Rich Hartenberger

Coming Up

Today, Rich Hartenberger is owner and director of winemaking of Midnight Cellars.

Where They Are Now

At Midnight Cellars in Paso Robles, the work of Owner & Director of Winemaking combines ownership with cellar judgment. Rich Hartenberger holds both responsibilities, which means each decision carries business realities as well as the shape of the wine in the glass. In a family-founded winery, that dual role sets the pace for how the operation runs and how the wines are made. Open Invitation is the clearest example of that approach. Described as a Meritage blend that shows his blending talent, it reflects a style built around welcome rather than gatekeeping. The stated aim of making wines accessible, affordable, and fun gives the label its register. Rich Hartenberger’s work here is aimed at drinkers who want clarity and ease, not a lesson in exclusivity. The 1994 Napa Valley tasting trip and the March 1995 family decision remain the key facts that frame the winery’s origin. Rich Hartenberger’s present role extends that same structure: tasting became making, and a family conversation became a winery organized around fruit, blending, and directness.

Signature

Rich's signature wines include Open Invitation.

In Their Words “We let the fruit do the work.”

Honors

The recognition attached to his work comes through Open Invitation, the Meritage blend identified with his blending talent at the winery he helped found.