Vina Robles Winery Unveils The Eatery at Vina Robles
New Culinary Program Led by Chef Nicola Allegretta; Anchored by a Handmade Neapolitan Pizza Oven from Italy
PASO ROBLES, Calif. (June 26, 2025) – Courtney Benham, owner and president of CMB Family of Wines, is proud to welcome acclaimed Central Coast chef Nicola Allegretta as the new culinary partner at Vina Robles Winery. Launching Friday, June 27, the partnership marks a major expansion of the winery’s hospitality program with the debut of The Eatery at Vina Robles, a chef-driven food offering housed within its new tasting room near downtown Paso Robles. Allegretta will present a seasonal, Italian-inspired menu featuring wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, and his signature Mama’s Meatballs, served through a hybrid model that includes full-service dining on weekends and a curated grab-and-go selection during the week.
"This isn’t just an amenity; it’s a defining part of how we’re reimagining the wine tasting experience,” said Courtney Benham, founder of CMB Family of Wines. “We hope Nicola’s food will bring texture and soul to our wines, creating a layered, welcoming atmosphere that resonates with both locals and visitors.”
At the heart of the kitchen is a hand-built Neapolitan pizza oven crafted by third-generation artisan Stefano Ferrara in Quarto, Italy. Built brick by brick using traditional methods passed down through generations, the oven is considered one of the finest tools for authentic wood-fired cooking in the world. This striking centerpiece adds not only visual drama to the tasting room, but also deep culinary credibility to the menu.
The new culinary offering reflects Vina Robles’ evolving identity under CMB Family of Wines, which acquired the winery in late 2024 and quickly established it as the portfolio’s anchor on the Central Coast. As part of this new chapter, Vina Robles debuted a modern tasting room in early 2025 just minutes from downtown Paso Robles. Designed as a gathering place for both locals and visitors, the space blends contemporary California design with European hospitality and features seated wine tastings, indoor-outdoor lounges, and now, a vibrant culinary program. Chef Nicola’s addition brings a bold new layer to the experience, making Vina Robles one of the few tasting rooms in Paso to offer a chef-driven, full-service food program on-site.
"This collaboration brings together great wine, hospitality, and food that tells a story,” said Chef Nicola Allegretta, whose culinary roots trace back to Bari, Italy, and who built a loyal following through his San Luis Obispo restaurants Mama’s Meatball and Mistura. “I’ve cooked around the world, but there’s something special about bringing it all together here in Paso.”
Guests can enjoy full-service dining Friday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm, with a weekend menu anchored by the wood-fired Stefano Ferrara oven, turning out Neapolitan-style pizzas, Mama’s Meatballs, and a rotating selection of seasonal dishes [placeholder: such as antipasti, pasta, or chef-driven small plates]. During the week, a curated grab-and-go menu offers fresh salads, sandwiches, and prepared items designed to complement tastings or take on the go.
Allegretta brings more than 30 years of global experience to the project, having trained at the Italian Culinary Institute before cooking in France, England, the Dominican Republic, and across the U.S. His return to North County is part of a broader expansion that includes a new restaurant opening in San Luis Obispo focused on Peruvian-Italian fusion.
The launch underscores Vina Robles’ commitment to building experiences that are elevated yet accessible. It will be supported by updated signage, refreshed digital content, and a calendar of events for both the public and wine club members aimed at deepening engagement and drawing local foot traffic.
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About Vina Robles
Founded in the late 1990s by Swiss entrepreneur Hans Nef, Vina Robles has been a defining force in Paso Robles, crafting exceptional, award-winning wines that showcase the rich terroir of California’s Central Coast. Now, under the leadership of Courtney Benham and CMB Family of Wines, Vina Robles is entering an exciting new era. With a renewed focus on interactive tastings, approachable hospitality, and elevated wine experiences, the winery continues to honor its roots while embracing the future. For more information, visit VinaRobles.com or follow Vina Robles Winery on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About CMB Family of Wines
CMB Family of Wines is a family-owned and operated portfolio of premium wine brands based in California’s Russian River Valley, on the Laguna Ridge at Martin Ray—one of the state’s oldest continually operating wineries. The portfolio includes Martin Ray, Angeline, Synthesis, Courtney Benham, and the newly acquired Foppiano and Vina Robles. Known for revitalizing legacy brands, CMB Family of Wines seamlessly blends tradition with modern innovation, crafting wines that celebrate California’s most esteemed appellations. With an unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and a family-first philosophy, CMB Family of Wines is shaping a dynamic future for generations to come.
Media Contact: Lani Free or Marlow Bruce, Greenheart Communications Collective (cmbpr@greenheartcollective.com)
