Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery

Our Story

1 Family – 7 Generations – 142 Years

Plan Your Visit Call 805.238.1854

About The Steinbeck Family

Our heritage as farmers in California dates back to 1884, and there are even news articles referencing the “high-quality wines” produced by our family as early as 1900. From Geneseo, IL, our family settled and named Geneseo, CA, inspiring the current Paso Robles “Geneseo” AVA, within which sprawls our 300-acre estate premium vineyard. Seven generations focus on family legacy, sustainable use of the land, and excellence in grape growing and wine production.

Summary

Harold (“Howie”) Steinbeck, son of Hazel Ernst Steinbeck, represents the fourth of seven generations to farm grapes in Paso Robles. His daughter Cindy—fifth generation—founded Steinbeck Winery on the old Ernst ranch, purchased by her great-grandfather in 1921. The first generations arrived in 1884 and 1885—William and John Ernst and their families from Geneseo, Illinois—drawn by the climate and rolling hills where orchards and vineyards soon followed. The twin brothers became known for their grape varieties and fine wines in Creston, east of Paso Robles. William’s son Frank purchased the ranch on Union Road; he and his wife, Rosie, passed it to their daughter Hazel, who later passed it to her son Howie. Today, four generations live and work on the ranch, growing premium grapes and making wine under the Steinbeck label.

Howie and his wife, Beverly (Jespersen), were high-school sweethearts who raised four children on the Ernst/Steinbeck ranch. Howie worked in pest-management with Western Farm Service (formerly Paso Robles Farm Seed & Chemical), advising growers across North County. As the modern California wine era reached San Luis Obispo County in the 1970s, he helped introduce new grape varieties and manage vineyards for emerging wineries—partnering with winemaker Gary Eberle to grow premium grapes for Estrella River Winery in the 1970s and Eberle Winery in the 1980s.

In 1982, Howie planted vineyards on the home ranch; the Syrah block he established is widely recognized as one of the oldest Syrah plantings in California. He never truly “retired”—today he remains among the most respected growers in San Luis Obispo County.

Impact of Seven Generations

  • First arrivals (1884–1885): William and John Ernst moved from Geneseo, Illinois, beginning a seven-generation farming legacy in San Luis Obispo County. The Ernst brothers also pioneered grain farming in the Geneseo District east of Paso Robles.
  • Geneseo District: The local school district and farming area were named by the Ernst family in honor of their Illinois hometown.
  • Early vineyards: William and his twin brother John planted two of the earliest vineyards in the district—each with 20+ grape varieties.
  • Early wines & quality: A 1900 newspaper article noted the Ernst Brothers’ “not cheap” wines shown at the summer fair: Claret, Malaga, White Zinfandel, Champagne, Port, Sherry, Sparkling Tokay, and Mission.
  • Production in 1900: William produced ~1,500 gallons; John produced a similar amount; their younger brother Martin (arrived 1885) produced ~700 gallons in Creston.
  • UC Experiment Station (from 1889): William and John supported the University of California Agriculture Experiment Station (Hatch Act, 1887), helping test deciduous fruits and 100+ grape varieties. They raised local funds, contributed labor, and sourced material for plantings east of Paso Robles.
  • Data for UC report (1902): William compiled local results on fruit and grape successes for the University’s final report.
  • Early “champagne”: William and Barbara Ernst produced the area’s first “champagne,” winning a first prize at the California Fair (year unknown).
  • Advisor & mentor: Since the early 1970s, Howie has advised growers and winemakers on vineyard management across North County.
  • Commercial grape focus: In the late 1970s, Howie pivoted toward varieties most in demand by winemakers.
  • Partnership with Gary Eberle (1979): Howie and Bev partnered with the young winemaker, contributing to the founding of Eberle Winery.
  • Steinbeck Vineyards (from 1982): Howie planted own-rooted Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay (Estrella River cuttings), then Zinfandel (1987, T-5C), additional Cabernet Sauvignon (1987, 1989), and Syrah (1993, Estrella clone).
  • Industry leadership (1983): Howie and Bev were founding members of the Paso Robles Vintners & Growers Association—now the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.
  • Grower of the Year (2002): The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance recognized Howie and Bev for leadership in sustainable vineyard practices and quality grape growing.
  • Educational vineyard tours (2003): Cindy created a dedicated “classroom” in the vines and began two-hour classes on viticulture and family history.
  • Jeep tours: Cindy introduced two-hour vineyard jeep tours led by Cindy or Howie—covering Sustainable Winegrowing, Sustainable Family Farming, and “Sustainable Life” (John 15).
  • Wine Industry Person of the Year (2006): Howie was honored by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and SLO Vintners & Growers at the Mid-State Fair.
  • Steinbeck Winery established (2006): Cindy, supported by family, revived the Ernst/Steinbeck tradition of winemaking.
  • Tasting room & museum: The family restored the 1921 blacksmith shop for the tasting room and a family museum—among the first to make family history a core tasting-room theme.
  • Hospitality & community: Beverly and Howie are legendary hosts—Thursday night barbeques for Bearcat football, 25 years of Agri-Business Tour meals, and broad community support.
  • Agritourism leadership: Cindy championed agritourism locally, connecting guests to hands-on vineyard life.
  • Sustainability focus: Stewardship guides farming and education across the ranch.
  • Hunting & habitat: Ryan Newkirk (sixth generation) integrates pro-hunting education with sustainable wildlife management; healthy blacktail deer populations graze the ranch, and family-guided hunts are hosted each year.
  • Water rights advocacy: Cindy educates the community on California constitutional water rights. In 2013, she and 1,000+ landowners filed a Quiet Title action to protect groundwater amid concerns over “groundwater banking.”
  • Bearcat lineage: Four generations of Paso Robles High School graduates—1928 through the 2000s—proudly carry the Bearcat tradition.
  • Author: Cindy authored The Vine Speaks, Grapes of Grace, The Rock Speaks (Concordia Publishing), and Redemption Through Divorce (self-published).
  • Processing facility (2017): The family built a winery processing site for winemaker Steve Glossner and partner brands (Steinbeck, PasoPort, Guyomar, RN Estates).

