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I live on a 10 acre property in the Paso Robles, California, American Viticulture Area. There are over 200 wineries within an hours drive. Some wineries are only minutes away from my place. Downtown Paso Robles is a quaint town, built surrounding a park, where there are many nice restaurants, shops, and wine tasting rooms. The coastal towns of Cambria, Cayucos, Avila Beach, and the famous Hearst Castle, are less than an hour away by car.
My 10 acre property consists of a nice residence, a large modern barn, and a two acre hobby vineyard planted with Malbec and Zinfandel vines. I have owned and maintained this property for 7 years. Keeping this property in good condition requires constant care. I've tried to minimize maintenance by replacing lawns with rock or artificial turf - saving water and labor. The vineyard requires much attention, such as weed control, pest control, irrigating and repair of irrigation components. Also, applying and removing bird netting, and of course, the harvesting of the grapes in the Fall.
Because 2 acres of grapes is not a sufficient amount to generate a profit, I operate as a hobby. I receive a percentage of wine back from the wine makers when it is bottled. I cannot legally sell the wine. I use it for personal consumption, gifts, and/or donations to charity.
About me. I am a single man and I live here with my timid cat, Tiki. I am a Private Pilot and Aircraft owner. If you have an interest in aviation, we could perhaps go flying. I occasionally host dinner parties with neighbors, and sometimes we play music. I play the resonator guitar and Lap steel guitar.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
This is a rural lifestyle. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This is wine country. Growing grapes and making wine dominate the area. Having the coast nearby is a different world altogether. This is some of the best that California has to offer. I say "some" because California is much more. California has it all. This area offers many activities such as biking, hiking, beachcombing, surfing, wine tasting, dining out, or just relaxing and watching the sunset.
Help
Work here might include weed wacking, vineyard maintenance, landscape maintenance, planting & gardening, maintenance and/or repair of farm equipment, painting, etc.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
I have two bedrooms available which have a private access door to the outside. I also have a second residence 15 minutes away which could also serve as accommodations. Rooms are nice and clean with private bath.
I will keep a well stocked refrigerator for my workaway guests. We may prepare main meals together, dine out occasionally, or attend a local neighborhood dinner party. I'll make sure the workaway guests have a chance to experience some of our local cuisine.
What else ...
The area has much to offer as I previously eluded to.
Though this is an extremely delayed review, my experience in Paso Robles on Mark's gorgeous property remains unforgettable. Mark himself is an incredibly generous person, and the accommodations were better than ever expected. The "work" was very light--I felt encouragement to explore all Paso had to offer more than to complete a set of tasks,… read more which was very kind of Mark. Paso is a dream-like landscape scattered with a multitude of wineries big and small, and I had so much fun exploring as many as I could in the three weeks I was there! I also made my way to a lot of the surrounding beaches/coastal towns, though not warm and swimmable like I had naively expected them to be in May. Being my first solo trip, I couldn't have asked for a more pleasant host, accommodations, or environment.
Having a car (or rental car) is key! Also, make sure you hit up Les Petites Canailles while you're there--the most incredible french-inspired restaurant ever. The Sea Chest Oyster Bar in Cambria was also magical--get there early, people wait in line for hours! Be sure to check out Kukkula Winery and Hubba Wines. High Street Market & Deli after picking up some goods from Megan's Organic Market made for a great day, too. I can't wait to come back!!!
(Excellent
)
7 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
My stay with with Mark was one the best experiences I have had. He was such a great host! I stayed for about a week, and got to learn about the wine world and even help out with the harvest. As stated in other feedbacks, the “work” is very light and enjoyable overall. The area is absolutely gorgeous, and just such an amazing experience overall.… read more Could not recommend enough.
Mark, I apologize for my super late feedback! Thank you so much for everything and hope all is well!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent
)
6 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (GinaBaruch) for host
One of the best experiences of my life. Mark is one of those persons that leave a footprint in your heart because of his lightning and open heart.
His only present gave me inspiration to be more grateful with life and pursue my dreams. He is definitely an example of resilience with a entrepreneur spirit and a wide capacity to reinvent himself in… read more different fields like guitar, jwerly, photography, winery, and piloting. He also has a hugh imagination to create innovate solutions for his needs, I am impressed!
He treats people and animals with kindness and generosity. It's not surprising his neighbors love him. He also has a very interesting life full of stories. As a host he is easygoing, patient, kind, respectful and generous. I really enjoyed helping him to complete projects, creating tools, and doing some chores for him.
Thank you Mark for for sharing so much!
I hope to see you again.
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Though this is an extremely delayed review, my experience in Paso Robles on Mark's gorgeous property remains unforgettable. Mark himself is an incredibly generous person, and the accommodations were better than ever expected. The "work" was very light--I felt encouragement to explore all Paso had to offer more than to complete a set of tasks,… read more which was very kind of Mark. Paso is a dream-like landscape scattered with a multitude of wineries big and small, and I had so much fun exploring as many as I could in the three weeks I was there! I also made my way to a lot of the surrounding beaches/coastal towns, though not warm and swimmable like I had naively expected them to be in May. Being my first solo trip, I couldn't have asked for a more pleasant host, accommodations, or environment.
