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Tablas Creek Vineyard Summary

9339 Adelaida Road
Paso Robles ,CA 93446
United States
(805) 237-1231
tablascreek.com

Tablas Creek Vineyard Description

Tablas Creek Vineyard is an esteemed winery located in Paso Robles, California. Established in 1989, the winery is the result of a collaboration between two well-respected wine families: the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel in France's Rhône Valley and the Haas family of Vineyard Brands. Their shared passion and expertise in winemaking led them to select Paso Robles as the ideal location to produce high-quality Rhône-style wines.

One of the defining features of Tablas Creek Vineyard is their commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices. The vineyard spans over 120 acres, with grapes including traditional varietals like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Roussanne. These grapes are meticulously cared for, using organic fertilizers and cover crops to enhance soil health and minimize environmental impact.

The winery believes in the concept of terroir, allowing the unique characteristics of the land to shine through in their wines. They embrace the traditional fermentation methods of the Rhône Valley, incorporating native yeasts and minimal intervention to express the full potential of the grapes.

Tablas Creek Vineyard has gained recognition as a benchmark producer of Rhône-style wines in California. From their signature Esprit de Tablas, a blend reminiscent of the prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape, to their vibrant and aromatic whites like the Marsanne and Viognier, each wine encapsulates the essence of both the region and the winery's dedication to excellence.

Visitors to Tablas Creek Vineyard are treated to a warm and inviting experience, with a charming tasting room that showcases the vineyards' picturesque surroundings. The knowledgeable staff enthusiastically shares the winery's story and guides guests through a memorable tasting journey, offering a chance to discover and appreciate the unique character and flavors that Tablas Creek Vineyard has to offer.

What Makes Tablas Creek Vineyard Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Tablas Creek Vineyard stands out among other wineries in the region due to several distinguishing factors that make it unique and special. Here are some key aspects that set Tablas Creek apart:

1. Focus on Rhône Varietals: One significant differentiating factor is Tablas Creek's exclusive focus on Rhône varietals. While many wineries in California produce a wide range of grape varieties, Tablas Creek is dedicated to growing and producing wines exclusively from the traditional Rhône grapes. This commitment to the Rhône region's viticultural tradition sets Tablas Creek apart as a pioneer in bringing these lesser-known varietals to the forefront of California winemaking.

2. Prominent Role in the Paso Robles AVA: Tablas Creek Vineyard played a crucial role in the establishment of the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA). Founded in 1989 by the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, in collaboration with the Haas family, Tablas Creek was instrumental in pursuing recognition of the unique terroir and potential of Paso Robles. Today, the Paso Robles AVA is renowned for its diverse microclimates and wine quality, with Tablas Creek consistently manifesting this exceptional terroir in their wines.

3. Estate-Grown and Certified Organic: Another notable aspect of Tablas Creek is their Estate Vineyard, which spans over 120 acres. All of the grapes used in their wines are sourced from their own estate, ensuring complete quality control over the vineyard management and winemaking process. Moreover, Tablas Creek is known for their commitment to organic farming practices, having received organic certification from California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) in 2003. This dedication to organic viticulture aligns with their philosophy of sustainable farming and producing wines that reflect the unique character of their estate.

4. Emphasis on Biodynamic Principles: Going beyond organic practices, Tablas Creek Vineyard also incorporates biodynamic principles into their farming methods. Biodynamic farming considers the vineyard as a holistic ecosystem, focusing on the interconnection of plants, animals, soil, and cosmic rhythms. By embracing biodynamics, Tablas Creek aims to enhance the overall health and vitality of their vineyard, resulting in grapes that authentically represent their terroir and express a sense of place.

5. Collaboration and Education: Tablas Creek actively participates in collaborations and educational initiatives aimed at advancing the Rhône wine movement in California and beyond. Through partnerships like the Rhône Rangers, a collective of wineries dedicated to promoting Rhône varietals, Tablas Creek fosters a community of like-minded producers and enthusiasts who share a passion for these grape varieties. The winery also extends educational opportunities to visitors through vineyard tours, tastings, and events, providing an immersive experience that educates and engages wine lovers.

In summary, Tablas Creek Vineyard distinguishes itself from other wineries in the region through its exclusive focus on Rhône varietals, instrumental role in the establishment of the Paso Robles AVA, estate-grown and certified organic grapes, emphasis on biodynamic principles, and commitment to collaboration and education. These factors contribute to Tablas Creek's reputation as a trailblazer in California winemaking, crafting wines that reflect a unique sense of place in the richly diverse landscape of Paso Robles.