Selected Milestones

1884–1885

William, John, and later Martin Ernst settle near Paso Robles; early orchards and vineyards planted in the Geneseo/Creston areas.

1889–1902

Support for UC Agriculture Experiment Station: trials on deciduous fruits and 100+ grape varieties; William compiles local results for UC’s final report.

1900

Ernst Brothers showcase quality wines at the fair—Claret, Malaga, White Zinfandel, Champagne, Port, Sherry, Sparkling Tokay, and Mission.

1921

Ernst ranch on Union Road becomes the family’s home base; the old barn (1890s) is moved to the ranch.

1970s–1980s

Howie mentors growers, partners with Gary Eberle; grapes grown for Estrella River Winery (’70s) and Eberle Winery (’80s).

1982–1993

Vineyard plantings expand: own-rooted Cabernet Sauvignon & Chardonnay (1982), Zinfandel on T-5C (1987), additional Cabernet (1987, 1989), and Syrah (1993, Estrella clone).

2003

Cindy launches vineyard classes; the vines become a living classroom for sustainability and viticulture.

2006

Steinbeck Winery established; Howie recognized as Wine Industry Person of the Year.

2017

Wine processing facility built for family winemaking and partner producers.

The Legends

Seven generations of Ernsts and Steinbecks have farmed grapes in Paso Robles. William and Barbara Ernst were the first to grow grapes and make wine, with their son Frank farming alongside them. William and Barbara’s granddaughter Hazel and her husband, George Steinbeck, helped Howie and Bev plant their first vineyard in 1982.

Fifth-generation Cindy returned to the home ranch in 1997 with her children, Ryan and Stacy. Today, both are married and—together with their spouses—work in the family business. Cindy’s grandchildren are learning the rhythms of the vineyard as they grow and play among the rows.

Four generations currently live and work on the Ernst/Steinbeck ranch. Their love of the land and commitment to sustainable farming are passed down to each generation—forming the longest continuous farming dynasty in San Luis Obispo County.

Seven generations. One estate. Paso Robles in a glass.

From our family vineyard to your table—Paso heritage, beautifully poured.

Plan Your Tasting

$20 / person
  • Open Daily — Tastings 10:00am – 4:00pm
  • Indoor & outdoor seating options available
  • Large groups accepted with reservation
  • $20.00 per person tasting fee
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