About the Paso Robles Region

Paso Robles is California’s largest AVA, comprised of 666,550 acres of vines. It’s located at the southern tip of the central coast region, covering half of San Luis Obispo County. What makes this area unique is the huge temperature variation from day to night. In fact, it’s the largest temperature shift of any Californian appellation. The Paso Robles region also boasts diverse soils, a distinctive microclimate, and a long growing season. These are perfect conditions for producing a wide range of high-quality wines. Over 60 different varieties of grapes are grown throughout the Paso Robles region. These include Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Roussanne, and Viognier. However, the region’s heritage varietal is Zinfandel. Along with award-winning wines, visitors to the area can also enjoy excellent restaurants, a historic downtown, and breathtaking scenery. In addition, there are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, including golf, hiking, and cycling.

History

The region that became Paso Robles was inhabited by Native Americans thousands of years before the mission era. They were attracted to the area by its thermal springs and vast beauty. In 1857, The City of El Paso de Robles was founded by James and Daniel Blackburn and was a rest stop for travelers on the Camino Real trail. Many think of Paso Robles as the wild west of the wine industry. Viticulture in this region started in the latter half of the 18th century. The first vines were planted by Spanish missionaries and were likely of the Mission variety. Today, wines of the Paso Robles region are made from a variety of different grapes, the majority being warm-climate vines. This is now the fastest growing AVA in the state. The number of bonded wineries in Paso Robles has grown from 50 to over 200 since 2000.

Wines of Paso Robles

Diversity is one of the main characteristics of this exciting wine country. However, there are several styles that wine drinkers should concentrate on when visiting. These include Zinfandel, Rhone blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other innovative blends. Wines from Paso Robles are better enjoyed while young. They tend to display notes of sweet fruit and have plush, medium-bodied textures. They typically have high alcohol content and firm acidity.

Zinfandel was the first commercially successful grape to come out of Paso Robles. Here, it’s known for having notes of raspberry, raisin, licorice, prune, and black tea spice. They’re also characterized by plush tannins. While Zinfandel is known as the heritage wine of Paso Robles, Cabernet Sauvignonand Bordeaux now account for over 55% of the vines planted. The Cabs produced are rich in texture and contain flavors of peppercorn, anise, and cola. These bold reds contain a level of minerality along with high acidity.

Paso Robles is referred to as the “Rhone-zone,” due to it having the largest planting of Syrah, Roussanne, and Viognier in the state. The Rhone wines these grapes produce contain flavors of black and red fruits, herbs, and licorice. They have a full body and soft tannins. The white Rhone, which may be 100% varietal from Viognier, have a distinct apricot flavor. Producers in Paso Robles are now also making a wide range of blends from both Italian and Spanish grapes.

Meta: The Paso Robles region in California boasts the largest AVA in the state and produces a wide range of high-quality wines. Learn more about this wine country.