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Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery Summary

5036 South El Pomar
Templeton ,CA 93465
United States
(805) 238-9940
pomarjunction.com


Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery Description

Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned and operated establishment nestled in the picturesque Paso Robles wine region of California. Founded in 2004, the winery has quickly gained a reputation for producing exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of the area.

The winery's commitment to sustainable farming practices sets it apart from others. With a focus on organic and biodynamic farming, Pomar Junction prioritizes the health of the land and the quality of the grapes it produces. The vineyard spans over 100 acres, encompassing various soil types and microclimates, allowing for the cultivation of a diverse selection of grape varietals.

At Pomar Junction, the crafting of wines is a labor of love. The winemaking team, led by Winemaker Jim Shumate, possesses a deep understanding of the vineyard's fruit and works tirelessly to create wines that express the true essence of the region. From their award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay to their unique blends and Rhône varietals, each bottle reflects the winery's commitment to excellence.

Visiting Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery is a truly immersive experience. The estate features a beautiful tasting room housed in a restored 1920s-era train station, paying homage to the winery's rich history and location along California's central coast railroad. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the vineyard and surrounding countryside, while savoring the winery's handcrafted wines. The estate also includes a picnic area and a scenic railway display, providing visitors with a delightful and educational outing.

With its sustainable practices, dedication to quality, and unique tasting experience, Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery stands as a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts seeking to explore the rich offerings of the Paso Robles wine region.

What Makes Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery is a truly exceptional and unique winery that sets itself apart from other wineries in the region in numerous ways. Standing proudly in the Paso Robles wine region of California, this family-owned and operated winery boasts a rich history and a commitment to producing exceptional wines while stewarding the land and embracing sustainable farming practices.

One of the key aspects that differentiates Pomar Junction is its location and vineyard site. Situated on the picturesque and scenic El Pomar District, the winery benefits from the unique terroir and microclimate of this area, which is known for its diverse soil types and ideal growing conditions for grape varietals such as Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. The vineyard's proximity to the Pacific Ocean brings cool breezes and coastal fog, creating a more moderate climate that allows for longer growing seasons, resulting in grapes with optimal flavor development.

Additionally, Pomar Junction prides itself on its commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. They actively strive to minimize their impact on the land through organic farming methods, cover cropping, and the use of solar power. By employing such practices, they are able to maintain ecological balance, preserve the health of the soil, and produce wines that are not only delicious but also reflective of their unique vineyard site.

What truly sets Pomar Junction apart is their dedication to crafting exceptional wines while staying true to their family traditions and heritage. The winery has been owned and operated by the Merrill family for over four generations, and their passion and expertise are evident in every bottle they produce. With their deep understanding of the land, cultivation techniques passed down through generations, and a commitment to hand-crafted winemaking, Pomar Junction is able to produce wines of exceptional quality and character.

Visiting Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery is not just an opportunity to taste and enjoy their outstanding wines, but also a chance to immerse oneself in the winemaking process and their family's heritage. The warm and welcoming tasting room offers a truly unique experience, where guests can learn about the winemaking process, explore the vineyards, and appreciate the stunning views of the surrounding Paso Robles countryside.

In conclusion, Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery stands out among other wineries in the region due to its exceptional location, focus on sustainable practices, and commitment to preserving their family traditions. Their dedication to crafting high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of the El Pomar District, combined with their warm hospitality and rich history, make a visit to Pomar Junction an experience unlike any other.

What Some Possible Concerns About Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery ?

While the Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery in California generally receives positive reviews from visitors, there are a few aspects that some people have expressed dissatisfaction with. Here are a few common complaints:

1. Limited wine selection: Some visitors have mentioned that they were disappointed by the winery's limited wine selection. They felt that there were not enough options to cater to different taste preferences.

2. Inconsistent service: A few guests have reported inconsistent service experiences at Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery. Some mentioned that the staff seemed disorganized or inattentive during their visit, which negatively impacted their overall experience.

3. Lack of ambiance: While the vineyard itself is scenic and beautiful, a few visitors have felt that the ambiance or atmosphere within the winery's tasting room or outdoor seating area was lacking. Some mentioned that it felt too basic or unremarkable compared to other nearby wineries.

4. Tasting fees: A handful of guests have expressed frustration with the winery's tasting fees. They felt that the price for a wine tasting was too high, especially when considering the limited wine selection or the quality of the wines offered.

It's important to note that opinions about wineries can vary greatly and what some people didn't like about Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery might not bother others. It's always a good idea to read multiple reviews to gain a balanced understanding before forming your own opinion.

Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery History

Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in the picturesque Paso Robles region of Central California. Steeped in a rich history, the winery has deep ties to the area and boasts a remarkable story that unfolds not only through its vineyards and wines but also through its legacy.

The history of Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery can be traced back to the 1920s when the Merrill family, originally from Iowa, first settled in the Paso Robles area. The family was involved in various agricultural pursuits before venturing into the wine industry. The patriarch of the family, Dana Merrill, recognized the potential of the region's unique terroir and envisioned establishing a vineyard that would produce exceptional wines.

In 1995, the Merrill family purchased a heritage-rich property that had been a part of the California missions dating back to the 18th century. The property featured an old farmhouse and a train depot, which served as a vital connection to neighboring regions. Inspired by the train's historical significance, the family named their winery "Pomar Junction," paying homage to both their agricultural roots and the locomotive heritage of the area.

Initial planting of vineyards began in 1996, with the Merrill family carefully selecting grape varieties that would thrive in the region's diverse soils and microclimates. The vineyards were cultivated with meticulous attention to detail, using sustainable farming practices to ensure the health of the land and the preservation of its natural beauty.

As the vines matured, Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery gained recognition for its dedication to quality, which eventually led to the release of their first vintage in 2004. The winery quickly gained a reputation for producing exceptional wines that harmoniously reflected the terroir of Paso Robles.

Today, Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery is managed by Dana Merrill's sons, Matthew and Matthew's wife, Brooks, who have continued their family's legacy with passion and commitment. The winery encompasses around 100 acres of vineyards, primarily planted with Rhône and Bordeaux grape varieties, including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. These carefully selected varietals thrive in the region's warm days and cool nights, ensuring the wines possess an elegant balance of flavors and aromatic profiles.

The winemaking philosophy at Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery revolves around crafting wines that truly express the unique terroir of Paso Robles. The Merrill family, together with their skilled winemaking team, artfully blends traditional techniques with modern innovation to produce wines that capture the essence of the vineyards. Meticulous vineyard management, hand-harvesting, and gentle pressing techniques are utilized to ensure the utmost quality.

Visitors to Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery can enjoy an immersive and authentic wine experience. The winery's tasting room, housed in the historic train depot, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can sample a range of estate wines while enveloped in the ambiance of the past. Additionally, the picturesque property provides a stunning backdrop for events, weddings, and vineyard tours, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the winery's natural beauty and rich heritage.

Throughout its history, Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery has remained steadfast in its commitment to crafting exceptional wines that showcase the character and essence of Paso Robles. The Merrill family's passion for the land, combined with their unwavering dedication to producing wines of exceptional quality, has firmly established Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery as an integral part of the region's winemaking landscape.

Introduction

Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!

I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....

After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.

Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.

Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.

As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.

Cheers! - Franklin Laurel