News & Press

Decanter: Why California's Mediterranean Varieties are Having a Moment

We were happy to see Tablas Creek featured so prominently in Ana Carolina Quintela’s deep dive into the rise of Mediterranean varieties in California. The article explores how these grapes are uniquely suited to our climate and highlights our nearly four-decade journey importing and establishing all the traditional varieties of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Adelaida District.

Picardan might be the rarest variety I’ve tasted so far. Today, there’s just over an acre planted in France and about half an acre in California, at Tablas Creek in Paso Robles, which imported it into the United States in 2003. Most southern Rhône varieties in California trace back to Tablas Creek, which makes this wine feel even more significant in that context. It shows a medium-bodied profile with both richness and lift. Aromas of apricot, citrus pastry cream, white flowers, and citrus zest lead into a palate that is surprisingly fresh. There’s a saline, lemony edge and a subtle savory note that add complexity, along with a touch of nutty flavors that add gentle texture without weight, especially given how bright the finish is. — Ana Carolina Quintela, Decanter (93 Points)

Read the full article on Decanter.com for more on the evolution of these unique wines and our 2021 Picardan review.

Tasting Panel: On the Table with Tablas Creek

We were excited to see our newest releases featured in the Tasting Panels' "On the Table" section of their newest magazine. All six wines they reviewed received between 93 and 96 points, including a 96 for our 2023 Esprit de Tablas, which they called, "stunning flagship blend of Mourvedre".

From Norm Roby: Alouette: A New Take on Chillable Red Wine

In a lovely new article on his blog, veteran writer Norm Roby discovers our Alouette Grenache and explores the category of chillable reds. Thanks Norm! From his piece:

But what is needed to jump start a serious trend is for a highly respected winery to offer a delicious, lively, flavour-packed drink now red and promote it as chillable. Not about to happen, you say? Well, I just discovered a wine that fits the bill.

Forbes: Skip the Stuff with a Tablas Creek Membership

In a recent Forbes article titled "Skip The Stuff: The Best Wine And Spirits Experiences Worth Gifting," author Devin Parr highlights the value of gifting experiences over physical clutter.

Parr includes a Tablas Creek Wine Club Membership as a top recommendation for those seeking a gift that offers lasting value:

"A giftable Tablas Creek membership offers more than regular wine shipments—it provides ongoing access to exclusive releases, educational content and special events from one of Paso’s most iconic wineries. It’s a gift that unfolds gradually, appealing to curious, engaged wine drinkers."

The article notes that experiential gifts like a wine club membership provide a sense of promise and something to look forward to long after the holiday season has passed.

To explore the different color options and durations available for our gift memberships, please visit our Gift Wine Club Memberships page.

Wine Business Monthly: Tablas Creek Social Media Case Study

In a recent Wine Business Monthly article, "Case Study: Using Social Media to Leverage Your Wine Brand," author Brianne Cohen featured Tablas Creek Vineyard as a "Mid-Size Winery" successfully integrating social media into its business.

The article quotes Ian Consoli, our Marketing Director, on the core mission of our online presence:

"Social media is important. It's how you bring people into your world. It's a personal look at what we go through daily and a way of exposing people to what goes on in a vineyard."

Super Vino Bros Highlights Tablas Creek as a Landmark Producer in California Wine

The wine blog Super Vino Bros recently featured Tablas Creek Vineyard in their "Producer Highlight" section, calling the estate one of the "defining names in American wine."

The article traces our origins back to the collaboration between the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel and importer Robert Haas, and recognizes our impact, calling our estate “a living library of these [Rhone] grapes, and the nursery they built on-site helped spread these plantings across the state.”

After meeting partner and general manager Jason Haas, the authors concluded with a clear recommendation:

Talking with him and his brother about the story of their family's project, and where American wine is headed, was a real highlight. If you come across their bottles in a shop, they're worth picking up. Tablas Creek is a serious operation.

Forbes: The Best Wines To Match Thanksgiving’s Rich, Seasonal Flavors

In a new article, Liz Thach, MW provides budget-friendly, mid-range, and splurge suggestions for your Thanksgiving meal in the sparkling, white, rosé, red, and dessert categories. We're proud to have her recommend our Patelin de Tablas as her mid-range red selection! From her review:

made in Paso Robles, this classic red Rhone style wine focusing on Grenache and Syrah organic grapes shows good complexity with raspberry, red plum, herbs, and sweet tobacco notes.

Wine Spectator: 28 Top Budget Wines Under $30 for Thanksgiving 2025

We were excited to see our Patelin de Tablas Blanc recommended by Sommelier Logan Griffin, director of food and beverage at the amazing Blackberry Mountain in Walland, TN. This was a part of the Wine Spectator's recurring Sommelier's Roundtable series, where top Sommeliers recommend wines on a theme. The theme this time: Great Thanksgiving wines under $30!