News & Press

Decanter: Why Paso Robles offers the best value in California

In a new article, Author Brianne Cohen highlights one of the things that we're proud of our region for: its ability to produce great values as well as great premium wines. She highlights 10 of her top values, including our Patelin de Tablas Rose (93 points). From her introduction:

Paso Robles continues to hold onto one of its core identities. It remains a place where value-priced wines still shine.

Ep 165: You Down with ROC, Yeah You Know Me – Featuring Tablas Creek | Maha Estate

We were happy to participate in the latest episode of the Where Wine Takes You podcast, joining host Adam Montiel and Cris Cherry of Maha Estate for a deep dive into the impact of Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) farming. The conversation explores how Paso Robles has evolved into a global epicenter for regenerative viticulture and why soil health is the foundation for the next fifty years of winemaking.

Paso has quietly become a global epicenter for regenerative viticulture, with wineries like Tablas Creek Vineyard and Maha Estate helping push the industry forward. This isn't just about what's in your glass. It's about what's happening beneath it. Soil health, farmworker fairness, and animal welfare, the pillars of ROC, are reshaping how wine is grown.

The episode breaks down the practical side of these certifications, from the role of sheep in the vineyard to the long-term economics of farming in a way that improves the land rather than just sustaining it.

You can listen to the full episode and learn more about the future of farming at PasoWine.com.

Paso Robles: A Global Epicenter for Regenerative Organic Viticulture

We are proud to share that Paso Robles has emerged as a global leader in the Regenerative Organic movement. In a recent announcement from the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, our region was recognized as a premier epicenter for high-standard viticulture, with Tablas Creek representing one of only six wineries in the area to achieve Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) status. Together with our neighbors, we are launching new collaborative efforts, including a major media tour this April, to inspire wineries worldwide to adopt these essential farming practices.

Paso Robles has always been a place where growers and winemakers work together to push the industry forward. The leadership shown by these six Regenerative Organic Certified® wineries reflects that spirit and shows how innovation and stewardship go hand in hand in our region. — Joel Peterson, CEO of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

Read the full press release at PasoWine.com to learn more about the upcoming media tour and how the "One Block Challenge" is expanding regenerative practices across the globe.

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.

The Somm Journal: A Rarity in the Rhône, Vaccarèse Is Showing Promise in Paso Robles

We were happy to see our work with the rare Rhône variety Vaccarèse featured in a recent issue of The Somm Journal. Cindy Rynning explores how this grape, which covers less than one percent of the acreage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is finding a new home in the rocky soils of our Adelaida District estate.

Vaccarèse apparently only became rare in France because it was susceptible to powdery mildew, not because of any issues with its flavors or vigor. In the Paso Robles climate, mildew is not really an issue, so that is one huge mark in our favor. Beyond that, it is one of the rare red grapes that is black-fruited and high-acid. The calcareous soils and the cold nights here combine to further bolster that acidity and allow us to leave it on the vine even a little longer.

Read the full article at SommJournal.com for more on the discovery and potential of this intriguing variety.

LA Times Highlights Paso Robles as a Spring Destination

In a recent feature for the Los Angeles Times, senior content strategist Kevin Spencer highlights why the season between March and May is the ideal time for a visit to Paso Robles.

The article identifies Tablas Creek Vineyard as a standout destination for the spring release season:

"Spring is release season, making it one of the best times to taste newly released wines from standout wineries like McPrice Myers, CASS Winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard, and High Camp Wines."

The piece also underscores the region's broader commitment to the values we hold central to our own operations, noting that spring celebrations in the area spotlight "sustainability-focused experiences, highlighting Paso Robles’ commitment to responsible farming, organic and regenerative vineyards, and preserving the natural beauty that defines the region."

Whether you are looking to explore vineyard-lined roads, enjoy farm-fresh dining, or participate in the upcoming Rhône Rangers events on March 20–21, spring offers a perfect, uncrowded pace to experience the best of Paso Robles.

