Dracaena Wines – Winning Wines 10 Years In a Row!
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
It is often stated that “success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it come from what you do consistently”. No truer words sum up what Dracaena Cabernet Franc has done over the last ten years. The have scored consistently 90+ scores since introducing their wines. Michael and Lori Budd are the owners who fell “into love with Cabernet Franc”. While today Michael is still working a full time job and Lori just recently retired from school teaching, they have been molding their winery business. They use a custom crush house to produce their wine and their Cabernet Franc grapes come from The Plummer Vineyard in Paso Robles. Michael and Lori’s backgrounds are primarily in Food Science, they originally met back on the East Coast while working. Lori who has since continued her education as a WSET II with distinction, holds various certifications on wine, and is an award winning writer and podcaster on a variety of wine subjects. Both Michael and Lori are co-founders of International Cabernet Franc Day, December 4th. Additionally they have been consistent winners at the Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition held in early April.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
They recently opened their tasting room on the corner of 13th and Pine in downtown Paso Robles. I had the opportunity last weekend to see their “new digs” and what they had done with this space. It is open, homey and a very comfortable area to sip wines from their white, Rosé to red varietal to blends.
The Wines of Dracaena:
Photo ©Michael Kelly
One of the benefits of “stopping by the tasting room” is that offer only certain wines that are available at the tasting room. For example their 2021 Cinnabari can only be purchased there. It is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot . A wine light in coloring but packs a punch of robust flavor and will go with just about any meal.
We were able to taste their premier wine, the 2021 Cabernet Franc Reserve from Plummer’s Vineyard. This has won more awards than can be listed here in this article! Always one of my top 10 favorite wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We also enjoyed their regular Cabernet Franc which again has won many awards!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Had one additional taste but unfortunately did not take a picture of their 2022 unfiltered Chenin Blanc. Next time you are downtown Paso Robles stop by for a taste of their wines and you might also meet Vegas their current Weimaraner dog!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Sláinte,
Michael
December 11, 2023 at 4:12 pm
Thank you so much Michael. It was great to see you again and to be able to share our newest vintage with you! Hope to see you again soon!