Luxury hotels and resorts marketed as executive retreats and milestone-centered leisure vacations are having a moment. Group spa experiences; chef-driven private dining; and customized, exclusive activities reflect a successful “more is more” approach to hospitality.

© Elyse Glickman

Today’s premier estates must satisfy every member of a party, keeping itineraries highly personalized while simultaneously offering group-pleasing activities, idyllic outdoor spaces and world-class regional pairings. Taking this ethos to heart, Kory and Catherine Burke designed Dresser Winery Estate Villa to be a distinctive alternative to traditional high-end resorts.

Tailored specifically for corporate gatherings, weddings, milestone events and multigenerational family vacations, the private estate experience is customized from the moment of booking. Curated chef’s dinners, intimate winery tours and bespoke wellness offers are crafted for each guest party, frequently in collaboration with premier local partners like premium tour operator Toast Tours.

© Elyse Glickman

The Burkes regard themselves as hosts rather than innkeepers, and their backstory is aspirational. Trading successful corporate careers for a creative wine country existence, their journey began shortly after relocating to Paso Robles from Los Angeles. Catherine initially converted a 2-acre fixer-upper near downtown into a charming vacation rental — a project that ultimately paved the way for the purchase of an established winery estate that went up for sale in 2020. The moment guests turn onto Dresser Road, there is no question they have arrived in the heart of wine country.

The landscaping of the 6,300-square-foot luxury estate beautifully complements a 25-acre working vineyard, which reaches an impressive 1,100 feet above sea level at its highest point. Catherine’s background as a seasoned hospitality designer informs the villa’s cohesive, fashionable minimalism.

Interiors masterfully balance comfort and personality through a mix of plush resort furnishings, canvases from local artists and South Asian accents. This aesthetic mirrors the sophistication of what Kory puts into the bottles — balancing sharp structural lines with warm, rustic textures.

© Elyse Glickman

Exterior spaces, particularly the backyard oasis, are intentionally designed for social interaction and meaningful connection, whether the agenda calls for corporate networking or pure relaxation. Key features include an updated resort-style pool, a cascading waterfall, a hot tub, a private sauna, a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen, a chef’s garden and a fragrant citrus grove.

Inside, the main estate building and adjoining casita effortlessly accommodate 10–12 guests across five bedrooms outfitted with plush linens. Six beautifully appointed bathrooms; a sunken indoor bar; and a fully stocked, chef-inspired kitchen anchor the common areas. For added warmth, fireplaces grace the living room, library bedroom and master suite, while the master bath offers a spa-like escape complete with a large rainfall shower head and private sauna access.

While Kory is an astute storyteller, his winemaking skills prove he hit the ground running. He has won raves for the way he spins Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Malbec, Tempranillo and Sangiovese into rich, innovative red blends — including Kaia Lee, a standout vintage featuring notes of raspberries, cherries, mint and dark chocolate. Together, the Burkes’ mission is to immerse visiting groups into the authentic Paso Robles lifestyle, far beyond standard tasting sessions and vineyard walks.

© Elyse Glickman

On-site morning wellness sessions can incorporate vineyard yoga, a sound bath and a meditation experience as multilayered as Kory’s most complex reds. Back at the villa, the couple takes pride in staging private wine dinners inside the dining room, wine cellar or barrel room. These exclusive evenings are frequently executed by noted regional culinary talents, including chefs Ryan Swarthout and Erin Sealy.

One experience entirely exclusive to the property is the Winemaker for the Day group wine-blending experience, designed for estate groups of 10 or more, as well as corporate gatherings of up to 50 people. Armed with blending kits, measuring cylinders and diverse varietals, participants split into teams to collaborate and compete in creating their own custom wine blend.

Even with a setting that feels delightfully isolated from the rest of the world, the estate sits just a short drive from downtown Paso Robles and its acclaimed culinary scene.

Dresser Winery Estate Villa
5530 Dresser Ranch Place
Paso Robles, CA 93446
tel 805 835 2002