kukkula

“We attended a Kukkula wine dinner in Chicago last night. Wow! Led by host Kevin Jusilla, Kukkula's wines proved to be exceptional. Really over the top! Paired with the right menu (rich, earthy flavors) and given time to open up (an hour or more), these Paso Robles Rhone varietals proved to be at the head of the class - and a VERY good value. My two favorites were the '21 Lothario (Mourvèdre/Grenache) that sliced through the truffle/ mushroon pasta with precision and the '22 Counoise. "What the heck is Counoise?", I asked. It's a Rhone varietal that often finds its way into Chateauneuf-du-Pape blends, but on its own it offers a light mouthfeel and an acidity that will make your tongue happy. VERY quaffable!! If you're into wine, it's time for you to discover Kukkula!”

“The wines are first rate, unique and delicious. Owners and winemaker Kevin and Paula add their personal touch to every visitor and tasting. What a difference from so many vineyards these days that have become almost industrial in their treatment of their guests.”

“If you enjoy the beautiful drive out to Justin Vineyards you have just passed one of the best California wineries with superb wines, interesting architecture and setting. Do make it a point to have Kukkula part of your Paso wine experience and some grand conversations with the grower/winemaker Kevin. By chance if you don’t get to see him, you will for sure at one of club member gatherings along with his gracious (great cook and olive oil maker) wife Paula! Kukkula wine is wonderfully distinctive and high quality. Our family and friends have enjoyed many harvest years! In my humble wine opinion, there’s no need to go further down the road!”

“So, I have heard that their wine is good, and drive 40 min a winding narrow road up there. When I arrived I realized there were closed at 4 pm. That’s pretty early for a winery to close…”

“Kukkula makes some really good wines and is definitely a star in the Paso wine space. That said, the tasting experience needs some improvement. Due to COVID, all of the tastings are now done in an area outside that used to be the parking lot, which is understandable considering what's going on. That said, in the 90 minute reserve tasting, not a single table was offered water once, despite the high of the day being 92 degrees and we are sitting outside. That seems a bit irresponsible, as all the other wineries we visited made sure everyone was properly hydrated. And onto the big sticking point of the reserve tasting, if you're looking to do that. It costs $35 per person AND each person is required to buy a 2 bottle minimum of their reserve label wines, which are all $55 each. Now I get having bottle minimums to waive fees, or having a high tasting fee, but having a ~$300 minimum for 2 people to come taste is pretty audacious for a relatively new winery. Having been all over Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Paso, I've never seen a winery charge for tastings AND have a 2 bottle minimum before. It's not a deal breaker, but just make sure you're aware when you go in, that it's around a $150 per person commitment if you do the reserve tasting.”