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Calcareous Vineyard Summary

3430 Peachy Canyon Road
Paso Robles ,CA 93446
United States
(805) 239-0289
calcareous.com

Calcareous Vineyard Description

Calcareous Vineyard, nestled in the hills of Paso Robles, California, is a picturesque winery that offers a truly unique winemaking experience. The family-owned estate boasts a stunning location, perched upon limestone hills that resemble the famous white cliffs of Dover. This geological composition gives Calcareous Vineyard its name orininating from "calcarius," which means "full of calcium".

One step onto the winery grounds and visitors are instantly captivated by the sweeping panoramic views of the vineyards below and the gentle rolling hills in the distance. The Mediterranean climate of the region, combined with the distinct terroir of limestone, creates the perfect conditions for grape growing. Calcareous Vineyard takes full advantage of this natural bounty, producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Paso Robles appellation.

The winery's portfolio showcases a wide variety of wines, with a particular focus on Rhône and Bordeaux varietals. From robust Cabernet Sauvignons to elegant Syrahs, and crisp Viogniers to tantalizing blends, Calcareous Vineyard offers something to please every palate. The commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every bottle, as the winemakers meticulously handcraft each wine, ensuring optimal expression of the fruit and the terroir.

Visitors to Calcareous Vineyard can enjoy more than just wine tasting. The winery offers a vibrant and engaging tasting room experience, where guests can sample the exceptional wines while taking in the stunning views from the wraparound balcony. For those seeking a more immersive experience, private tours and tastings are available, providing a deeper understanding of the winemaking process and the unique traits of the vineyard.

Calcareous Vineyard is not just a winery; it's an experience. Whether indulging in a glass of their award-winning wine, exploring the scenic beauty of the estate, or simply enjoying the warm hospitality of the staff, a visit to Calcareous Vineyard is a true delight for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. This California gem is a must-visit destination for those seeking the perfect harmony of exceptional wines and breathtaking vistas.

What Makes Calcareous Vineyard Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Calcareous Vineyard, nestled in the picturesque hills of Paso Robles in California, undoubtedly stands out from other wineries in the region due to several unique aspects. First and foremost, the winery's distinct terroir, which is characterized by its limestone-rich soil, sets it apart from other vineyards in the area. This peculiar soil composition imparts a fascinating mineral and savory profile to their wines, creating a distinguishing factor that is seldom found in other wineries.

Moreover, Calcareous Vineyard boasts an exceptional microclimate ideal for grape cultivation. The cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean, combined with the warm days and cool nights that are typical of Paso Robles, allows their vineyards to fully develop rich and complex flavors in their grapes. This favorable climate, influenced by the region's unique position relative to coastal and inland influences, contributes to the production of wines that showcase a perfect balance between ripeness and acidity.

Additionally, Calcareous Vineyard takes great pride in their commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly winemaking practices. The winery actively employs techniques such as dry farming and minimal intervention in the vineyard and employs organic and biodynamic principles to preserve and enhance the natural resources and vitality of their land. This dedication to sustainability not only reinforces their respect for the environment but also adds another layer of distinction to their wines, which are often praised for their vibrant expression of the vineyard's natural characteristics.

Furthermore, Calcareous Vineyard offers a diverse range of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Rhône-style blends, allowing wine enthusiasts to explore and experience a wide spectrum of flavors and styles. Their winemaking philosophy revolves around showcasing the unique attributes of each grape variety while maintaining the essence of the land, resulting in wines that are expressive, memorable, and true to their origin.

Apart from their remarkable wines, Calcareous Vineyard offers visitors an unforgettable experience. The winery is perched on a hilltop, providing awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills. The tasting room itself is designed to maximize these breathtaking vistas, allowing guests to savor their wines while immersing themselves in the beauty of the landscape.

In conclusion, Calcareous Vineyard distinguishes itself through its remarkable terroir, exceptional microclimate, sustainable practices, diverse varietals, and captivating setting. These elements combine to create a wine tasting experience that is truly unforgettable, making Calcareous Vineyard a must-visit destination for wine lovers seeking a truly unique and authentic expression of the Paso Robles wine region.

What Some Possible Concerns About Calcareous Vineyard ?

