News & Press

Elite Traveler: These Wineries Around the World are Rethinking Sustainability

In a global survey of environmental leadership, Elite Traveler (syndicated via MSN) identified seven winemakers taking a "more considered approach" to their land. We were honored to be featured alongside iconic estates like Spottswoode and Familia Torres, with the article highlighting our specific ecosystem-based approach to vineyard management.

At eco-friendly Tablas Creek winery, in California’s Paso Robles region, owls zap vine-root-eating gophers, chickens gobble up destructive insects, and black-faced sheep chow down on the weeds between rows of vines, pausing from time to time to fertilize the soil.

Beyond our animal inhabitants, the article explores the deeper "pillars" of our farming philosophy. It notes that while we have been certified organic and biodynamic for decades, our transition to Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) status in 2020 marked a commitment to carbon sequestration, animal welfare, and social fairness. By involving the farming crew in decision-making and prioritizing soil health, the piece notes that Tablas Creek "paved the way for more wineries to join the application process."

OCNJ Daily: The Insider's Guide to Exclusive Rhône Wines in Paso Robles

Paso Robles is recognized as a premier destination for Rhône varieties in a recent feature by OCNJ Daily. The article explores how the region’s unique landscape and the dedication of its winemakers produce wines that tell a clear story of the land.

The guide identifies Tablas Creek as a primary leader in this movement:

Tablas Creek has been at the front of Paso's Rhône movement, especially when it comes to organic practices. They grow grapes that trace back to original French cuttings, and every drop shows that attention to detail. Tastings here are relaxed and often outdoors, so you get a real feel for the vineyard itself.

The feature notes that our estate is 100 percent certified organic and biodynamic. It also highlights the wide range of both red and white Rhône varietals available through our seated tasting experiences, which allow visitors to explore the vineyard at their own pace.

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.

MSN: 15 Best Vineyards in California’s Lesser-Known Wine Regions

We were happy to see Tablas Creek named as the first destination in a recent feature by The Travel Pug on MSN. The article highlights fifteen vineyards across California’s diverse wine regions that offer unique discovery opportunities and represent the genuine hospitality of the state’s wine community.

This pioneering estate in Paso Robles’ Adelaida District has revolutionized Rhône-style winemaking in California. The vineyard’s partnership with Château de Beaucastel brought authentic French rootstock to the region, establishing new standards for California Rhône blends. Their biodynamic farming practices and limestone-rich soils produce remarkable depth and character wines. The property’s rolling hills and ancient walnut groves create an idyllic setting for wine tasting and vineyard tours.

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.