Best of Paso Robles' 100 Wineries

The Paso Robles AVA (appellation) is the third largest in California and presently home to over a hundred wineries. The region contains several identified microclimates, ranging from hot San Miguel in the north, to cooler Templeton Wind Gap in the south central part of the AVA. There has been much discussion about dividing the AVA into its constituent microclimates and the region of greatest contention is the hills west of US101. This area is known locally as the Westside and is as different geologically from the Eastside as Napa Valley is to Santa Cruz Mountains.

The Eastside wineries are found on the alluvial Estrella Bench, characterized by deep, fertile soils and a gently rolling topography. Here you will find Paso Robles' largest wineries: Eberle, EOS Estate, and giant Meridian Vineyards, which boasts an annual production of 800,000 cases.

The Westside wineries are typically small, often single family proprietorships with a limited production of wines that more clearly reflect the nuances of their terroir. The soils here are mostly limestone and the topography consists of steep hills separated by deep valleys. There is a movement afoot, promoted by a number of Westside wineries whose collective identity is

>Paso Robles Grand Crew

, to declare the region a separate AVA.

The Westside topography consists of steep hills, separated by deep valleys. Vineyards and wineries are everywhere. Although other varietals are grown here, Zinfandel is the dominant grape. In 2000 Zinfandel specialist Turley Wine Cellars of Napa Valley purchased the 80 year old Pesenti Vineyard here and set up winemaking operations. The Turley single vineyard Zinfandels are the priciest in California, sometimes costing over a hundred dollars a bottle.

In 1989 the owners of famed Chateau de Beaucastel of Châteauneuf-du-Pape selected vineyard property in Paso Robles Westside for their North American operations, arguing that the soils of this region most closely resemble those of the southern Rhône valley. Their new winery was named Tablas Creek Vineyards and produces some of the finest Rhône styled wines in California.

The Westside's most highly acclaimed wine belongs to Justin Vineyards. Their highly rated Isosceles blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc is one of California's most sought after Meritage blends.

The real allure of Paso Robles Westside lies not only in its superb wines, but in its bucolic and unspoiled scenery. It's an ideal place for wine touring. Here you can enjoy the peaceful countryside far from crowds and congestion. You can meet winemakers who are happy to share their winemaking vision and describe the distinction of their particular property. Nearly all the Westside wineries have picnic facilities and some even offer deli foods to accompany their wines.

If you are considering a self-guided wine tour anywhere in California, Paso Robles Westside

is a great place to visit.

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