Point Blank Review: Stiekema Wine Company Paso Robles
Stiekema Wine Company — A Barrel Tasting Unlike Any Other in Paso Robles
An Experience Worth Seeking Out
Some wine experiences stay with you. My Sunday afternoon barrel tasting with Mike Stiekema at Stiekema Wine Company was one of those. If you are serious about wine, or even just curious, this is the tasting you did not know you were looking for.
We booked online just the day before. We hoped for a Saturday reservation, but Sunday was all that was left. It turned out to be the perfect day. We arrived a few minutes before noon, and Mike greeted us at the door. That set the tone for everything that followed.
Beyond the Tasting Room
Mike did not seat us at a table with a menu. He led us straight into the production warehouse. No rehearsed script. No printed tasting notes. Just the winemaker, the barrels, and the wine. I have met winemakers during tastings before, but this was my first time sampling wine directly from the barrel and comparing it to the bottled version side by side. My girlfriend and I had Mike all to ourselves. That alone made it special.
Mike knows his craft inside and out. He shared a lot of technical detail about his process. Some of it went over my head, but he always brought it back to plain language anyone could follow. We started with a Pinot Noir rosé. Then we moved into the Rhône varietals at the heart of his lineup: Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. We tasted two barrels of each. Mike saved the Syrah for last because it was still so bold and raw. The highlight was tasting his GSM blend straight from the barrel, then comparing it to the bottled 2023 and 2024 vintages. Seeing that evolution in the glass was eye-opening.
Stiekema Wine Company — World-Class Wines from a One-Man Operation
Mike builds his lineup around three varietals — Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. He bottles each one as a single varietal and blends them into his signature GSM. He sources all his fruit from the West Side of Paso Robles. He ages every bottle in 100% French oak for 14 to 18 months. The 2022 vintage earned scores from 91 to 94 points across the full lineup from Wine Enthusiast. That is a remarkable result for any winery. For a one-man operation making fewer than 200 cases a year, it is extraordinary.
Grenache — 93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
The Grenache is the most approachable wine in the lineup. It leads with bright red fruit — raspberry, red cherry, and a subtle herbal note from the cool Templeton Gap influence. Mike offers this one as a club exclusive, and it sold out fast. If you can get it through the wine club, grab it.
Syrah — 94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
The Syrah tops the 2022 lineup. It is bold and full-bodied from the first sip. The nose opens with blackberries, black cherries, and ripe plums. Violet and dried herb notes add depth. On the palate, blackberries and black currants take center stage. Oak adds touches of vanilla and cedar without taking over. Mike saved this one for last during our tasting. Straight from the barrel, it was raw and powerful. It is the kind of wine that rewards patience. Also a club exclusive and sold out.
Mourvèdre — 91 Points, Wine Enthusiast
The Mourvèdre is the darkest and most complex of the three. It carries earthy, savory depth that sets it apart. The Grenache charms you. The Syrah grabs you. The Mourvèdre makes you think. Another sold-out club exclusive worth joining the club for.
2022 GSM — 92 Points, Wine Enthusiast
The GSM is Mike’s signature wine and the one you can still buy today. The nose is aromatic and inviting. Ripe raspberries and red currants lead, with spice and earthy notes underneath. In the glass, all three grapes find their role. Grenache brings the fruit. Syrah adds structure. Mourvèdre ties it all together. Tasting the 2023 and 2024 barrel samples next to the bottled wine showed just how much care Mike puts into every blend decision.
The Story Behind the Bottle
Mike came to Paso Robles in 2018 after finishing his studies in Viticulture and Enology. He grew up in South Africa, and that heritage shapes everything he does. He describes Stiekema Wine Company as “hand-crafted, intentful, small-lot wines — the manifested chaos of science and art.” He serves biltong during tastings as a nod to his South African roots. It is a small touch, but it makes the experience feel personal and unlike anything else in Paso Robles.
What It Costs — and Why It Is Worth It
The barrel sampling tasting runs $80 per person. It includes a cellar tour, a guided barrel selection exercise, and a full tasting flight for vintage comparison. Mike does not waive the fee with a bottle purchase. He should not. This is a premium experience that earns every dollar. Many larger wineries charge more and deliver far less.
The Bottom Line — Do Not Miss This
Stiekema Wine Company delivers one of the best tasting experiences in Paso Robles. The wines are award-winning. The setting is intimate. Mike is passionate, skilled, and generous with his time and knowledge. Book your reservation, bring your curiosity, and plan to leave with a few bottles and a story worth telling. If you love Rhône-style wines, this is a must. Highest recommendation.
