News & Press

Wine Spectator (September 2026): Past, Present and Future at Tablas Creek

In a terrific new feature article, Senior Editor Aaron Romano shares the story of Tablas Creek for Wine Spectator. Aaron spent time touring the vineyard with Jason Haas, tracing our path from our original 1994 hillside planting through the evolution of our vine spacing, regenerative farming practices, and ongoing experiments with rare Rhône varieties like Terret Noir, Vaccarèse, and Muscardin. From his conclusion:

Tablas Creek is a textbook example of how the wine business is a long game, rooted in tradition yet always reaching forward.

One Year Later: The Wine Atlas Collective is Your Passport to American Wine

One year ago, we introduced The Wine Atlas Collective!

We joined forces with seven other family-owned and sustainably-minded wineries from great regions around the country to bring even more value to our club memberships. Members at Tablas Creek (or any of the wineries in the collective) are now treated as members at all eight wineries.

Think of it like a passport to the best of American wine, from Napa Valley to Virginia, Washington State to New York’s Finger Lakes, and in between. When you visit, you’ll get free or discounted tastings, member-exclusive wines, and special hospitality. And enjoy member pricing at all eight wineries on online purchases.

The Wine Atlas Collective is:

• Blenheim Vineyards – Virginia
• Brooks – Oregon
• Frog’s Leap – Napa Valley
• L’Ecole № 41 – Washington
• Red Tail Ridge – New York (Finger Lakes)
• Ridge Vineyards – Sonoma & Santa Cruz Mountains
• William Chris Vineyards – Texas Hill Country
• Tablas Creek Vineyard – Paso Robles

2024 Patelin de Tablas: 93 Points and Wine Spectator "Smart Buy"

We were excited to read Senior Editor Aaron Romano's review of our 2024 Patelin de Tablas in Wine Spectator online and look forward to seeing its "Smart Buy" status in the October 31, 2026 issue. The review:

Decidedly savory yet fresh and inviting, with thyme and licorice root notes that meld with a silky core of juicy plum and wild strawberry buoyed by fresh acidity. This circles back to its opening notes on the finish around mineral-tinged tannins and a hint of cocoa powder. Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Counoise. Drink now through 2040. 4,881 cases made. 93 points.

BevX: Monastrell: The Mediterranean Grape With Three Names and No Apologies

Sean Ludford of BevX dives into the history, versatility, and global expressions of Monastrell, also known as Mourvèdre or Mataro. Exploring regions from southeastern Spain to France's Bandol, the article examines how this thick-skinned Mediterranean grape thrives in hot, dry conditions when treated with care and restraint.

Ludford highlights Tablas Creek as a benchmark producer showing how well the variety performs in the New World, noting our dedication to site-driven winemaking:

"At BevX we’ve tasted multiple vintages of Tablas Creek Vineyard’s Mourvèdre, and I’ll say it plainly: we’re fans, both of the wine and of the serious, site-driven approach Tablas Creek brings to a grape that punishes shortcuts."

He includes our Paso Robles Mourvèdre alongside old-vine Jumilla and Bandol as an essential bottle for anyone seeking a complete education in the grape.
Read the full article at BevX.com.

Jason Haas on Napa Valley Grapegrowers "Glass with a Grower" Podcast

In the newest episode of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers' Podcast segment Glass with a Grower, Proprietor Jason Haas joins to talk about Tablas Creek's journey to Regenerative Organic Certification. He unpacks each of the certification's three pillars and shares why the social welfare component turned out to be the most transformative, leading to changes in how the vineyard team communicates, shares knowledge, and takes ownership of the work. Despite a challenging wine market, Jason closes on an optimistic note: the tools to build a resilient, forward-looking operation are there for growers and producers willing to look for them.

JancisRobinson.com: Summer's most compelling wine finds

In an August 5, 2026 feature on JancisRobinson.com, Tara Q. Thomas and the tasting team rounded up the standout bottles they turned to while staying cool during the summer heat.

We are delighted that our 2024 Patelin de Tablas was selected in the "Exceptional Value" category, earning a 17/20 score and the site's "VGV" (Very Good Value) designation. Samantha Cole-Johnson highlighted the wine's bright fruit, savory undertones, and summer appeal:

"Pale ruby. Juicy cherry, strawberry and soft, fragrant lavender. The acidity is fresh and a bit salty and there’s a light grip to the tannin. Stony, smoky finish with an edge of cured black olive. Gluggable summer wine! At around $25 this is VGV."

Read the full roundup of summer selections at JancisRobinson.com.

"Tablas Creek's Rare Rhone Journey" in The Laurel Magazine

"Tablas Creek’s decades‑long commitment to Rhône varietals – once unfamiliar to American wine drinkers – has evolved into a defining legacy marked by purity, clarity and joyful, distinctive wines."

In a terrific new article titled "Tablas Creek's Rare Rhone Journey" in The Laurel Magazine, writer Marlene Osteen explores our quest to bring the complete collection of Chateauneuf du Pape grapes into production in California, and to give them each a chance to shine on their own. Check it out!

Decanter: Summer Sipping: The Fresh White Wine Revolution in Paso Robles

In a recent Decanter feature, wine writer Brianne Cohen explores how a dedicated group of producers in Paso Robles is challenging the region's reputation for powerhouse reds by crafting fresh, food-friendly white wines.

The article highlights our historic role in this movement, noting that Tablas Creek has been a pioneer in the "lighter side" of Paso Robles since our inception in 1989, with our Rhône-style whites consistently earning critical and commercial success.

Our 2024 Vermentino was featured as one of the top ten fresh summer whites, earning a 92-point rating. The author praised its bright, precise character:

"This New World-style Vermentino from Tablas Creek offers a nose of bright lemon and hints of tropical fruits, such as passion fruit and pineapple. On the palate, phenolic texture adds interest, while vibrant, searing acidity combines with a saline mineral note to create a refreshing, palate-cleansing experience. The wine’s bright, precise character makes it an ideal companion for light seafood or grilled vegetables."

Read the full exploration of Paso's white wine revolution at Decanter.com (subscription required).