Meet Nancy Ulloa | Winemaker & Boss Lady

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nancy Ulloa and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nancy, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is the transparency of my journey in becoming an entrepreneur. I have always shared my struggles, wins and every step of the way to becoming a winemaker and business owner. When people purchase a good from you, they’re not just buying a product. They’re buying your story and your vibes. I am aware of that and will do anything possible to pack my wines with all the energy that makes me, me. I want people to feel and taste my vibes when they drink a glass of my wine. I want people to feel empowered by the love and passion that I have invested in my project. I want my customers to feel inspired to reach for their dreams just like I did.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a wine lover, winemaker and wine educator on the central coast of California. In 2017 I moved to Paso Robles to fulfill my dream of becoming a winemaker. My journey to achieve this goal has been thought but also rewarding. I have fearlessly knocked on so many doors in order for me to learn everything that will enrich my experience. After gaining an invaluable amount of knowledge from various respectable winemakers/mentors, I manifested the launch of my wine brand Ulloa Cellars in 2019. Ulloa Cellars specializes in the production of obscure white wines, packed with empowering boss babe vibes and sourced from sustainable vineyards in California.
Being the only Latinx female winemaker in Paso Robles, I have found it necessary to advocate for inclusivity of the Latinx community, not only in production but also in consumption. I am endlessly committed to providing wine education and to eliminating the intimidation of the wine experience among the Latinx community. My participation in the Dream Big Darling program, public speaking engagements as well as the creation of my wine education IGTV channel, “Tim and Nany’s Must Haves,” has allowed me to amplify my voice and continue to empower people, one glass of wine at a time.
As a Domestic Violence Survivor, an immigrant and a woman, I know that there’s other women who have been in situations that have paralyzed them and prevented them from pursuing something better for themselves. It took me a lot of courage to make the decision to seek help, heal, and rebuild my life. One of the things that I am very proud and excited about is the space I have created for women to have an opportunity to join the wine industry. I am working in developing ways to mentor, support and uplift women who desire to follow my path in becoming winemakers.
Throughout my journey, I have learned so many things about me as well as my capabilities. I have learned that I have an infinite potential to achieve anything my heart desires. The only limitations that exist are those we impose in ourselves. I have gone from believing I would never be able to be a business owner, to developing, designing and launching my own brand. The resources we need are available and waiting to be claimed for our greatest benefit. The other thing that I have learned is to detach myself from the illusion of control that I used to have. Clinging on to an outcome adds stress and the potential for disappointment. When you let go of expectations and trust that the universe has your back and is rooting for your best interest, everything falls into place even better than you ever imagine.
Life is too short to not pursue your dreams. What you want is out there waiting for you to claim it. What are you waiting for?
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Paso Robles is such an amazing town, full of options if you’re looking to experience wine country to the fullest. When people come visit, I always have a list of places for them to check out. These are a few of my favorites:
Tin City- Cluster of cool small family owned wineries. Some of my favorite wineries in Tin City are; Hubba which is female owned producing Bordeaux style wines. Union Sacre, French winemaker producing Alsacian style wines. Levo is modern producing big reds. Lastly Cordant Nelle, really amazing people with 2 wine labels. Cordant specializes in big Pinots while Nelle is rhone style wine focused. Tin City also has a cider house, brewery, distillery, a creamery and an olive oil tasting place amongst other cool businesses. You can definitely make a whole day of exploring this part of the town.
West Side of Paso Robles- The west side of Paso Robles has some of the best wineries in the area including Tablas Creek who are the pioneers or Paso’s Rhone wines, Le Cuvier serving amazing wine and food pairings, Thacher producing unique wines with obscure grapes, Paix Sur Terre due to their amazing whites, Four Lanterns and Zin Alley just to name some of my favorites.
East Side Paso Robles- Rava is a sparkling wine house with the most beautiful property, Bodega de Edgar which is Latino owned producing Spanish style wines, Top with their high end beautiful wines, Still Waters, Sculptera and Cass have beautiful views.
Downtown- the downtown area is central to all the best dinning experiences. My favorites are Thomas Hill Organics, Paso Terra, Bistro Laurent and The Odyssey Cafe if you’re looking for something more casual. My favorite downtown wineries are Bushong, LXV, Diablo Paso, Symbiosis and Serrano.
Paso Robles Market Walk- This new addition to Paso Robles is perfect for the whole family. The market walk has a diversity of small businesses which will satisfy all guest. The businesses include a ramen place, wine bar, cider, beer, bakery, gelato shop, burger and gourmet Mexican restaurants as well as a coffee and vegan cheese shops.
Sensorio Field of Lights- this art exhibit is an art installation of more than 58k lights lit by fiber optics spread over 15 acres. This exhibit has brought thousands of people to town to witness its beauty under the moon light.
Whatever you decide to do, I assure that after your first visit you will fall in love with Paso Robles’ beauty and will come back soon after.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe my success and drive to my Dad. He has been my number one cheerleader and has believed in me throughout my whole journey. He has passed down his worth ethic and has shown me the value of working hard to pursue my dreams. He sacrificed moving to a foreign country to give his family a better live and to give his kids a better education. I love you Dad!
Website: www.ulloacellars.com
Instagram: @ulloacellars
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nany.sj
Image Credits
Melissa Mattson Melodee Stillwell Crank