Our Story
Welcome to Écluse Wines — a beloved boutique winery rooted in the rolling hills of Paso Robles’ renowned Willow Creek District.
What began as the vision of founders Steve and Pam Lock has grown into one of the area’s most respected small-production estate wineries, known for handcrafted wines, warm hospitality, and a deep connection to the land.In 1997, Steve and Pam purchased 30 acres tucked into a quiet canyon on Paso Robles’ coveted Westside. Inspired by the remarkable terroir of what would become Lock Vineyard, they planted vines with the philosophy that “great fruit makes great wine.” That philosophy became the foundation of Écluse Wines and helped shape the winery into the award-winning destination it is today.
The name Écluse — the French word for the locks along the canals of France — was inspired by the Locks’ travels through the French countryside and cleverly tied to their family name. Their love of wine, travel, and community became woven into every bottle and every guest experience shared at the winery over the past two decades.
In April 2025, after decades of hard work building something truly special, Steve and Pam officially passed the torch to Paso Robles natives and second-generation winegrowers and winemakers Josh and Gibsey Beckett of Thibido Winery, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Écluse. Like many, Josh & Gibsey had long been fans of Écluse, admiring what Steve and Pam built, and over time developed a warm friendship with the Locks from their neighboring vineyard on Kiler Canyon.
For the Becketts, this transition is deeply personal. Josh grew up immersed in Paso Robles wine culture through his family’s pioneering work at Peachy Canyon Winery and later helped shape brands including Chronic Cellars before founding Thibido Winery with Gibsey. Together, they built Thibido around thoughtful farming, creative winemaking, sustainability, and authentic hospitality — values that closely align with the legacy Steve and Pam created at Écluse.
Even more meaningful, the Écluse property represents a return to Josh’s roots. Long before Thibido existed, Josh spent time learning the rhythms of vineyard and cellar life on this very property during the early days of Paso Robles winemaking. In the early 80’s Tobias Winery was founded in the old barn that still greets guests today. It was here that Josh and his father, Doug Beckett, were first introduced to winemaking. Carrying Écluse into its next chapter feels less like a change and more like a homecoming.
Today, the Becketts are honored to carry on the Écluse legacy while thoughtfully guiding the winery into the next chapter. Guests can now experience both Écluse and Thibido wines under one roof, offering an expanded range of Bordeaux, Rhône, Zinfandel, and innovative small-lot wines that reflect the diversity and creativity of Paso Robles wine country.
While ownership has evolved, the heart of Écluse remains unchanged. The entire Écluse team is still here, including longtime winemaker Anthony La Duca and several dedicated staff members who have been an instrumental part of the winery family for more than 14 years. Their knowledge, passion, relationships, and commitment continue to shape the welcoming experience guests have come to know and love.
As Écluse enters this new era, the vision remains rooted in handcrafted wines, estate farming, and genuine hospitality — honoring the legacy built by Steve and Pam while embracing the energy, experience, and passion the Becketts bring to the future.
We invite you to visit, share a glass, and experience the next chapter of Écluse Wines.
