Bon Niche Cellars

Bon Niche Cellars is a small, estate-based winery located in San Miguel, California, on the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail about 15 minutes east of Paso Robles. The name translates to "a good place," reflecting the owner's philosophy of gathering people around wine in a welcoming rural setting. The property includes a seven-acre SIP Certified vineyard planted on a hilly, north-facing slope with Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, and a small on-site winery where all production takes place. Annual output is approximately 600 cases, with the estate fruit curated into single varietals as well as blends with other local grapes. The winery is owned and operated by Melani, a retired U.S. Navy nurse who purchased the existing vineyard in 2018 after nearly 14 years of active duty. Her interest in wine began while stationed in Naples, Italy, where she observed how wine brought people together. She now serves as farmer and winemaker, focusing on Bordeaux-inspired varietals and blends. The estate is also home to a cast of animals, including KuneKune pigs such as Gilbert, who joined the farm in November 2021. Bon Niche Cellars is open to visitors only on select weekends and special days throughout the year, and also participates in local events and offers private off-site tastings. A wine club gives members access to small-batch wines, discounts, and events. The brand positions itself around small-lot, estate-grown, SIP Certified wines and a personal, story-driven visitor experience in Paso Wine Country.

Bon Niche Cellars is a small estate winery in San Miguel, California, on the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail roughly 15 minutes east of Paso Robles. The name Bon Niche translates to "a good place," a phrase that shapes the winery's identity as a gathering place centered on wine. The vineyard and winery are owned and operated by Melani, a retired U.S. Navy nurse. Her love of wine began while she was stationed in Naples, Italy, where she was struck by the way wine brought people together. In 2018, Melani purchased the existing vineyard and separated from active duty after nearly 14 years of service; she completed her Reserve service and retired in 2026. She traded scrubs for vines and became the farmer and winemaker, focusing on Bordeaux-inspired varietals and blends. The estate comprises seven acres of Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc planted on a hilly, north-facing slope. The vineyard is SIP Certified, and the team manages a small, carefully tended crop with quality and vine health in mind. A small winery exists on the property, and all production is done on site. Annual production is about 600 cases, with estate fruit made into single varietals and blends with other local grapes. More recent small-lot additions have included Petite Sirah and Grenache. The farm also has a cast of animal residents. Gilbert, the first KuneKune pig, joined in November 2021 at only 15 pounds and won over many hearts; more pigs have since been added, and they wander the vineyards in the morning and nap in the shade. The winery opens its gates only on select weekends and special days throughout the year, and it also appears at local events and offers private off-site tastings. A wine club provides members with access to small-batch wines, discounts, and events. The brand's story is closely tied to Melani's personal journey and to the idea of creating "a very good place" with great wine.

• 2026

  Melani completes her Reserve service and retires.

• 2021

  Gilbert, the first KuneKune pig, joins the farm in November at 15 pounds.

• 2018

  Melani purchases the existing vineyard and separates from active duty after nearly 14 years of Navy service.

Small-lot, SIP Certified estate wines from Paso Wine Country, presented with a personal, story-driven visitor experience.

• Estate Malbec

• Estate Petit Verdot

• Estate Cabernet Franc

• Bordeaux-inspired blends

• Petite Sirah

• Grenache

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3. 3Bon Niche Cellarswikidata.org