Life is too short not to drink wine. Tlo Wines is bringing the best of its reds and whites to wine enthusiasts here in Bakersfield and beyond. This local winery has become a local favorite, starting with its tasting room.  

 

“When we opened our tasting room in Bakersfield, our goal was simple: to bring the exceptional wine-tasting experience of Paso Robles right here to our local community! We’re proud to offer everything Paso wineries are known for—right at your doorstep,” shares Avery Zaninovich, Director of Marketing. 

 

For those who want a little extra, Tlo Wines offers an exclusive Wine Club. Members receive three exclusive wine releases each year, first access to new vintages, and a generous 25% discount on all purchases. Plus, instead of waiting for shipments, members can pick up their club boxes directly at the tasting room. No reservation is needed, and the doors are open Wednesday through Saturday from 2–8 pm. 

 

Meet the Tlo Wines Team! It’s a family affair at this local winery. Andy and Kathleen Zaninovich are co-owners. Andy excels as a Winemaker and Kathleen works as the CFO. Adam is proud to be the Assistant Winemaker and Avery does an exceptional job in marketing and as a Sommelier.  

 

The story of Tlo Wines is deeply rooted in family. Andy grew up in Delano, where his father, Papa Visko, started the family grape-growing business after immigrating from Croatia. Wine has always been a part of their culture—a way to bring people together and create cherished memories. 

 

“My other grandfather, Grandpa P., worked in the grape cuttings industry, selling vines and forming relationships with growers. It was his invitation to join him in making wine that sparked my dad’s interest,” Avery explains. “In 2008, my dad followed his passion, and with Grandpa P.’s support, Tlo’s first vintage was born.” 

 

From the start, Andy’s goal was simple: to craft exceptional homemade wine. With his farming background and access to premium Central Coast grapes, he exceeded all expectations. He produced Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon in an unused cold storage facility on his table grape property in Delano. Family and friends raved about the wine, encouraging him to explore it further. 

 

Avery, while pursuing a marketing degree at Cal Poly, never imagined she would end up in the wine industry. But an internship with Castoro Cellars changed everything. “I fell in love with the industry—the different varietals, their unique characteristics, and the way people connected with wine,” she says. 

 

Her brother, Adam, played a crucial role in the winemaking process, bringing his chemistry background and creative approach to the table. In 2010, Avery created a business plan for Tlo Wines as her senior project at Cal Poly. “I encouraged my dad to go commercial, and I designed the first Tlo label. By 2013, Tlo Wines officially became a licensed business.” 

 

Tlo Wines started small, hosting biannual tastings in Andy and Kathleen’s kitchen, then moving to their backyard. “We attended pop-up tastings and private events, but we knew we needed a dedicated space,” Avery recalls. They searched for locations along the Central Coast but never found the perfect fit—until one night in Bakersfield. 

 

“After dinner, we spotted a vacant building downtown. My mom called the number on the sign the next morning, and it turned out the owner recognized our name from a wine dinner at Luigi’s!” she says. “It was meant to be.” In November 2018, Tlo Wines opened the first wine tasting room in Bakersfield, marking a new chapter for the family business and the community alike. “Even though we make our wine in Paso Robles, our heart, our support system, and our business have always been in Bakersfield.” That’s how their slogan was born: Central Coast Vines. Bakersfield Roots. 

 

Today, the Zaninovich family continues to craft balanced, handcrafted wines inspired by their Croatian heritage and serves them in a space that is both warm and inviting. 

 

“We know that sometimes wine can feel intimidating or overly formal, but we wanted to change that,” says Avery. “Our goal is to make wine accessible, fun, and welcoming—an experience where you can learn, share, and enjoy without any pressure or pretension. It's all about connecting with others and savoring the moments together.“ 

 

Tlo Wines has a unique name with a rich meaning behind it.  

 

Tlo (pronounced like “hello”) is a Croatian word meaning ground, earth, terroir—the natural elements that enhance a grape’s flavor, from soil and topography to climate. “At Tlo, we source the highest-quality grapes from regions where each varietal thrives, always honoring the ‘tlo’ - the unique characteristics of the land that make each wine special,” Avery explains. Those regions are Paso Robles, SLO Coast, and the Santa Ynez Valley. 

 

Among their standout wines, one holds a special place: the Visko Blend. “It’s our flagship, crafted as a tribute to our origins and those who inspire us,” Avery shares. Named after her grandfather, Visko (a Croatian name for Vincent), this full-bodied red is a labor of love, blended together as a family each year. The latest release earned 97 points and a Double Gold, Best in Class at the Central Coast Wine Competition. 

 

Wine lovers can enjoy a curated tasting flight that rotates throughout the year, keeping each visit fresh and exciting. “We update our tasting list regularly to highlight different varietals,” Avery says. Guests can also enjoy wines by the glass or bottle at the tasting room or take home their favorites. 

 

“Our tasting room is available for everything from weddings and baby showers to birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, and anniversary celebrations. We also host seasonal wine pairings throughout the year, collaborating with local businesses to bring you the best of both food and wine,” says Avery.  

 

Tlo Wines isn’t just about exceptional wine—it’s about community, connection, and a love for the craft. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a dedicated enthusiast, every glass tells a story worth savoring.