Broughton Quarterly - Spring 2009 - (Page 26) Paso Robles is known as one of California’s best wine regions. Muriel Dutton and her daughter Betty Coyne (above) take care of business at Riverstar Vineyards Winery. At Wine Country Quilting, Gentry Lynne (left) and her mother, Wilda Sprayberry, keep tradition alive. RIVERSTAR VINEYARDS WINERY Muriel Dutton and daughter Betty Coyne are the faces of this beloved winery and vineyard situated on 75 bucolic acres in San Miguel, 20 minutes from downtown Paso Robles. Known primarily for red wines, the ranch establishment has been in production since 2003. But the Dutton family started growing grapes here in 1986 when they purchased a Cabernet vineyard “in need of a little TLC.” These days, daughter Betty works as the assistant winemaker and interacts with the public, pouring Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel in their tasting room. The family has learned a lot since it opened Riverstar Vineyards in the mid1980s. When Betty and her then-husband set their sights on creating a topnotch winery, they approached Muriel about the prospect of going into this venture together, which required three years of labor and waiting. But the efforts have paid off, as the red wines have snagged coveted awards and the family has worked together to create excellent wines and a warm atmosphere. “It’s a pretty relaxed atmosphere around here,” says Muriel, self-ordained tasting room clerk, back office attendant, and Jack-of-all-trades.“People can picnic, and children are allowed on the premises.” The property is also available for private barbecues, luncheons, and parties. Riverstar Vineyards Winery, 7450 Estrella Rd., 805.467.0086, RiverStarVineyards.com WINE COUNTRY QUILTING While the economy takes a nosedive, avid quilters could care less. And that’s great news for the owners of Wine Country Quilting, mom Wilda Sprayberry and her daughter Gentry Lynne. They’ve seen customers plunk down $250 for cuts of fabric because, as they say, they “just have to have it.” The successful enterprise began when the team decided to move from Southern California and open a quilt store together. They were already sewing and selling pet quilts from home, and now they were setting their sights on something bigger. While searching for retail space downtown, the owner of their current building was touched when they told him they would be launching a quilt store—turns out he had fond memories of a quilt his own grandmother had stitched for him. The dream materialized in 2007, and aficionados from all parts have converged to snap up yardage, quilting paraphernalia, and gift items such as fragrances, creams, aprons, tote bags, and, of course, handmade quilts. But Wine Country Quilting is not your typical fabric store; Wilda has made every effort to decorate the shop with antique finds to create a country atmosphere. An old-fashioned chandelier, an antique manikin head with red lipstick, a wooden set of drawers with lion’s feet—all things that remind folks of a simpler time. And in the background, Wilda works diligently on the books while Gentry Lynne selects irresistible inventory to attract the eye of quilters and non-quilters alike. “Working with my daughter is wonderful,” Wilda boasts.“She is my best friend.” Wine Country Quilting, 840 11th St., 805.239.8976 Q 26 broughton Quarterly SPRInG 2009 http://www.RiverStarVineyards.com http://www.RiverStarVineyards.com
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