t was never Dr. Larry Stanton’s intention to become a leading grape grower, nor own a highly successful winery, but the fact is the personable 69-year old has managed to accomplish both. Stanton’s miniscule Cerro Prieto Vineyard & Cellars has emerged in five short years as among the Central Coast’s most sought after wineries. The scores and ratings that have been given to Cerro Prieto’s wines border on the amazing, considering the company’s smallish output. Throughout all the recent fanfare, Larry Stanton has taken the kudos in stride. “To tell the truth,” he recently explained, “I had reached a point in my life where I needed an outlet for my energy. A series of operations on my knees and back had forced me out of my medical practice and I needed something to keep busy. The vineyard and winery were products of my attempt to satisfy my immediate needs.” The fact is that Larry and Teresa Stanton (she was also a 20-year medical practitioner) came to Paso Robles in 1977 and found the area too good to believe. In 1884, the couple bought a 73-acre parcel that was proliferated by giant oak trees. Some 20 acres have been converted to vine, with some amazing results.

Glenna Thompson.