Sober driving service co-owner faces third DUI charge 

The owner of a wine-country sober-driver bus service in Paso Robles is scheduled to appear in court July 9 to face drunk-driving charges stemming from an April accident. Jason Westfall, who is part owner of The Wine Line, had two prior drunk driving charges from 2000 and 2004, according to court records.

In a March New Times story about the sober-driver service, which was launched in February this year, it was described as a “green” way to visit wineries without the hassle of finding a sober driver. The service runs buses fueled by biodiesel and allows patrons to hop on and off the vans like a city bus.

In March, New Times reported, “Paso Robles wine enthusiasts can be transported to tastings in safe style, thanks to a new ‘hop on, hop off’ shuttle service.”

In a statement to New Times, Westfall said he is currently getting treatment for a drinking problem, and that the Wine Line will continue, but he will not be driving any of the vans. Westfall was off duty and driving by himself at the time of the accident. 

“I started this business to enable people to avoid the very situations I’ve experienced,” Westfall said. “Hopefully people can learn from my grave mistake and take advantage of safe transportation.”