Paza Estate Winery

What Paza Estate Winery does

PaZa Estate Winery is a small family-run estate winery founded in 2005 by Pamela and Zane Dobson, operating from a single 3357 Ayers Holmes Road location in Auburn, California, on the Placer Wine Trail in the Sierra Foothills. The winery farms organically on hillside vineyards at 500'-1,300' elevation in Andregg soil (granite, clay, and sandy loam), with vines sourced from France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Croatia, and produces 600-800 cases per year. Production follows a minimal-intervention winemaking philosophy — no filtration, fining, or adjustments, with minimal sulfite additions and 2-3 year barrel aging for reds — and includes novel techniques such as amphorae fermentation for the 2025 Albariño (the first grown in Placer County) and on-skins fermentation for the 2022 Garnacha Blanca. The current portfolio comprises seven wines: 2025 Rosé, 2025 Albariño, 2023 Sangiovese, 2022 Garnacha Blanca, 2022 Côtes Du Placer (GSM blend), 2022 Petite Sirah, and Shed Red (field blend).

The business operates a direct-to-consumer model with three primary revenue streams: DTC wine sales (via the open-air tasting shed "The Shed" open Friday-Sunday 12-5PM, an online store for pickup, and direct shipment to legally compliant states), the YeeHaw Wine Club (twice-yearly spring/fall shipments with 15-25% discounts, complimentary tastings for up to four guests, and access to pre-releases), and event-based experiences including Sunset Sippin', Boutique Brunch ($50/person), winemaker dinners, and regional Placer Wine Trail festivals ($12-$55 per person). Bottle pricing ranges from $21 to $33, with a wine club average of $27 per bottle. Beyond the founding owners, the team includes Cyndie Vining (since February 2017) handling tastings and customer service. Long-term grape sourcing partnerships supplement estate production, notably with Joie de Vivre Vineyard (8+ years for the GSM blend) and Snyder Vineyard (Shed Red field blend). Distribution is concentrated at the single Auburn estate, with no disclosed wholesale or restaurant channel, making geographic concentration the primary business risk.

Name

Paza Estate Winery

Legal name

PaZa Estate Winery

Website

https://pazawines.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

PaZa Estate Winery is a family-run estate winery in Auburn, California, producing 600-800 cases per year of naturally-made, estate-grown wines from European varietals. It sells direct-to-consumer through its tasting shed, online store, and YeeHaw Wine Club membership program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Winery

NAICS

Wineries (312130), Grape Vineyards (111332), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (44532)

akta.pro primary industry

Wine Production & Winemaking (AFAFAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wine Grape Vineyard Operations (Varietal/AVA Practices, Yield & Quality Targets) (AFAGAJAJ), Wine Bars (THAFAEAF), Wine Tastings & Vineyard/Winery Tours (THAJAGAD), Alcohol Subscription & Wine Clubs (Retail) (CRANABAF)

Keywords

• Estate wine production
• Wine tasting experiences
• Wine club membership
• Sierra Foothills wines
• Small-batch winemaking

Headquarters

HQ city

Auburn

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Direct wine sales: Direct-to-consumer wine sales through the tasting shed (The Shed), online store for pickup, and direct shipment to legally compliant states. Bottle prices range from $21-$33.
2. YeeHaw Wine Club membership: Wine club with twice-yearly shipments (spring and fall). Members receive 15-25% discounts on purchases, complimentary tastings for up to 4 guests, access to pre-releases and limited wines, and invitations to winemaker dinners and special events.
3. Event tastings and experiences: Revenue from event-based tastings including Sunset Sippin', Boutique Brunch, winemaker dinners, and Placer Wine Trail festivals. Tastings typically $12 per person, special events $40-55.
4. eGift cards: Square eGift cards for tastings, glass and bottle purchases, and PaZa merchandise.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Paza Estate Winery is a small family-run estate winery on the Placer Wine Trail in Auburn, California, producing 600-800 cases per year of naturally-made wines from European varietals (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese, Albariño, Garnacha Blanca, Petite Sirah, Primitivo, Zinfandel, Barbera, Viognier). The winery sells wines directly to consumers through its tasting shed (The Shed), online store for pickup, direct shipping to legally compliant states, and the YeeHaw Wine Club membership program, while also hosting paid tasting experiences and special events.