While online reviews of Calcareous Vineyard generally reflect positive experiences, there are a few aspects that some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with. Here are some common complaints:

1. Inconsistent service: Some visitors have complained about inconsistent customer service experiences at Calcareous Vineyard. This includes long wait times to be served, lack of attention from staff, and slow response to inquiries or concerns.

2. Limited food options: Some guests have mentioned that the winery's food offerings are limited. While the vineyard offers some light bites to accompany the wine tasting experience, visitors seeking a more substantial meal option have expressed disappointment.

3. Crowded tasting room: During peak hours or weekends, Calcareous Vineyard's tasting room can get quite crowded, according to some reviewers. This can lead to congestion and longer wait times for tastings, making it difficult for visitors to fully enjoy the experience.

4. Tour limitations: A few customers have mentioned that the winery's guided tours are relatively brief and do not provide a comprehensive understanding of the winemaking process. Some visitors felt that the tours lacked depth and did not offer enough educational value.

5. Pricey wines: While this is subjective, a few reviewers have commented that Calcareous Vineyard's wines are on the pricier side compared to similar wineries in the region. Some visitors felt that the prices didn't fully align with the quality of the wines.

It is essential to note that these complaints represent a minority of opinions, and many visitors thoroughly enjoy their experiences at Calcareous Vineyard. Personal preferences and expectations can vary, and it's recommended to read a variety of reviews to get a comprehensive overview before making a judgment.

Calcareous Vineyard History

Calcareous Vineyard, situated on the picturesque west side of Paso Robles in California, holds a rich and fascinating history in the world of winemaking. The story of this esteemed winery stretches back to the early 2000s when two passionate wine enthusiasts, Dana and Erika Brown, embarked on a journey to create a vineyard that would epitomize the ideal combination of terroir-driven wines and breathtaking scenery.

The roots of Calcareous Vineyard trace back to the discovery of the unique limestone-rich soils that abundantly exist in Paso Robles. Recognizing the potential of this remarkable terroir, Dana and Erika acquired a 442-acre property in the coveted Paso Robles AVA (American Viticultural Area) in 2000. Inspired by the limestone found throughout the site, they aptly named their venture "Calcareous," paying homage to the calcium carbonate-rich foundation on which the vineyard rests.

The Browns were extensively involved in the wine industry before embarking on this endeavor. Dana, an oenophile, had a profound passion for wine inspired by his upbringing in California's Napa Valley. Erika drew from her background as a trained wine chemist, having completed her studies at the esteemed UC Davis, to bring her technical expertise to the development of the vineyard. Together, the couple's shared vision was to create ultra-premium wines that showcased the unique characteristics imparted by the distinctive soil composition.

With meticulous planning and a commitment to sustainability, the Browns planted the inaugural vineyard blocks in 2001. The vineyard, spanning over 210 acres, was strategically laid out to maximize the advantages of the diverse soil profiles found throughout the property. As a tribute to traditional Bordeaux-style grape varieties, Calcareous Vineyard carefully selected varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Merlot for the red wine program. For white wines, they planted Chardonnay, Viognier, and Roussanne, among others.

As the vineyard matured, Calcareous Vineyard rapidly gained regional and national recognition for its exceptional wines, exemplifying the region's terroir and expressiveness. The high elevation of the vineyard, reaching up to 1,800 feet above sea level, coupled with the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean, results in a unique microclimate ideal for producing wines of character, complexity, and finesse.

Expanding their winemaking prowess, the Browns ventured beyond their estate-grown grapes and established strong relationships with esteemed growers in other renowned appellations, such as Santa Barbara County and the Paso Robles Willow Creek District. This strategic alliance allowed Calcareous Vineyard to source additional high-quality fruit, further enhancing their portfolio with a diverse range of varietals and styles.

In 2006, Calcareous Vineyard opened its doors to the public with a stunning, Mediterranean-style winery and tasting room. Overlooking panoramic views of the Paso Robles wine country, the scenic location offers guests a tranquil setting to enjoy an array of world-class wines while embracing the beauty of the surrounding vineyards.

Today, Calcareous Vineyard remains committed to crafting exceptional wines that best express the distinct vineyard sites and the influence of the magnificent limestone soils. Led by renowned winemaker Jason Joyce, the winery continues to push the envelope, constantly refining their techniques and experimenting with new approaches to achieve the pinnacle of winemaking excellence.

With a rich history rooted in passion, terroir, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Calcareous Vineyard proudly stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of California winemaking.