Where Rhône Meets California: A Paso Robles Journey Through Rhône Valley Wines
Over the summer, I traveled through California’s Central Coast to explore Paso Robles Rhône Valley wines. This region continues to inspire wine lovers around the world. Paso Robles sits almost perfectly between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It offers rolling hills, sweeping vistas, and a climate that mirrors the Mediterranean. The warm days, cool Pacific breezes, and crisp evening temperatures allow Rhône grapes like Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre to flourish here. They produce expressive blends with vibrant acidity and remarkable depth.
Tablas Creek embodies a Mediterranean approach, and the team has also helped pioneer California’s Rhône wine movement. The Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel partnered with the Haas family of Vineyard Brands to launch the winery in 1989. That same year, they bought a 120-acre parcel in west Paso Robles. In January 1990, they imported the first vine cuttings from France and began planting with purpose.
Tablas Creek sits about 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean, where coastal influence cools the vineyards. The founders chose this vineyard and site because it mirrors Châteauneuf du Pape in the Rhône Valley. Shallow, rocky limestone soils define the land. Those soils share the same geologic origin as Château de Beaucastel, which gives Tablas Creek its distinctive Rhône-inspired edge.
Tablas Creek believes in dry farming and sustainability. They received their organic certification back in January 2003. Biodynamic techniques have abounded in the vineyard since 2010. A herd of sheep, alpacas, and donkeys make the leftover vines their meal of choice. They also fertilize the vines with their manure. The Vineyard was named Tablas Creek Vineyard, after the small creek running through the property.
Tablas Creek Wine Varieties
Tablas Creek initially focused on nine key grape varieties for their vineyard. They have added seven more for a full complement of Châteauneuf-du-Pape approved grape varietals. These include 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. 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, ultimately, 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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