Product overview

Paza Estate Winery is a small family-run winery on the Placer Wine Trail in Auburn, California, producing 600-800 cases annually of naturally-made estate wines. Their product portfolio includes seven distinct wine offerings: 2025 Rosé, 2025 Albariño (the first grown in Placer County), 2023 Sangiovese, 2022 Garnacha Blanca, 2022 Côtes Du Placer (GSM blend), 2022 Petite Sirah, and Shed Red (field blend). These wines are sold through their direct-to-consumer online store, at their estate tasting shed, and via their YeeHaw Wine Club membership program. The winery also offers wine tasting experiences at The Shed (open Friday-Sunday) and eGift cards for purchase.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• YeeHaw Wine Club: The winery's wine club membership program featuring Spring and Fall wine releases with member appreciation parties, discounts, and exclusive access to limited wines.

Products and services

• 2025 Rosé Dry Rosé blend of Sierra Foothills varietals with ripe strawberry and berry notes on the nose and palate, best paired with Spicy Asian Lettuce Wraps; priced at $25 per bottle.
• 2025 Albariño Distinctive white wine, the first of its kind grown in Placer County, fermented in amphorae with vibrant aromatics of honeysuckle and Meyer lemon, exceptional with sushi, shrimp, or scallops; priced at $27 per bottle.
• 2023 Sangiovese Red wine with flavors of tart cherry, figs, red plums, and roses, with equal parts tannin and acid, aged in French oak barrels for 2 years; priced at $33 per bottle.
• 2022 Garnacha Blanca Orange-hued white wine (Grenache Blanc) fermented on-skins with aromas of honeydew, passion fruit, and honeysuckle, paired with Snapper in Lemon-Cream Sauce; priced at $21 per bottle.
• 2022 Côtes Du Placer (GSM) GSM blend composed of 46% Grenache, 36% Syrah, and 18% Mourvèdre, aged 3 years in Leroi and Charlois oak barrels with notes of sugarplum, red cherry, and currant.
• 2022 Petite Sirah Dark red wine known for inky dark color and intense aromas of cloves and blueberries with white pepper overtones, followed by flavors of cocoa and restrained tannins; priced at $29 per bottle.
• Shed Red Field blend of Barbera, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Viognier with small percentage of estate Primitivo, medium ruby color with notes of red plum, currants, toasted pecans and dates; priced at $31 per bottle.
• YeeHaw Wine Club Wine club membership offering 15-25% discounts on bottle purchases, complimentary tastings for up to 4 guests, access to limited wines and pre-releases, and exclusive invitations to winemaker dinners and special events. Two shipments per year with spring and fall release pick-up weekends; 2-bottle or 4-bottle minimum shipment options at an average bottle price of $27.
• Estate Wine Tasting at The Shed Open-air tasting shed experience on the Placer Wine Trail with views of Sutter Buttes and coastal mountains. Tastings offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12-5 PM; customers may bring picnic items and well-behaved dogs.
• eGift Cards Digital gift cards usable for tastings, glass and bottle purchases, and PaZa merchandise, sold online through Square.

