Paso Robles Willow Creek District
Mountainous region with oak trees, cooling breezes and fog coming in from the Templeton Gap, and 130-year-old vineyards make Willow Creek District one of the most picturesque places in Paso Robles.
Dusk falls over the fields of Booker winery in Willow Creek.
Willow Creek District Wines
If you’re looking for power and elegance, look no further than Willow Creek District. The combination of sunshine, cooling effects of the Pacific, and limestone soils allow for the creation of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and much more.
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Terroir
The combination of limestone soils and annual rainfall means that dry farming is not uncommon here. Which, given the latitude (35°N), might seem almost impossible! However, the cooling influences of fog and wind, especially in the southern portion of the AVA, combined with the large diurnal shift, mean that grapes can get extra hang time here and retain their delicate aromatics and acidity.
The result in the glass? Perfumed wines that smell elegant yet have ripe tannins and powerful structures - something that winemakers will tell you is very difficult to achieve. These wines can go head to head against their European counterparts without a problem.
The sun shines across the grapes of the Clos Solène vineyards.
Notable Wineries
Booker: An organic 100-acre estate focusing on Rhône varieties and producing world-class Syrah.
Clos Solène: A French family from Bordeaux and the Languedoc established the estate in 2007. They focus on Rhône varieties, but you’ll also find some great Cabernet Sauvignon.
Quick Facts:
- Major Varieties: Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vineyard acres: 1400 (570 ha)
- Established: 2014
- Elevation Range: 960-1900 ft (290-580 m)
- Total area: 16,000 acres (6500 ha)
- Diurnal Shift: 20-30°F (11-16°C)
- Annual rainfall: 24-30 inches (610-760 mm)
- Soils: Limestone, Calcareous, and Clay
