Sendero Luminoso—Spanish for “Shining Path”—is a bold reinterpretation of the classic Rhône GSM blend. Here, Grenache is replaced by Vaccarèse, a rare varietal native to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and planted in only two known vineyards in North America. This 'SVM' blend (Syrah, Vaccarèse, Mourvèdre) is both a revolution and a revelation, built from three distinct Central Coast vineyards that capture the complexity and diversity of California's terroir.
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WINEMAKER: Ryan Pace and Natalie Siddique
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FARMING: Organic practices (site-farmed Syrah from Starfire Vineyard)
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VARIETY: 60% Syrah, 30% Vaccarèse, 10% Mourvèdre
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TERROIR:
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Starfire Vineyard (Syrah) — Santa Barbara County; coastal influence with alluvial soils
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Old Oak Vineyard (Vaccarèse) — Paso Robles; rare planting on warm, rocky terrain
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Rancho Arroyo Grande (Mourvèdre) — SLO Coast; high-toned site with marine sedimentary soils
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VINIFICATION: Each variety fermented separately with site-specific methods:
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Syrah: a mix of 100% destemmed lots and carbonic fermentation
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Vaccarèse: 50% whole cluster
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Mourvèdre: 30% whole cluster
The components were aged for 6 months in neutral oak. Bottled April 2025 without fining or filtration, using minimal sulfur.
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AGING: 6 months in neutral oak
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TASTING NOTES: Vivid aromas of blackberry, violets, cured meats, and herbs de Provence. The palate is structured yet generous, with supple tannins, deep fruit, and a savory, lingering finish.
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FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled lamb, eggplant with za'atar, mushroom ragù, or any dish with char and umami
From our 2025 Bottle Cult Notes:
Outward Wines is a delicious and thoughtful partnership between Natalie Siddique and Ryan Pace, based in San Luis Obispo. They farm six acres across the SLO Coast and Santa Ynez Valley and source from additional coastal vineyards throughout the Central Coast, all farmed organically at minimum. Their cellar approach is low-intervention: native yeast fermentations, old French oak, and no fining or filtration. They are all about letting the fruit speak for itself.
Sendero Luminoso translates to "the shining path," and while the name evokes light and direction, the wine itself is grounded, breezy, and quietly expressive. It’s a fresh take on the classic Central Coast Rhône blend, shaped by curiosity and coastal terroir.
Instead of the typical GSM blend, the rare Vaccarèse, a nearly-extinct Châteauneuf-du-Pape variety planted in just two vineyards in North America, takes the stage. With 60% Syrah, 30% Vaccarèse and 10% Mourvèdre from across the region. SLO brings acidity and tension, Paso lends warmth and fruit, and Santa Barbara contributes lift and savor. Each component is fermented differently: some destemmed to preserve freshness and silkiness, others fermented with whole clusters to bring spice and tannin. This range of fermentation methods adds layers of structure, brightness, and texture, and its all brought together with six months in neutral oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
The wine opens with peppery blackberry and plum, violets, and wild herbs. The Syrah brings dark fruit, black pepper, and floral lift, while Vaccarèse adds a delicate, high-toned profile of violets and herbs. Mourvèdre adds earthy spice and a touch of game. It’s light-bodied, high-acid, and textural, with savory bramble fruit and fine tannins. Chillable and food-friendly, it’s a natural fit for mushroom tacos, grilled halloumi, or Korean BBQ.
—Cara Patricia, DECANT Co-founder