Quantifiable outcome

• 600-800 cases produced annually, enabling small-lot premium winemaking
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Placer Wine TrailcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPaZa is a member of the Placer Wine Trail, a consortium of small family-run boutique wineries dedicated to preserving the historic wine-making legacy of the California Sierra Foothills. Participates in joint marketing events, festivals, and the Sips & Suds Summer Passport program.
• Placer GrowncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAgricultural association promoting locally grown products in Placer County. PaZa is listed as a member winery providing estate-grown wines from locally cultivated grapes.
• Visit PlacerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVisitor's guide to Placer County promoting local attractions including wineries. PaZa is featured as a destination on the Placer Wine Trail.
• Joie de Vivre VineyardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSourced grapes from Joie de Vivre Vineyard for 8+ years for GSM blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre). Located three miles northwest of winery at 425 feet elevation.
• Snyder VineyardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSourced old world style field blend (Barbera, Zinfandel, Syrah, Viognier) from Snyder vineyard at far north end of Garden Bar Road for Shed Red blend.
• Newcastle ProduceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal farm fresh produce source. Cross-promotional partner for Placer County agricultural products.
• Orton's VineyardminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner vineyard that provided 3 tons of grapes during 2020 harvest in addition to 11 tons from estate property.
• Real Food CateringminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides curated brunch buffet for Boutique Brunch events at the winery. Catering partner for member appreciation events.
• Skipolini's PizzaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFood vendor for wine club pick-up weekends and winemaker dinners. Host venue for special PaZa winemaker dinner event in Rocklin.
• Mandala Moon Candle Co.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal artisan vendor that sets up at PaZa events including Valentine's Weekend, Boutique Brunch, and pop-up events.
• Dolce TacosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFresh taco vendor for wine club pick-up weekends at the winery.
• Wild Sierra HandmademinorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal jewelry artisan vendor at Sip Into Spring and other PaZa events.
• Pure LifestyleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTallow and natural skincare vendor at PaZa tasting events.
• JMR WoodminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSmall-batch cutting boards, charcuterie and grazing boards vendor at events.
• 1124 Farms Goat Milk SoapminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal artisan vendor at Sip Into Spring event.
• Sunny James BoutiqueminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWomen's clothing and accessories vendor at PaZa events.
• Las Cazuelas de MariaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFood truck vendor providing tacos and Mexican cuisine at Sip Into Spring event.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Bogle Vineyards: One of the larger family-owned wineries in California's Central Valley/Clarksburg, with broad national distribution across multiple varietals. Comparable as a California family winery but operates at vastly greater scale and through wholesale, contrasting PaZa's small-lot DTC model.
• Ironstone Vineyards: Large Sierra Foothills winery in Calaveras County with a broad varietal portfolio, tasting room, event venue, and national distribution. Comparable as a Sierra Foothills estate winery with tasting tourism, but at materially larger scale and broader market reach than PaZa.

Direct peers

• Narrow Gate Vineyards: Estate vineyard and winery on the Placer Wine Trail producing Rhone- and French-style wines in very small lots with a tasting-room experience. Comparable in scale, varietal philosophy (French-influenced), and DTC-only distribution as PaZa.
• Wise Villa Winery: Family-run Placer Wine Trail boutique winery in Auburn, CA offering estate wines and on-site tastings. Directly comparable as a same-region small-lot producer competing for the same wine-tourist and wine-club customer with a tasting-room-led DTC model.
• Lone Buffalo Vineyards: Boutique estate winery on the Placer Wine Trail producing small-lot wines with a tasting room and wine club. Direct competitor for tasting-room visitors, wine-club sign-ups, and regional event traffic in Auburn, CA.
• Viña Castellano Winery: Placer Wine Trail boutique winery specializing in Spanish and Iberian varietals with a tasting room and wine club. Direct comparable given its overlapping varietal focus (Spanish grapes) and identical tasting-room + wine-club DTC model in the same Auburn, CA trade area.
• Fawnridge Winery & Vineyard: Family-owned estate winery on the Placer Wine Trail offering estate-grown wines and tasting experiences. Comparable in scale and model: small production, family-run, tasting-shed DTC, and wine-club driven revenue in the same Auburn/Placer catchment.
• Mt. Vernon Winery: Small Placer Wine Trail winery in Auburn, CA with a tasting room, wine club, and event programming. Operates the same DTC, wine-club, and Placer Trail festival model targeting the same regional wine-tourism audience as PaZa.
• Bonitata Boutique Wine: Small boutique Placer Wine Trail winery focused on Italian varietals with a tasting room in Auburn, CA. Direct comparable as another family-run, small-lot estate winery competing for the same wine-tourist and wine-club customer.

Emerging players

• Field Recordings Wine: Small-batch California winery focused on low-intervention, vineyard-specific bottlings distributed mainly through DTC and small wholesale. Comparable as a low-intervention, small-lot producer with a similar minimal-filtration, minimal-sulfite winemaking philosophy to PaZa.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/escapetotheshed
• Xx.com/pazawines

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Paza Estate Winery