Having a car (or rental car) is key! Also, make sure you hit up Les Petites Canailles while you're there--the most incredible french-inspired restaurant ever. The Sea Chest Oyster Bar in Cambria was also magical--get there early, people wait in line for hours! Be sure to check out Kukkula Winery and Hubba Wines. High Street Market & Deli after picking up some goods from Megan's Organic Market made for a great day, too. I can't wait to come back!!!
(Excellent)
7 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
My stay with with Mark was one the best experiences I have had. He was such a great host! I stayed for about a week, and got to learn about the wine world and even help out with the harvest. As stated in other feedbacks, the “work” is very light and enjoyable overall. The area is absolutely gorgeous, and just such an amazing experience overall.… read more Could not recommend enough.
Mark, I apologize for my super late feedback! Thank you so much for everything and hope all is well!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
6 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (GinaBaruch) for host
One of the best experiences of my life. Mark is one of those persons that leave a footprint in your heart because of his lightning and open heart.
His only present gave me inspiration to be more grateful with life and pursue my dreams. He is definitely an example of resilience with a entrepreneur spirit and a wide capacity to reinvent himself in… read more different fields like guitar, jwerly, photography, winery, and piloting. He also has a hugh imagination to create innovate solutions for his needs, I am impressed!
He treats people and animals with kindness and generosity. It's not surprising his neighbors love him. He also has a very interesting life full of stories. As a host he is easygoing, patient, kind, respectful and generous. I really enjoyed helping him to complete projects, creating tools, and doing some chores for him.
Thank you Mark for for sharing so much!
I hope to see you again.
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
28 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Lena)
Lena was a great guest. She is easy going and respectful. She blended in well with my neighbors and friends. And she took good care of my new rambunctious cat Ellie. I would definitely have her as a guest again.
(Excellent)
27 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Lena) for host
I stayed with Mark for 2 weeks. It was my first work away experience I absolutely loved it. It was a work away, but it was more than just that. He treats you as his friend. You get to experience the life that he lives, you get to see different places, and really become apart of the Community. The neighbors were just as welcoming. I loved talking… read more with them and spending time with all of them. Of course you will learn a lot more about wine, it is wine country. You'll even get to know his little cat Ellie, I quickly fell in love with her.
When it comes to the work, it depends when you go and what tasks he needs to be accomplished. I helped sort/clear out his two offices, light weeding, random little house chores, dug out an old tree and planted a new one with him, and even helped a little working on his new deck with Tony. But again he makes it more of an experience rather than just work.
Mark has many hobbies and can show you as many as you like. I learned about aviation and small planes, we even took a flight. He will show you his vineyard, of course. He loves music, and has a drum set, but mostly loves guitar and singing. His neighbors do as well I even went over with some of his neighbors and listened to them play and sing!! He obviously loves food, and wine... who doesn't. And so much more!!!
I feel like I could ramble on and on about what a great host Mark was and how great his community out there is. But you have to go there to experience it for your self. Everyone out there, everywhere you go is extremely nice. I can't thank him and his neighbors enough for the opportunity and hope to visit again soon!!!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
28 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Jeanette)
Jeanette was a complete joy to have as a guest. I was a bit sad when she left. She is on an incredible motorcycle journey and I wish her all the best. I hope she can come back my way sometime in the future.
(Excellent)
19 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Jeanette) for host
I had an unforgettable stay in Paso Robles for 9 days and I loved every second of it. I felt extremely welcomed by him and his neighbors. I thoroughly enjoyed doing activities like playing music, having a conversation, flying and having meals together. My tasks involved harvesting grapes, light cleaning around the house and looking after his… read more adorable cat Ellie. I will never forget this experience and I hope to visit again in the future!!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
15 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Michelle) for host
Fantastic stay with Mark, featuring occasional cameo appearances by Tiki, his sweet shy kitty! Mark is an incredibly gracious and thoughtful host. He has an amazing extended community of friends and neighbors that are equally welcoming and kind. The 'work' during this stay was primarily comprised of easily-accomplished tasks, with intermittent… read more socializing, including wine tasting and music appreciation, which is why I put the quotes around 'work,' although I imagine that as he becomes more involved with Workaway (I was his inaugural experiment with the platform), he'll develop a more comprehensive list of ways guests can help him out. It was an absolute pleasure to be in his company and space, and I highly recommend this stay to others interested in music, wine, +/or small craft aviation. Looking forward to visiting again in the future!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
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If you are NOT a US CITIZEN and are planning to visit to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling. Do NOT attempt to enter the USA without the correct visa!
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
