Over the summer, I traveled through California’s Central Coast to explore Paso Robles Rhône Valley wines, a region that continues to inspire wine lovers around the world. Paso Robles sits almost perfectly between San Francisco and Los Angeles, offering rolling hills, sweeping vistas and a climate that mirrors the Mediterranean. Warm days, cool Pacific breezes and crisp evening temperatures allow Rhône grapes like Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre to flourish here, producing expressive blends with vibrant acidity and remarkable depth.
The winery doing this perfectly is Tablas Creek, who happen to be pioneers of California’s Rhône Wines Movement. The winery was founded in 1989, and is the partnership and friendship between the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel and the Haas family of Vineyard Brands. The 120-acre parcel was purchased in 1989, and in January 1990, the first vine cuttings were imported from France. The gorgeous piece of land is situated 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean in west Paso Robles. The site was chosen for its similarities to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, in the Rhône Valley of France and the shallow, rocky limestone soils are of the same geologic origin as those at Château de Beaucastel.
Tablas Creek believes in dry farming, and sustainability, receiving their organic certification back in January 2003. Biodynamic techniques abound in the vineyard since 2010, with a herd of sheep, alpacas and donkeys who make the left over vines their meal of choice, as well as fertilize the vines with their manure. The Vineyard was named Tablas Creek Vineyard, after the small creek running through the property.
Tablas Creek initially focused on nine key grape varieties for their vineyard, but have added seven more for a full complement of Châteauneuf-du-Pape approved grape varietals including; Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache, Counoise, Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Picpoul, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Vaccarese, Cinsaut, Picardan, Muscardin, and Terret Noir. This diversity of grape varieties allows Tablas Creek to replicate that of an established French vineyard.
If you want a true Côtes du Rhône experience in the USA, look no further than Tablas Creek. Whether at the Vineyard or back home, their wines are top notch!
Paso Robles stands as one of California’s most exciting destinations for Rhône-inspired wines, and Tablas Creek continues to set the benchmark for excellence. Their commitment to organic farming, biodiversity and traditional French varieties showcases why the region has earned global recognition. As a California wine writer, I can say with certainty that Paso Robles deserves a place on every wine traveler’s itinerary. Whether you come for the vineyard landscapes, the Rhône blends or the pioneering spirit that defines this region, you will leave inspired by the beauty and brilliance of California wine country.
COVID-19 : Wine Bottle Discounts and Shipping Specials from Paso Robles Wine Country
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