Run with James Gang of Fine Wines

Tobin (Toby) James, owner of Tobin James Cellars in Paso Robles, Calif., shared stories from the winery at a recent wine dinner held at the Webster House Restaurant in Worcester. Gilbert Distributors in Bolton arranged the winemaker’s visit to the city.

Meeting winemakers at local events is a neat experience, and the introduction to new wines is never boring.

James started out as an assistant winemaker in California’s wine region. When the winery where he was employed got stuck with an extra six tons of grapes that it could not accept and process, James asked if he could have the grapes and make wine out of them for himself. A year and a half later, gold medals began pouring in for James’ first zinfandel, the 1985 “Blue Moon” Zin.

After more winemaking and selling, James took the plunge and built Tobin James Cellars in 1994 at the site of an old stagecoach stop. The Tobin James tasting room is described as an old-fashioned western-style saloon. Award winning wines are poured from behind an antique 1860s Brunswick mahogany bar. There’s even a restored stagecoach stop that is used as a guesthouse.

If you’re heading to wine country, you might want to put this winery on the list of places to visit. We asked Jim Vasiliadis of O’Hara’s Liquors in Worcester, along with Wendy Leo of Gilbert Distributors, for wine picks for foodies who didn’t make the wine dinner. Vasiliadis worked with Gilbert Distributors with wine and food pairing for the event.

For your sipping pleasure: 2004 Tobin James “The James Gang” Riesling: Fermented grape perfume nose. Palate: Candied apples, pears, peaches, subtle complexity of grapefruit, lemon, lime. Clean, dry, balanced, zesty lively swallow. Suggested retail price $14.99.

2003 Tobin James “Made in the shade” Merlot: Plum, blackberry/blueberry, cherry, currant; soft velvety texture. Balanced with easy black pepper and tannin; smooth swallow, lingering aftertaste.

Vasiliadis notes that Tobin James wines are flavorful and lively to match the outgoing personality of the winemaker. They are fun wines with fruit flavors. Casual drinker or wine connoisseur will enjoy them, he said.