Written by: Chloe Redmond, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Paolo Barbieri dedicated five long years to his studies before finally conquering the exam and earning the prestigious title of Master Sommelier. With an abundance of wine knowledge and unwavering focus, Paolo now showcases his expertise by producing some of the most exceptional wines in both Santa Barbara County and Paso Robles.
The inception of Barbieri Wine Company dates back to 2005, when Paolo Barbieri, the Master Sommelier himself, decided to establish his own venture. Hailing from Rome, Paolo's journey began at the age of 22 when he left Italy with a burning ambition to learn English and pursue a career in the restaurant industry. He embarked on his path by taking up various roles in restaurants across England and even on a cruise line, eventually finding his way to the United States. It was here that he transitioned into the world of sommeliers, managing renowned wine lists for over three decades, achieving the esteemed title of Master Sommelier, and being introduced to the finest wines the world had to offer.
Paolo's exposure to the diverse range of wines from around the globe sparked a deep passion within him. In 2003, he began his journey of experimentation, crafting small batches of wine from Santa Barbara County in the confines of his Las Vegas garage. Today, remnants of his initial winemaking process can still be found in his tasting room, a testament to his humble beginnings. With his wealth of experience and unparalleled expertise, Paolo honed his own unique winemaking techniques. Drawn to the enchanting wines of the central coast, Paolo started crafting his creations in Buellton, California, all while commuting back and forth to Las Vegas.
Erin Kempe's culinary career took flight in her home state of Texas, where she gained invaluable experience working in various restaurants. It was during this time that her profound love for food and wine blossomed. A move to Las Vegas brought her face-to-face with culinary masters and esteemed James Beard winners such as Hubert Keller, Rick Moonen, Wolfgang Puck, and Shawn McClain. In 2007, fate intervened when she crossed paths with Paolo. Inspired and captivated by his world of winemaking, Erin's passion for wine grew with each passing vintage, and her dream of becoming a winemaker began to take shape. Together with Paolo, she embarked on a new venture under her own label, KEMPE, specializing in Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, as well as Bordeaux blends, accompanied by a delectable Rosé and white blend.
In 2014, Paolo and Erin made a daring decision to fully immerse themselves in winemaking. They bid farewell to Las Vegas and opened their very own tasting room in the charming town of Los Olivos. Today, the range of Barbieri & Kempe wines has expanded to include an array of unique white and Rosé options, as well as a captivating selection of different varietals and blends.
Chloe Redmond of Vino Vaquera Consulting sat down with Paolo and Erin to kick off 2024 with an entrepreneurial deep dive!
Hello Paolo & Erin! We are so honored to share a piece of your story and brand with the publication! When you are ready, please formally introduce yourself to our audience! Where are you both originally from and what brought you to the Central Coast?
We are Paolo Barbieri and Erin Kempe owners of Barbieri and Kempe Wines here on the central coast of California! Paolo is from Rome and left Italy at age 22, where he moved to England with a dream of learning English and pursuing a career in the restaurant industry. He started off working various restaurant jobs in England and on the cruise line, which eventually led him to the United States. He later transitioned to sommelier – where he spent over thirty years managing numerous world-class wine lists, became a Master Sommelier, and was exposed to the best wines in the world.
Paolo’s exposure to the world’s wine inspired him to start making small (experimental) lots from Santa Barbara County in his garage in Las Vegas, Nevada. The small wine press used in his initial batches can still be found in his tasting room today. During the early development of Barbieri Wine Company, Paolo used his experience and expertise to master his own wine-making process. Paolo always loved the central coast for its wines, and soon began crafting them in Buellton, CA, while commuting back to Las Vegas.
My (Erin) career in the culinary world started back in her home state of Texas where I worked in several restaurants, which helped to develop her love for food and wine. My big move to Las Vegas brought me to work with culinary masters and James Beard winners. After meeting Paolo in 2007, I became passionate and eager to help with the wine-making. Together with Paolo, I created a new label under my name, KEMPE which focuses on Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
We understand that two separate labels are being showcased at each of your Santa Barbara County locations, Barbieri Wines and Kempe Wines. Describe the difference between the labels and how they coexist.
The Barbieri label offers Rhone varietals from Santa Barba County and the Kempe label offers Bordeaux varietals from Paso Robles. Both of us love all the wines of the central coast so we decided to have two labels that celebrate both AVS's here which would offer a broader spectrum of varietals to our guests!
You both have an extensive career in the Food & Beverage industry. Can we touch on the earlier years of your careers?
Paolo's culinary background started in England where he had moved to learn English. He worked his way up to Captain at some of the best restaurants in England which led him to work on the "Original Love Boat" the Princess Cruise ship. He then ended up in Las Vegas running the wine programs for Bellagio, Wynn, and Cosmopolitan. Erin's hospitality background started in Texas where she worked at some top fine dining restaurants. She moved to Las Vegas in 1998 which is where she honed her wine and food skills at some of the best restaurants in Vegas.
Las Vegas sounds like a pivotal time. What made you two decide that it was time to transition into the wine industry full-time?
As the years went by making wine in Santa Barbara we became more and more in love not only with the Santa Ynez Valley, but the winemaking was always on the forefront of our minds. The decision was made that we would start saving our money in the hopes that one day we could move here and do this full-time. Which came to fruition in 2014!
Paolo, we understand that you are the only Master Sommelier currently on the Central Coast of California. How does this elevate the tasting offering or private tour experience for your visitors?
I guess what makes my private experience different than all the others would be a couple of things. First, you'll be tasting directly with me versus a trained sales associate (which is the case most of the time here) so any production questions (or any questions at all) would be answered by me, the winemaker. Secondly, our wines differ from most here because of my extensive tasting and knowledge of winemaking techniques from all over the world. I guide you through each wine and how it's made from start to finish. While with me at the production facility, you'll see our equipment and get to ask all the questions about what it takes to make wine from start to finish.
Erin, we hear you are the life of every party. Will you speak to us about your current private event & venue offerings?
We are so excited to be offering both our Los Olivos and Santa Barbara locations for wedding receptions, welcome events, corporate events, birthdays, wedding showers, and more! Both locations are visibly stunning and great for so many photo opportunities!
What a dynamic duo! What is your secret to success as a small business owner in Santa Barbara County?
We believe the secret to our success is in the personalized service we give to each and every guest who walks in our doors! We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to welcome guests and make them feel as though they've come home for the time we are with them!
Why should a customer purchase from your brand(s) versus a competitor?
When you buy our handmade small lot wines, you rest knowing you're supporting the true little family business! We put every ounce of ourselves in our wines and in our tasting rooms and it shows!
Our customers and club members also get to embark on our foodie creator era with us. Do you love to pour yourself a glass of wine, kick off your shoes, and turn on a cooking show on a Friday night? If so, please head to our YouTube Channel where Paolo gives viewers a creation and pairing experience from our very own kitchen in Los Alamos, CA.
For further information regarding Barbieri & Kempe Wines, you may visit their website. For press inquiries, please contact Chloe Redmond directly here. My Favorite Thing (YouTube).
Read more from Chloe!
Chloe Redmond, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Chloe Redmond is a leader in digital marketing, influencer partnerships, and social media management. A chance opportunity to work with Chopra Global (Deepak Chopra’s legacy company) in 2020 that left her with the understanding of how mindfulness and marketing can co-exist. She is dedicated in helping entrepreneurs reach their pure potentiality through intentional and intuitive marketing practices. Her mission: to teach others how to put their authentic self into play what targeting their niche and discovering creative partnerships.
