir, while Paso Robles excels with robust Rhône and Bordeaux varietals.

The most widely planted grape varieties in California include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc. The diversity of microclimates allows both cool- and warm-climate grapes to flourish.

California’s primary growing challenges include drought, water scarcity, and the increasing threat of wildfires, which can damage vineyards and affect grape quality through smoke taint. However, its abundant sunshine, varied topography, and innovative viticultural practices provide significant benefits, helping to maintain its reputation as a leader in premium New World wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most widely planted and celebrated red grape varieties, known for its deep colour, firm tannins, and remarkable ageing potential. Originating in Bordeaux, France, as a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, it has become a global benchmark for structured, full-bodied red wines.

Viticulturally, Cabernet Sauvignon is a hardy, late-ripening grape that thrives in warm, sunny climates. It produces small, thick-skinned berries, contributing to its bold tannic structure and deep colour. The vine is relatively resistant to disease and adapts well to diverse soils, making it suitable for a wide range of terroirs.

Today, Cabernet Sauvignon is planted extensively across the world—from its French homeland in Bordeaux’s Left Bank, to California’s Napa Valley, Chile’s Maipo Valley, Australia’s Coonawarra, and South Africa’s Stellenbosch. It often forms the backbone of blends, particularly in Bordeaux-style wines, but also shines as a varietal expression.

Flavour profiles typically include blackcurrant (cassis), blackberry, mint, cedar, and tobacco, often developing notes of leather, earth, and spice with age. Styles range from fruit-forward and plush in warmer climates to structured and herbal in cooler ones. Cabernet Sauvignon’s power, elegance, and longevity make it a cornerstone of fine red winemaking worldwide.

Petite Sirah, also known as Durif, is a dark-skinned grape variety originally developed in the 1860s in France by botanist François Durif. A natural cross between Syrah and Peloursin, Petite Sirah never gained traction in its homeland but found a true identity in the New World, particularly in California.

Viticulturally, Petite Sirah is a hardy, vigorous vine known for its small, thick-skinned berries that produce deeply coloured, tannic wines with high levels of phenolics. The grape ripens late and thrives in warm, dry climates, requiring careful canopy management to avoid overexposure and maintain balanced acidity.

While it is still planted in small quantities in France, the grape flourishes in the U.S., especially in regions like Napa Valley, Sonoma, Lodi, and Paso Robles. It’s also grown in Australia, Israel, South Africa, and increasingly in Mexico.

Petite Sirah is typically used for bold, full-bodied red wines, either as a varietal or in blends to add structure and colour. Flavour profiles include dense black fruits (blackberry, blueberry, plum), black pepper, liquorice, cocoa, and earthy undertones. The wines are known for their ageability, firm tannins, and rich mouthfeel. Petite Sirah’s power and intensity make it a favourite among lovers of robust, cellar-worthy reds.