Le Vigne Winery: Two “Winery of the Year” Awards in One Week
An Interview with Phillip Anderson, General Manager
It is highly unusual to win two “Winery of the Year” Awards in one week. Yet, that’s exactly the good fortune for Le Vigne Winery, Paso Robles wine region, California this June, 2025. In an interview with Phillip Anderson, GM, he details how this designation happened, a little history of the winery, and an overview of their portfolio of wines.
Look for some special links below: How you can help: relief efforts for the Hill Country Flooding.
“Every day is a surprise…last week we had some good ones. Last Thursday we found out that we [Le Vigne Winery] won the Central Coast Wine Competition’s “Winery of the Year” which is a huge deal in this part of the world. Then Monday of last week it was announced that we had won “Paso Robles Winery of the Year” from the New York International Wine Competition [where we won 20 medals] …..we’ve gotten a little more press…..and it’s cooler because it happened that they both released their results the same week.” – Phillip Anderson, General Manager, Le Vigne Winery
About Le Vigne Winery
Le Vigne is a 2nd generation, family-owned winery. The Filippini family history in Paso Robles area began in the early 1960’s. Hay and cattle were the main commodities on the land purchased by the family. Grapevines were then planted in 1982. Early on, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon were planted as the world began to see the unique soils, climate and coastal influence in the Paso Robles wine region. The state-of-the-art winery was built in 1995 and additional vineyards were added. Today there are 135 acres under vine and the winery produces more than 20,000 cases per year. Walter and Sylvia Filippini expanded the winery’s varieties to include Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc, in addition to the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Additionally, small blocks of Grenache, Petite Sirah, Malbec and Tannat were planted. This vineyard has been farmed sustainably for a long time and they are following through with certification now.
Visit tasting rooms in both Paso Robles and Los Angeles (Vernon, California). Ask for the Classic Wine & Cheese Tasting in Paso Robles and sit under the misters enjoying the hospitality, music, and sunshine.
“The winery itself is definitely an older winery within Paso Robles. It’s owners, Walter and Sylvia Filippini, as well as Sylvia’s Dad, actually bought the land in the 1960’s from Buck Owens [singer musician]. In 1982 he decided to plant vines which was a great year to do it. That was a year before the Paso Robles AVA [American Viticultural Area] was created…..for a long time we were just selling premium grapes. The grapes were being used in wines that were winning awards. So, their idea was then to have our own winery in 1990. -– Phillip Anderson, General Manager, Le Vigne Winery
About Paso Robles Wine Region
The Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA) is located on California’s Central Coast, specifically in northern San Luis Obispo County roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco along US Highway 101. This region is often celebrated for its diversity of topography, meso-climates, soils, styles of winemaking, and of course, grape varieties. The growing conditions within the AVA are directly responsible for this collection of more than 60 different vinifera grapes. Eleven sub-regions or sub-AVAs better reflect the diverse microclimates and terroir within the larger appellation helping consumers understand the specific characteristics of the wines produce. Le Vigne Winery is is the Estrella District.
About Phillip Anderson
Phillip Anderson is a DipWSET, level 4 Sommelier, and a Master of Wine candidate. I have known Phillip for 10 years now, as we formed a tasting and study group while studying through the grueling 3 years of exams for the Diploma of Wine designation from WSET – the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, one of the elite certifications in wine. We both graduated in February of 2017. Phillip’s experience in wine leadership is extensive. Despite coming to the wine industry as a second career, Phillip Anderson has developed broad and varied experience in the wine industry over the last 22 years. Starting out selling wine in a tasting room he discovered a true passion for wine. Since then, he has explored all aspects of the wine industry. He was partner in a South African wine importer where he learned to blend wines. He has sold wine in 29 states in the United States, as well as Canada and Norway. He served as general manager and wine maker for a Texas winery. He has worked for producers from around the world and headed up sales for distributors in Texas and California.
Phillip is currently the General Manager of Le Vigne Winery in Paso Robles California. He is currently a student in the Master of Wine program. He has been an instructor and guest lecturer on wine and viticulture at several universities. He has traveled extensively to wine regions around the world but loves to be home in California with his family.
Le Vigne Portfolio of Wines
“Our overall goal is to make the best wines possible….We have a really big portfolio….We initially planted Bordeaux varietals, as that’s what people wanted in 1982. Paso Robles is home of the Rhone Rangers group which we are part of. We do Rhone varietal blends [Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and even a little Viognier]. But we have a heritage for Italian wines. You can grow some fantastic Sangiovese here. We also do some Nero d’Avola and immediately sell out. We do Primitivo/aka Zinfandel. Finally, we grow Tannat! This region grows some of the best Tannat in the world. .” – Phillip Anderson, General Manager, Le Vigne Winery
Wine Recommendations
2024 Le Vigne Winery, Rosé of Sangiovese, Paso Robles, CA $24
Best in Class and Double Gold, Central Coast Wine Competition
2021 Le Vigne Winery Cabernet Sauvignon di Domenico $51
93 Points, James Suckling, Gold, San Diego International Wine and Spirits Challenge
2019 Le Vigne Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon di Acquarello $66
Gold, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Gold, San Antonio Stock Show
2021 Le Vigne Winery Paso Series Sangiovese, Paso Robles, CA $28
95 points, New York International Wine Competition
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Hill Country Flooding: Relief Efforts and How You Can Help
Our hearts are with the Texans in the Hill Country, where devastating flooding over the holiday weekend has claimed lives and disrupted families, homes, businesses, and the cherished landscapes we hold dear. The Hill Country is a vibrant and vital segment of the Texas wine community. Many industry peers and partners, families and neighbors have been affected along with vineyards and tasting rooms.
Where to Donate or Support Relief Efforts
Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country: Donate to the Hill Country Flood Relief Fund.
Kerrville Flood Relief Donations via Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM): Support CAM Kerr County directly.
The Salvation Army: Help with food and shelter.
TEXSAR: Support Texas Search and Rescue.
Travel Opportunities
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Cruise the Danube on AmaWaterways with Wine Wanderings and Wölffer Estate Winery, April 20, 2026, Romantic Danube.
"Enticing Douro River Cruise" with Dr. Bob Young of Bending Branch Winery, on AmaWaterways, April 6-13, 2027
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