Benito Dusi Visit

Last week I was in Paso Robles and enjoyed a wonderful visit with Benito Dusi. His famous vineyard grows some of the best old vine Zinfandel in North County and the State.

The original planting of this vineyard was in 1923, those exact vines are the source for the budwood taken to grow the Toucan Wines Vineyard in the Arroyo Grande Valley (50 miles south of the Benito Dusi Vineyard).

Benito's fruit has for many years been sold to Ridge to produce the Ridge Paso Robles Zinfandel, and smaller amounts to a couple of smaller local producers. Back in the 80's and 90's Ridge produced a late harvest named Essence from the Benito Dusi Vineyard.