RE:FIND Handcrafted Spirits logo

RE:FIND Distillery & Villicana Winery

Region
  • California, USA
Awards
  • 2023 Paso Robles Wine Industry Persons of the Year: Awarded to Alex and Monica Villicana, owners of Villicana Winery and RE:FIND Distillery.
Website
  • http://www.refinddistillery.com/
Phone Number
  • +18052399456
Address
  • 2725 Adelaida Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United States

Distillery with bottles and copper stills.

History of RE:FIND Distillery & Villicana Winery

RE:FIND Distillery and Villicana Winery represent a unique story of sustainability and innovation in California’s Central Coast. Nestled in Paso Robles wine country, this family-run enterprise offers a glimpse into the world of handcrafted spirits made with a deep respect for the land.

A Family’s Passion (1990s – Present)

The story begins with Alex and Monica Villicana, a couple with a shared love for food and wine. While Alex initially pursued a culinary career, his path shifted towards winemaking in the early 1990s. He began working harvests at local wineries and eventually secured grapes to create his own small batch of wine in 1992. This marked the humble beginnings of Villicana Winery.

Sustainable Practices Take Root (2011 – Present)

As Villicana Winery flourished, the Villicanas sought ways to minimize waste and maximize the potential of their grapes. In 2011, their commitment to sustainability led to the birth of RE:FIND Distillery.

The concept was simple yet revolutionary – utilize the “saignée” technique. During winemaking, some free-run juice, or “saignée,” is typically discarded to concentrate the remaining wine. RE:FIND Distillery saw an opportunity in this discarded juice. By fermenting and distilling it, they could create premium spirits while minimizing waste.

This focus on sustainability remains a cornerstone of RE:FIND Distillery’s philosophy. They source additional grapes from local, sustainable vineyards, ensuring responsible use of resources throughout the production process.

A Spirit of Innovation (2011 – Present)

RE:FIND Distillery isn’t just about sustainability; it’s also about crafting exceptional spirits. They specialize in handcrafted vodkas and gins, using natural ingredients and meticulous distillation techniques. Here’s a look at their offerings:

  • Vodka: RE:FIND offers a classic vodka, known for its smooth taste and clean finish. It’s perfect for cocktails or enjoyed neat.
  • Gin: Their gin selection boasts unique botanical blends, featuring local Californian ingredients like citrus peels, lavender, and rosemary. Each expression offers a distinct flavor profile.

Beyond vodka and gin, RE:FIND Distillery also collaborates with local brewers to create California-inspired whiskeys.

A Commitment to Transparency

RE:FIND Distillery prioritizes transparency in their practices. They believe in using natural ingredients and traditional methods, allowing the quality of their base ingredients to shine through in the final product. This dedication to honesty and transparency has earned them a loyal following among spirit enthusiasts.

From its humble beginnings as a way to minimize waste, RE:FIND Distillery has become a symbol of sustainable and innovative spirit production. Together with Villicana Winery, they offer a unique destination for those seeking handcrafted spirits and a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Awards Won by RE:FIND Distillery & Villicana Winery

  • 2023 Paso Robles Wine Industry Persons of the Year:
    • Awarded to Alex and Monica Villicana, owners of Villicana Winery and RE:FIND Distillery.
    • Recognized for their outstanding leadership, vision, and contributions to the Paso Robles wine community.
  • Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Annual Gala 2023:
    • Celebrated for their innovation and commitment to sustainability.
    • Highlighted efforts in repurposing the saignée from wine production into premium spirits, promoting eco-friendly practices within the industry.

RE:FIND Distillery & Villicana Winery Tour Information and Experience

RE:FIND Distillery & Villicana Winery lets you see how they turn grapes into delicious spirits and award-winning wines! Their tours are fun and informative, perfect for anyone curious about what they do.

See How They Make Spirits Sustainably

  • Walk through the distillery and see how they turn leftover grape juice (“saignée”) into tasty vodka and gin!
  • Learn why this is good for the environment – it reduces waste.
  • Discover the secrets of distilling – how they cook and turn the juice into spirits.

Optional Winery Tour (extra cost):

  • Explore the Villicana Winery (might not be on all tours).
  • See where the grapes grow and how they turn them into wine.

