Inside Wine Podcast — Episode 37

Featuring Jane Dunkley, Winemaker for Bezel Wines

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Inside Wine Podcast, host Joe Janish interviews Jane Dunkley, the Western Australia–born winemaker behind Bezel Wines in Paso Robles, California. Jane shares her unconventional path into winemaking, what makes Paso Robles such a dynamic and "Wild West" wine region, and how Bezel is creating wines that are Cakebread‑inspired yet distinctly their own.

Topics Covered

🍇 Jane's Winemaking Journey

• Growing up on a beef cattle farm in Western Australia
• Early exposure to wineries and viticulture
• Coming to California for a "three‑month" harvest and never leaving
• Finding a home—and creative freedom—in Paso Robles

🌄 What Makes Paso Robles Unique

• A pioneering, still‑evolving wine region
• Wide range of grape varieties thanks to diverse microclimates
• Dramatic day‑night temperature swings creating fresh, balanced wines
• A collaborative, community‑driven winemaking culture
• The celebrated Women in Wine tasting group Jane is part of

🍷 Inside Bezel Wines

• A new brand created by the Cakebread family
• Inspired by Cakebread's freshness and balance, but with a distinct identity
• Focused on four varietals:
  • Paso Robles: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
  • SLO Coast: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
• Wines priced accessibly ($25–$30) to welcome younger and newer wine drinkers

🍽️ Food & Wine Pairing Tips from Jane

• Philly cheesesteak → Cabernet Sauvignon
• Pepperoni pizza → Syrah/Shiraz
• Anything rich & fatty → Riesling (her personal favorite pairing variety)

🧭 Visiting Paso Robles

• A growing tourism and culinary scene
• Boutique hotels and renovated mid‑century motels
• "Tin City" — a must‑visit hub of small wineries, breweries, and food spots
• A fun, cowboy‑country atmosphere (plus Boot Barn adventures!)
• Why now is the perfect time to visit before the region gets too crowded

Why Try Bezel Wines?

Jane emphasizes that Bezel has "something for everyone"—fresh, energetic whites, cool‑climate Pinot Noir, and Paso Cabernets that lean slightly off the expected path. Above all, Bezel aims to make wine approachable, food‑friendly, and free of pretense.

Connect With the Guest

Instagram: @janemakeswine

Bezel wines website: https://bezelwines.com/ 

More From Inside Wine

For more wine education—with zero snobbery—visit wine365.com.