Press Release: Tablas Creek Vineyard Announces New Winemaking Leadership, Promoting Chelsea Franchi and Craig Hamm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Paso Robles, CA — Tablas Creek Vineyard is pleased to announce a new chapter in its winemaking leadership, promoting Chelsea Franchi to Director of Winemaking and Craig Hamm to Winemaker. The promotions reflect the continued growth of the estate's production team and a long-planned transition that positions two longtime Tablas Creek leaders at the forefront of the cellar.

Both Franchi and Hamm have spent their careers at Tablas Creek developing deep knowledge of the estate's vineyards, wines, and philosophy.

Chelsea Franchi joined Tablas Creek while studying Agricultural Business and Wine and Viticulture at Cal Poly, beginning in the tasting room before moving into the cellar after graduating in 2008. She was promoted to Assistant Winemaker in 2009 and has been a central figure in planning, management, and cellar leadership ever since. In 2020, she was recognized by her peers as Paso Robles Cellar Worker of the Year. As Director of Winemaking, Franchi will oversee all cellar operations, guiding the winemaking team through harvest, blending, and bottling while continuing Tablas Creek's focus on transparency and education through her long-running Notes from the Cellar blog series.

Craig Hamm, promoted to Winemaker, brings more than a decade of hands-on experience at Tablas Creek. A Templeton native, Hamm grew up working in his family's vineyard before gaining cellar experience at Meridian and Justin. Since joining Tablas Creek in 2013, he has become an indispensable member of the production team, known for his attention to detail, calm leadership during harvest, and familiarity with the winery's native fermentation program. In his new role, Hamm will play a lead part in day-to-day winemaking decisions and the execution of Tablas Creek's cellar operations.

Supporting this transition, longtime Winemaker Neil Collins will step into the role of Director of Production, reflecting his expanded focus on both vineyard and cellar operations. Collins has served as Tablas Creek's Winemaker since 1998 and has played a key role in shaping the estate's farming and winemaking philosophy. His new position allows him to concentrate on long-term production strategy while supporting the next generation of leadership.

"I have considered it a great honor to be the winemaker at Tablas Creek Vineyard over the past couple of decades." Said Collins. "One of the things that I have taken great pride in is the building of a great cellar team. I cannot imagine hands that I would feel better about passing the reins to than Chelsea's. For 18 years, we have worked side by side; she is irreplaceable to me. Craig has worked with us for 13 years and is accomplished in the cellar, of course, but much more than that. He brings creativity and a great drive to always push the wines to the next level; he is smart, ambitious, and driven. These two, with the help of assistant winemaker Amanda Collins and Cellar Master Kaitlyn Glynn, will without question bring our wines to new heights of excellence. I'll watch with pride and pleasure. Neil.”

The new leadership structure ensures continuity while recognizing the contributions of a team that has grown together over many harvests, positioning Tablas Creek for its next era of winemaking.

About Tablas Creek Vineyard

Founded in 1989 as a partnership between the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel and Robert Haas, Tablas Creek Vineyard is a pioneer of Rhône varieties in California and a leader in regenerative organic farming in Paso Robles.

Académie du Vin Library: The Spirit of the Rhône in Paso Robles

We were delighted to be featured in Andrew James’ latest piece, which explores the Franco-American partnership behind Tablas Creek and the decades-long collaboration that brought Rhône varieties and regenerative practices to Paso Robles. The article traces the connection between Château de Beaucastel and the Haas family, and how that alliance helped make rhone varieties part of the identity of Paso Robles. From the article:

Along with Bandol’s Domaine Tempier, Esprit de Tablas is one of the finest expressions of Mourvèdre I have encountered… Clearly, the wines from Tablas Creek can never be reproductions of Beaucastel blends. As the current name of the top wine suggests, the winery has developed its own spirit.

The piece also features a three-vintage comparison of Esprit de Tablas (2006, 2014, and 2021), and highlights how Tablas Creek’s regenerative farming practices have influenced even Beaucastel’s approach to viticulture in the Rhône.