Why Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles tops the list

Tablas Creek Vineyard, one of Paso Robles premier wineries, was one of our winery stops last June.  The story behind this winery is one of a partnership between two international wine community families. The families are Perrin of Château de Beaucastel (a winery located in the southern Rhône valley, France, which is noted for its Châteauneuf du Pape wines) and Hass of Vineyard Brands. They were convinced that Rhône grape varieties would do well in California's Mediterranean climate. After a search they decided on the west side of Paso Robles. The winery was established in 1989, it is now 36 years old. I have had the pleasure of visiting this winery over the years, and what follows is an update on a recent visit. This Paso winery tops my list because it is hard to pass up their Rhône-style blends and Rhône varietal wines.

Wine Tasting, Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Even though it was a hot June day we enjoyed a wine tasting in the garden area.

Wine Tasting at Tablas Creek Vineyard

Yes, despite the hot weather we took a table in the garden area. The misting and umbrellas keep us cool and shaded from the heat. Tablas is on my list because it is hard to pass up their Rhône-style blends and Rhône varietal wines.

Exploring Wine Tasting Options,Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Tablas Creek Vineyard, June 2025 © Spaswinefood

Tablas Creek are the pioneers of Rhône-style wines in Paso Robles Wine Country. I can not think of a better introduction to the Rhône varietals (except being in France) than Tablas Creek. This lover of Châteauneuf du Pape and other Rhône Valley wines is convinced.

Welcome to Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Tablas Creek was the first Rengenerative Organic Certified Vineyard in the world. They were organic since the beginning, followed by 2003 certification; and also been Biodynamic since 2010, followed by 2017 certification.

Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Domaine de Beaucastel & Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Our host introduced us to a wide range of Tablas Creek wines.

Tasting Tablas Creek Vineyard Wines © Spaswinefood

Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Wine Time, Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

After tasting whites, rose, and red we would conclude with a number of red wines.

Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Their twenty plus wines are made using Rhone Valley traditions, with what they have learnt in three decades in Paso Robles. The winemaking techniques at Tablas Creek include the use of native yeast during small lot fermentation, followed by aging in large neutral French oak barrels.

Garden Patio, Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Just in case you are wondering what Rhone varietal wines are, it is the indigenous grape varieties that grow in the Rhone Valley, like Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier and Roussanne. For a complete list of red and white varietals grown at Tablas Creek checkout their website:

Every time I visit Tablas I reflect back on my earlier visits.

Earlier Tablas Creek Experiences

Supporting sustainable winemaking while exploring a wine region is what I look for when I travel. Perhaps is not surprising that one May evening at Thomas Hill Organics (THO) we selected a Tablas Creek Vineyard wine. Whenever Spaswinefood is presented with a wine list, or in the Paso Robles area, I am drawn to Tablas Creek Vineyard wines. I love Tablas Creek Vineyard use of sustainable farming in the production of their Rhône-style blends and varietal wines.

Tablas Creek Vineyard, Patelin de Tablas Blanc 2017 © Spaswinefood

Patelin de Tablas Blanc 2017, THO Style © Spaswinefood

It was hard to pass up selecting one of Tablas Creek Vineyard wines (Rhône-style blends and Rhône varietal wines). 

Earlier Wine Tasting with Paso Robles Rhône Rangers
During an earlier wine bloggers visit in 2019 we did a brief walking tour of Tablas Creek Vineyard with Jason Haas. Jason who has run the estate since the mid-2000's is the son of the late Robert Hass. After the tour we returned to the tasting room to sample wines from local wineries that had tasting stations setup. What the four wineries have in common is that they are members of the Paso Robles Rhône Rangers. Paso Robles Rhône Rangers mission is to (1) provide education and promotion of Rhône varietals and blends, and (2) promote the region as a top producer of Rhône varietal grapes and wines. This visit to Paso Robles Wine Country was indeed special because we meet these talented winemakers.

Paso Robles Rhône Rangers © Spaswinefood

During that visit Tablas Creek Vineyard was one of the four wineries, which had their winemakers sharing wines. Our host winemaker, Jason Haas poured us two wines and a barrel sample.

Tasting Tablas Creek Wines © Spaswinefood

The first wine was an Esprit Blanc De Tablas 2012 (a blend 75% Roussanne, 20% Grenache Blanc and 5% Picpoul Blanc).

Esprit Blanc De Tablas 2012 © Spaswinefood

The second wine was Patelin de Tablás Rosé 2013 (a blend 73% Grenache Noir, 22% Mourvedre, 5% Counoise).

Patelin de Tablás Rosé 2013 © Spaswinefood

Then we were in for a special treat, a barrel sample of Tablas Creek Vineyard Terret Noir 2013.