Wrap Up with a Tasty Treat!

Every tour ends with a fun part – tasting! You’ll get to try some of their handcrafted vodkas and gins, savoring the unique flavors.

Optional Wine Tasting (might depend on the tour):

If you take the winery tour, you might also get to taste some of their award-winning wines (information might be limited).

Booking Your Tour

  • Tours are available every day, at different times.
  • It’s a good idea to reserve your spot in advance, especially during busy times. You can do this online or by calling them.
  • Prices vary depending on the tour you choose – distillery tours are the base price, and winery exploration might cost extra.

Flask & Barrel Review of RE:FIND Distillery & Villicana Winery

As a whiskey guy who’s done his fair share of distillery tours, I gotta say RE:FIND Distillery & Villicana Winery was a refreshing change of pace. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a good ol’ fashioned smoky scotch, but there’s something cool about seeing a distillery that’s all about sustainability.

Here’s the lowdown:

  • Eco-Friendly Twist: Their whole thing is using leftover grape juice from winemaking to create their spirits. Pretty neat, right? Less waste, more vodka and gin – good for the environment and my taste buds!
  • Tour Time: The tour itself was fun and informative. They showed us the whole process, from that leftover juice (“saignée,” fancy name!) to the finished product. The guide knew their stuff and answered all my questions about distillation (and there were a few!).
  • Tasting Time: Now, the most important part – the tasting! Their vodka was smooth and clean, perfect for a classic martini. The gins were interesting, with some unique botanicals you don’t always find. I particularly liked the one with the lavender – super floral and fragrant.

While I wouldn’t say it takes the crown for the best distillery tour ever, it was definitely worth checking out. The only thing missing was, well, whiskey! Since they focus on grape-based spirits, there wasn’t any brown liquor to be seen. But hey, you can’t have it all, right?

If you’re looking for something a little different, a tour of RE:FIND Distillery is a great call. Sustainable practices, cool spirits, and a knowledgeable guide make it a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars in my book. Just don’t expect to find any single malt waiting for you at the end!

What To Do Nearby RE:FIND Distillery & Villicana Winery

  • Explore Paso Robles Downtown (4 miles): Immerse yourself in the vibrant downtown Paso Robles, just a short drive away. Stroll through charming streets lined with art galleries, unique shops, and delicious restaurants. Sample local cuisine or browse for souvenirs to commemorate your trip.

  • Hit the Wineries (variable distance): Paso Robles is renowned for its wineries. With over 400 wineries in the region, you’re spoilt for choice. Explore nearby wineries like DAOU Vineyards (known for its stunning castle) or explore hidden gems through a wine tasting tour.

  • Hike at Pinnacles National Park (22 miles): Embark on an adventurous day trip to Pinnacles National Park. Hike through towering rock spires, explore caves, and witness breathtaking views of the Californian landscape. This park offers trails for all skill levels.

  • Relax at Atascadero Lake (10 miles): Escape to the serenity of Atascadero Lake, a haven for relaxation and outdoor activities. Enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride around the lake, go for a refreshing swim, or rent a kayak to explore the calm waters.

  • Go Stargazing at Mount Buchon (15 miles): For astronomy enthusiasts, Mount Buchon offers breathtaking night skies, far from light pollution. Pack a picnic dinner, bring a blanket, and gaze at the Milky Way in all its glory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near RE:FIND Distillery & Villicana Winery?

  • Firestone Walker Taproom Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1400 Ramada Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446. For reservations, you can reach out to them at (805) 225-5913.
  • Street Side Ale House and Eatery: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 6155 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422. For reservations, you can reach out to them at (805) 460-6454.
  • Barley and Boar – Restaurant • Brewhouse • Distillery: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 5925 Entrada Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422. For reservations, you can reach out to them at (805) 460-6369​.

What hotels are near RE:FIND Distillery & Villicana Winery?

  • La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Paso Robles: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 2615 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446. For reservations, you can reach out to them at (805) 239-3004.
  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Atascadero: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 9010 West Front Road, Atascadero, CA 93422. For reservations, you can reach out to them at (805) 462-0200.
  • The Piccolo: It has a rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 600 12th Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446. For reservations, you can reach out to them at (805) 226-5920.