What Some Possible Concerns About Tablas Creek Vineyard ?

While opinions may vary, there are a few common complaints or concerns that some people have expressed about Tablas Creek Vineyard:

1. Limited Varietal Selection: Tablas Creek Vineyard primarily focuses on Rhône-style wines, which means they specialize in grape varietals like Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Some visitors have mentioned that they would have preferred a wider range of grape varieties to choose from.

2. Prices: Some individuals have found the prices of Tablas Creek wines to be relatively high compared to similar wineries in the region. While the quality is generally praised, the higher price point may have deterred some potential customers.

3. Tasting Room Crowds: Tablas Creek Vineyard is well-known and popular amongst both locals and tourists. Consequently, the tasting room can get quite crowded, especially during peak seasons. There have been some complaints about the limited space and long wait times for tastings at the winery.

4. Distance from Main Cities: Tablas Creek Vineyard is located in the Paso Robles wine region, which can be a bit remote for visitors traveling from major cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Some people have expressed that the distance and travel time required to reach the winery can be a drawback.

5. Limited Food Options: While Tablas Creek offers tastings and allows visitors to bring outside food for picnics, they do not have a restaurant or a full-scale food menu on-site. Some visitors have mentioned that they would have appreciated more food options to complement their wine tasting experience.

It's important to note that these criticisms might not be universally shared and are subjective, as many others enjoy and appreciate Tablas Creek Vineyard for its unique offerings and quality wines.

Tablas Creek Vineyard History

Tablas Creek Vineyard is a renowned winery located in the heart of the Paso Robles wine region in California. Founded in 1989, it is a joint venture between the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel in the Rhône Valley of France, and Robert Haas, a respected American importer and winegrower. The partnership was formed with the vision of bringing the rich heritage and incredible winemaking techniques of the Rhône Valley to the Central Coast of California.

The story of Tablas Creek Vineyard begins years before its official establishment. In the 1960s, Robert Haas, a wine enthusiast and importer, developed a deep passion for the wines of the Rhône Valley in France. During his visits to the region, he was particularly fascinated by the Château de Beaucastel, where he met the Perrin family. Beaucastel is one of the most esteemed estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and is highly regarded for producing exceptional wines.

Inspired by the Perrin family's commitment to organic farming and traditional winemaking techniques, Haas started importing their wines to the United States, introducing American wine enthusiasts to the complex and elegant Rhône-style wines. Over the years, Haas and the Perrin family developed a strong bond and a shared vision of establishing a winery that would craft Rhône-style wines in California.

Their dream materialized in 1989 when Tablas Creek Vineyard was officially established. Led by Robert Haas and the Perrin family, the project aimed to produce top-quality wines using traditional grape varieties from the Rhône Valley. To achieve this, they imported cuttings from their estate in France, including many rare and ancient grape varietals.

However, bringing the vines to the United States was not an easy task due to the threat of phylloxera, a devastating vineyard pest that had decimated Europe's vineyards in the late 19th century. To prevent the spread of phylloxera, the imported vines underwent a rigorous quarantine process supervised by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For nearly a decade, the team at Tablas Creek worked closely with the authorities and conducted experiments to ensure the imported vines were disease-free.

Finally, in 1993, the vines were released from quarantine, marking a significant milestone for Tablas Creek Vineyard. With a commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices, the vineyard started planting the imported Rhône varieties, including Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah, Counoise, Roussanne, Viognier, and Marsanne. The estate's limestone-rich soils and the climate resembling the Mediterranean, with warm days and cool nights, proved to be ideal for these grape varieties.

The vineyard's first vintage was released in 1997, and since then, Tablas Creek has consistently produced wines of outstanding quality and character. The winery's focus on Rhône varietals is evident in their diverse range of wines, including their flagship blend, Esprit de Tablas, along with single-varietal bottlings and several unique blends showcasing the expressive qualities of these grapes.

Today, Tablas Creek Vineyard stands as a testament to the successful union of Old World winemaking traditions and the unique terroir of the Paso Robles region. The winery continues to innovate, striving to produce wines that reflect the heritage, elegance, and complexity of the Rhône Valley while embracing the distinct characteristics of the Central Coast.

With its rich history, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to crafting exceptional Rhône-style wines, Tablas Creek Vineyard has become a beloved and respected winery not only in California but also in the broader international wine community. It serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring legacy of great winemaking.