Tablas Creek Vineyard Terret Noir 2013 © Spaswinefood

More on Paso Robles Rhône Rangers

During that Tablas Creek visit  I can not think of a better introduction to the Rhône varietals (except being in France) than spending some time with Paso Robles Rhône Rangers. Just in case you are wondering what is a Rhône varietal here is an overview provided by, the Rhône Rangers of course:

The Rhône Rangers dedicate themselves to the grapes whose ancestral home is in France's Rhone Valley.  The French government recognizes 22 varieties in the various appellations that comprise this large and diverse wine-growing region.  Rhône Appellations (including Cote Rotie, Hermitage, Condrieu, Chateuneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Bandol, Cotes du Rhone and several others) each choose a different subset from the collection of grapes known (from their place of origin) as Rhone varietals.  For a wine to be considered a “Rhone Ranger” wine, and poured at an official Rhône Rangers tasting, the 22 recognized accepted varieties must comprise at least 75% of the blend.

Tablas Creek Vineyards, Paso Robles
Tablas Creek Vineyard is one of the premier wineries to visit in the Paso Robles area. Moreover, if you prefer to drink wines from organically farmed vineyards then put Tablas Creek Vineyard wines on your list for the following two reasons: (1) it is Certified Organic and Biodynamic, and (2) it produces great wines. Tablas Creek's wine production is centered around its 120 acre estate vineyard.

Tablas Creek Vineyards is located in Paso Robles American Viticulture Area (AVA), San Luis Obispo County, California's third largest wine region. Maybe you have heard that Paso Robles Wine Country has 11 Viticultural Areas. When you say that Paso Robles Wine Country has 11 Viticultural Areas (sub-appellations) what does that mean? First, Paso Robles American Viticulture Area (AVA) was established in 1983. Since the wine region was established it has grown significantly. Paso Robles, home to so much diversity in wine, is now a large and very diverse wine region, with over 200 wineries in the appellation. Over the years I have been introduced to the amazing diversity of Paso Robles 11 sub-appellations that showcase the uniqueness within Paso Robles Wine Country. Tablas Creek Vineyard has its own unique niche. Moreover, if you are interested in checking out Paso Robles's greener wineries, then put Tablas Creek Vineyard 9339 Adelaida Road on your list. The winery offers a number of wine tasting options. You can also take a tour of the winery to learn more about Tablas Creek's wine production.

Staying Cool, Tablas Creek Vineyard, June 2025 © Spaswinefood

You will be treated well at Tablas Creek, one of the premier Paso Robles wineries. If you are looking for a winery with excellent Rhône-style blends and varietal wines then Tablas Creek Vineyard is a must. I invite you to join me in my travels in Paso Robles, California, and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood  on  Bluesky  and Facebook. 

CHEERS!!

Sharon

Vignettes from June 2025 and earlier visits

Paso Robles, California

© Spaswinefood

Wine Tasting, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles © Spaswinefood

June at Tablas Creek Vineyard © Spaswinefood

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Lodi Wine Country travels with friends is pura vida

Our weekend visit to Lodi Wine Country with friends was priceless! Returning to Lodi with friends for a weekend was awesome. I was there for a wine bloggers conference in 2016, and now almost 10 years later it was definitely time to return.  Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA) is most famous for its Zinfandel; however, there are over one hundred grape varieties planted in the Lodi Appellation, so there is something for everyone. YES, Lodi Wine Country travels with friends is pura vida!

Michael David Winery, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Bokisch Vineyards, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Welcome to Lodi Wine Country 

In case you are wondering, other wines, than Zinfandel, that you will find in Lodi include: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Petit Sirah, Albariño, Grenache, and more.  Lodi Appellation has seven Sub-Appellations ( Mokelumne River, Clement's Hills, Borden Ranch, Jahant, Sloughhouse, Alt Mesa, and Cosumnes River). It is home to some of the oldest vines in California, including the Bechthold Vineyard (Cinsault planted in 1886) and Lizzie James Vineyard (Zinfandel planted in 1901). Not only do these old, Lodi vines root in the state’s history of wine, but they also produce incredibly complex, age-worthy wines. Besides being home to some of the oldest vines in California, Lodi is also the birthplace of the wine icon, Robert Mondavi.

California wine country is home to 139 AVA’s (American Viticultural Areas). Lodi is the largest wine growing region in California (twice the size of Napa Valley!). Lodi is one of the west coast’s most underrated wine regions. Lodi, a source for many grapes added to the blends of Napa and Sonoma wines, is building a reputation as, a must-visit wine region. Given its seven sub-AVA’s, each with unique microclimates and soils, we would get to experience some of Lodi's uniqueness during our wine country adventure.

Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Our Lodi Wine Country Travels

During our weekend visit we were able to checkout some of Lodi’s wines. Our first stop was the Lodi Wine Visitor Center.

Lodi Wine Visitors Center © Spaswinefood

For those planning to visit Lodi Wine Country I am happy to share our weekend adventure.

