Captivating Views
At Calcareous of Paso Robles
At 1,800 feet above sea level, from atop the highest peak of our Estate, the breathtaking panoramas of Paso Robles were a favorite of our founders when Calcareous Vineyard was first established. It wasn’t just the romance of this view that was captivating. It was the certainty that this place—this singular mix of soil, water, sun, and air—would impose itself on anything that grew here. Today, rows of Rhône and Bordeaux varietals now cascade down the steep, chalky, sun-drenched slopes in small blocks, interplanted to capture the most highly-focused expression of place.
Owner
Dana Brown
Dana Brown and her father, Lloyd Messer, developed their appreciation for world class wines through their years in the wine distribution business in the Midwest. After building and selling their companies, they were drawn to the character of Paso Robles, where they discovered the remarkable land that would become Calcareous Vineyard. At nearly 1,500 feet above sea level, the steep terrain and solid calcareous soils presented challenges, but it was this distinctive sense of place that inspired Dana and Lloyd to plant vines. From the beginning, the land had a voice of its own, shaping the character of the wines and setting Calcareous Vineyard apart. The reward of that vision can be experienced in the distinct wines and at our hilltop tasting room and restaurant. What began as a shared passion between a father and daughter has become a 25 year labor of love. This is Calcareous Vineyard, where we “let the soil speak.” Lloyd passed away in 2006, but his vision remains an enduring part of Calcareous Vineyard. Dana honors his legacy through wines bearing his name while carrying their original vision forward with her daughter, Frannie Brown, representing the next generation of the family. For the past 25 years, Dana has devoted herself to building Calcareous Vineyard and earning the respect of the wine community through critically acclaimed wines. Her vision is to create exceptional wines while offering an experience defined by casual elegance. With Frannie by her side, Dana looks forward to the next 25 years of great wine, hospitality, and sharing what she has built with you.
Winemaker
Jason Joyce
Jason Joyce was drawn to winemaking for its balance of art and science. After beginning his career in the scientific field, he found in wine a craft that combined precision with creativity, spontaneity, and personal expression. It offered a deeper connection to people, place, and the experience of sharing a bottle. Jason began at Calcareous Vineyard as a harvest cellar hand, learning the craft through hands on experience and small batch, high quality wines. Over the years, he developed a deep understanding of the estate vineyard and the distinctive character of fruit grown in the elevation and calcareous soils of Paso Robles. His dedication ultimately led him to become head winemaker in 2010. Jason’s approach is rooted in respect for the vineyard. He believes the estate’s soil, elevation, climate, and exposure provide the foundation for wines with a distinct sense of place. Rather than impose a style on the fruit, he makes thoughtful decisions in the cellar to bring out its character. For Jason, the goal is simple: make exceptional wine that speaks to where it comes from. Vintage after vintage, he allows the vineyard to guide the wine.
Brand Coordinator
Frannie Brown
Growing up, Frannie Brown watched her mother, Dana, build Calcareous from the ground up, admiring her persistence, passion, and dedication to creating something truly special. Inspired by her mother’s journey and the family’s deep connection to this land, Frannie joined the Calcareous team after graduating college in 2024. Since then, she has immersed herself in the wine industry, learning from her coworkers, gaining tremendous respect for the people and producers throughout Paso Robles, and discovering the magic of the place she has always called home. As the next generation of the family, Frannie is honored to carry forward her grandfather Lloyd’s vision while building upon her mother’s achievements. With a fresh perspective and a genuine passion for connecting with today’s wine lovers, she believes great wine should be experienced without intimidation—through authentic stories, meaningful connections, and memorable moments. As she continues to learn and grow within the industry, Frannie is committed to helping shape the future of Calcareous while staying true to the values, vision, and sense of place that have defined the family’s wines from the beginning.
Experience
Calcareous
We offer a variety of options for visiting our vineyard and enjoying our award-winning wines. Availability is limited, so book a reservation for your Calcareous experience today!
