The Cypher Story
Susan (aka SAM ZinPunk) relocated the Cypher Tasting Room to the historic Paso Robles train depot in July 26th and continues to produce the acclaimed Cypher wines. With the original wood floors and windows from the late 1800’s, the restored train depot is brimming with character. In addition to Cypher Wines, you will enjoy expanded offerings from Susan’s hand crafted EarthFire Extra Virgin Olive Oil, body products and Crickets & Tumbleweed culinary line. Club members enjoy exclusive farm-to-table experiences at Cypher’s Westside Paso Robles estate, new home of the Cypher wood fired pizza oven.
Four Vines Launches
Susan Mahler teams up with winemaker Christian Tietje to introduce a national brand focused on showing the regional differences of Zinfandel and a cutting edge no-oak Chardonnay named Naked Chardonnay. The focus on alternative varietals and winemaking styles helps the brand quickly take off. Going from zero to 160,000 cases by 2009.
Loco and Phoenix Released
Four Vines launches first release of Loco and Phoenix wines to the portfolio, expanding the varietals we continue to produce and offer.
Four Vines Opens First Tasting Room
Four Vines opens tasting room on Highway 46 near Vineyard Dr. allowing customers easy access to our limited-production wines
Sam purchases 14 acres Westside Paso Robles
Earthfire begins with the planting of 1 acre of Arbequina olive trees, along with the beginning of a vast herb garden. Nesled in the hills between L'Aventure, Windward, TH Estate other fine wineries, this beautiful property will become the home of Cypher Winery.
Four Vines makes #2 on Wine Business Monthly list of 10 Small Hot Brands
With a custom pizza oven, extensive garden beds and passion to deliver farm-to-table culinary pairings in the first restaurant on Hwy 46 West. The notoriety of size of Four Vines continues to grow as we expand production to keep up with demand.
Four Vines Sold Launching Cypher
Having just sold the brand Four Vines, Cypher continues moving forward at the existing tasting room, focusing on our favorite, limited-production wines with our highest quality vineyard partners. With a focus on small scale production, Cypher delivers the highest quality, most distinctive wines possible.
2016 SAM produces her first vintage
With 15 years in the industry doing everything from running finance and operations, working crush pad and sampling and sourcing fruit from vineyards in Paso Robles, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, Amador and Santa Barbarbara, SAM dives into winemaking focusing on Rhone varietals and her own ZinPunk zinfandel.
Cypher Opens Tasting Lounge at Historic Paso Robles Train Depot
With partners Christian and SAM interested in pursuing individual ventures, Christian opens Anarchy Wines in Tin City. SAM takes Cypher into exciting new direction at the historic Paso Robles Train Depot, producing her 2016 vintage, expanding Crickets & Tumbleweed culinary line and EarthFire body products and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. SAM continues to offer the highly respected Cypher wines, including: Loco, Slayer, Cypher Eclectic, Grenache, Phoenix Syrah, TNT, Mourvedre, and Zinfandel.
Team Cypher
SUSAN MAHLER
Proprietor, WinemakerThe youngest of 5 and eager to join her siblings out in the big world, Sam graduated from high…
MICHELLE KRAKER
Director of FestivitiesMichelle is an accomplished event professional who makes unique, memorable gatherings a breeze. Planning a wine country wedding reception,…
MARK ELTERMAN
Marketing DirectorMark has more than 20 years of experience in strategic brand marketing, campaign development, implementation and account service. Prior…