Day 1: Lodi Wine Visitors Center, Bokisch Vineyards, and Dinner at The Gypsy Bistro

 

1. Our first meetup in Lodi was at the Wine Visitors Center, 2545 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242. The Lodi Wine Visitor Center is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. It is located on Turner Road, next to Wine & Roses. The center offers a comprehensive introduction to the Lodi Appellation. Visitors can learn about the region's winemaking process and the impact of night breezes from the Sacramento Delta on vine growth. There are over 200 Lodi bottles available, including those from small-batch vintners without their own tasting room. There is no shortage of options to explore from the large collection of Lodi wines. It is also a very inexpensive tasting ($12 for 4), and the wine tasting menu changes weekly. It is nice to hang out there and learn a bit about the different wineries, before heading out to the wineries.

Tasting Lodi Wine Country Wines © Spaswinefood

I would highly recommend a visit to the Wine Visitors Center.

2. Bokisch Vineyards Wine Tasting with Cheese & Charcuterie Platter

We choose to explore their Cava and Spanish wines at Bokisch Vineyards.

Bokisch Vineyards, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

This family-owned winery specializes in wines produced from Spanish grape varieties, including Graciano, Verdejo, Albariño, and Garnacha. The husband and wife team, Markus and Liz Bokisch, began production in the early 2000’s as tribute to their Spanish heritage. Bokisch Vineyards farms organically and sustainably in the Clement Hills AVA of Lodi. 

Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

We were well treated during our visit.

Excellence Service, Bokisch Vineyards © Spaswinefood

We enjoyed learning about Bokisch wines and the excellent service.

After checking in at our hotel for the weekend we were off to dinner.

3. Dinner at The Gypsy Bistro

The Gypsy Bistro, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

The Gypsy Bistro is located in the historic town of Lockeford, California. It is housed inside a former 150,000-gallon concrete wine tank, a remnant of the Old Lockeford Winery. The winery was established in 1946, and served local grape growers until the 1970s.

After reading the above description I made dinner reservations at The Gypsy Bistro.

The Gypsy Bistro, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

The Gypsy Bistro, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

We totally loved our dining experience at The Gypsy Bistro.

Day 2: Acquiesce, Michael David Winery, and Dinner at Pietro’s Trattoria

1. Acquiesce

After breakfast at our hotel we headed out for a wine tasting at Acquiesce Winery and Vineyard, Acampo, California.

Acquiesce, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Susan Tipton is the owner and founding winemaker of Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards.  Acquiesce is Lodi’s only all white wine winery featuring estate grown Rhône varietals in a sea of Zinfandel grapes.  The tasting room is in a  restored 100 year old barn on an 18 acre property surrounded by wine grapes. Susan began planting her estate grapes in 2008 which include Picpoul Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Claire Blanche, Bourboulenc, Viognier and Roussanne.  Acquiesce Winery has garnered numerous Double Gold, Gold and Best of Class awards.

We were welcomed with a glass of 2022 Grenache Blanc.

Welcome to Acquiesce, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

After the welcoming pour of 2022 Grenache Blanc we were off to our table for the wine tasting.

Acquiesce, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Acquiesce, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

We loved the wine tasting experience at Acquiesce. I would highly recommend booking an appointment for an Acquiesce wine tasting. You will love it!

Loving Acquiesce, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Each of the wines we tasted were paired with small bites of food.

2. Michael David Winery

Our second winery stop for the day was a Wine Tasting and Lunch at Michael David Winery. Given it was Saturday this winery was quite busy. 

Michael David Winery, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

We were treated well by the staff and enjoyed the wines! Our server was fabulous!

Thanks for Making Michael David Winery Tasting Fabulous © Spaswinefood

Then is was off to lunch.

Michael David Winery, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Michael David Winery, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

If you have had Lodi wine, chances are it was a Michael David wine. Michael David Winery is known for putting Lodi on the radar; so you must stop at this historically important place. It offers a number of food and wine options. We enjoyed lunch at the bistro.

3. Pietro’s Trattoria

We ended the second day with dinner at Pietro’s Trattoria, one of the most popular spots in Lodi.

Pietro’s Trattoria, Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Day 3: On Your Own: A Few Suggestions

After breakfast at Hotel before returning home one suggestion is: visit Harney Lane Winery, a family- owned and operated winery. Harney Lane specializes in old vine Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Sirah, and Albariño. Their beautiful tasting room and shaded gardens are the perfect setting to enjoy a wine-filled experience. This is also a great opportunity to taste Zinfandel from the historic Lizzie James Vineyard (planted in 1901).

There is no shortage of possibilities for further Lodi wineries (see link) and activities, just checkout Visit Lodi and Lodi Wine.

Lodi Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Lodi Wine Country travels with friends is pura vida! You will fall in love with Lodi’s hospitality, and discover some of its wine gems. While my wine country travels takes me to wine regions around the world, it was priceless to have this wine adventure with friends in Lodi. I invite you to join me in my travels in Lodi,  California, and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood  on  Bluesky  and Facebook. 

CHEERS!!

Sharon

Lodi, California

September 2025

Lodi Wine Country with Friends © Spaswinefood

Follow me on  Bluesky and Facebook