Breaking at Bon Niche Cellars
Harvest Hosts is a unique RV membership program with a large network of available hosts. So far, 4863+ locations have opened their hearts and their homes and/or businesses to members of the Harvest Hosts RVing community. Through this program, members receive overnight accommodations with no camping fees in peaceful and serene places across North America. In return, members are asked to make a purchase to patronize the small business that hosts them. Of these Hosts, Bon Niche Cellars is rather unique. Here you can learn all about the vineyard’s history, its origins within the Harvest Hosts community, and what future visitors can expect to experience.
The History
Sitting on a beautiful ten acres, just twelve miles east of Paso Robles, Bon Niche Cellars has seven acres of vineyards planted. These produce Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc grapes. The vines were originally planted by Joyce and Wally Murray in 2007. Joyce and Wally ran the winery until 2018, when it was purchased by Melani Harding. The vineyard is now operated by Melani and Barley, her St. Berdoodle. It was Barley’s dream of becoming a winery dog that triggered Melani’s move from a military career to that of a winemaker. It’s not uncommon to find them wandering the vineyard, greeting the grapevines, or chasing gophers.
The Business Today
Today, Bon Niche Cellars is a woman-owned and veteran-operated winery, highlighting estate and locally-grown grapes, incredible wine, country views, and a relaxed atmosphere. At the vineyard, guests can experience a passion for growing grapes and taste the fabulous wines. These include nearly two dozen varieties, such as Malbec, Bordeaux-style blends, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot, and many more. Bon Niche has a wine club and also hosts events. The views here are incredible, and the atmosphere is friendly, so it is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Joining Harvest Hosts
Melani began hosting RVers at Bon Niche Cellars in July of 2019, when she heard of the program through some of her wine club members and thought it sounded awesome. Since then, she has had so much fun hosting RVers and hearing their stories, especially over wine. A few members have even come back for repeat stays or joined the Wine Club. Many guests enjoy the goats and the dogs, as well as the incredible evening sunsets. There are three spaces available for RVs under forty-four feet in length, and electrical hookups are available for one of the sites (for a charge). This host is very popular, so be sure to reserve as far in advance as you can!
An escape to Paso Robles Wine Country can adjust your outlook on life, allowing you to take a deep breath, explore the connection of land and grapes, and spend time with people you care about. Staying the night at Bon Niche Cellars can provide you with all the rest and relaxation you are looking for. Be sure to stop by next time you find yourself in central coast California!
Have you ever been to Paso Robles? Have you visited Bon Niche Cellars? Are there any other hosts you would like to recommend? Tell us all about it below!
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What a great write-up! I definitely agree that it’s an excellent spot to visit. Melani and Barley are great hosts, and they’ll even let you feed the goats. Plus the wine is awesome. My favorite is the estate-grown 2015 Malbec Reserve, and the Malbec Rose’ is uniquely wonderful. It’s great to be able to meet the vines that your wine grew on!
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