Paso Robles AVA

San Luis Obispo, Central Coast

The Paso Robles wine region located in San Luis Obispo County, is one of the oldest in California with vines being introduced by the missionaries back in 1797. The commercial wine growing industry did not take hold until the late 1800s. For the next century the progress of the wine industry in Paso Robles could best be described as slow and steady, with only about 20 wineries in the area as late as 1990. However, in the last 25 years the growth of the wine industry has been explosive and today there are almost 200 wineries producing some of California’s finest varietals.

While many still associate the region with its famous Zinfandel, today Bordeaux wine varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Rhône varietals like Syrah, Viognier and Roussanne wines have also taken off. With all these quality grapes at hand, leading area winemakers are also receiving attention for their innovative blends. For wine lovers who want to experience the “Paso Scene”, there are a number of festivals that highlight the regions offerings, including the Paso Robles Zinfandel Festival and the Harvest Wine Weekend. Paso Robles red wines are often described as having soft tannins, deep color, and velvety mouth feel with rich fruitiness.

Paso Robles is also the "Home of the Garagiste Wine Movement" here in California. We feature these hard-to-find artisan wines in our Garagiste Wine Club. Give them a try, you will not be disappointed.