Paso Robles AVA Spotlight: Creston, El Pomar, and Estrella Districts

Paso Robles AVA Spotlight: Creston, El Pomar, and Estrella Districts

Each of the 11 districts within the Paso Robles American Viticulture Area (AVA) stand out for their individual climate, unique soil, and geographic terrain. In fact, 64 different varieties of wine grapes are grown here! Today we're featuring the Creston, El Pomar, and the Paso Robles Estrella Districts.
 

Creston District

Warmer than neighboring districts, