Niels and Bimmer Udsen have been in the wine business for many years. In 1983, the couple started Castoro Cellars in Paso Robles. It was an organic process. Both view wine as an integral part of the daily meal and hold strongly to the belief that quality wine should be available to all consumers. Both share a deep respect for the land and a desire to encourage stewardship of the environment.

Niels’ father emigrated from his native Denmark in the late 1940s. A farmer turned businessman, he taught Niels about both the agricultural and business worlds. Niels’ interest in the wine industry was sparked while studying Agricultural Business Management at Cal Poly. In 1981, Niels and Bimmer were married, and Niels began working in the wine cellar at Estrella River winery. Over the next five years, under the direction of Estrella’s winemaker, Tom Myers, he learned all aspects of winemaking from the ground up.

In 1983, Niels and Bimmer launched their own brand. Castoro Cellars was established with a laid-back attitude. And as they will tell you, it was a backwards approach – first, they made and sold the wine; then they purchased their own equipment; then the winery and the tasting room before purchasing and planting vineyards.

Fast forward a few years, and the couple created the Raywood brand. Receiving its name from Niels’ and Bimmer’s favourite tree on the property of their Templeton home, the Raywood, the brand was established with a easy-going, warm, and welcoming style offering customers unparalleled quality and value. The wines are hand-crafted from select vineyards from the central coast where they take advantage of the wonderful climate of warm invigorating days and cool nights.

Raywood Chardonnay grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, while still maintaining great acidity. Fermented and aged on the lees adds to the complexity of the wine. Raywood Cabernet Sauvignon sees some ageing on French oak which provides a well-rounded wine with soft tannins.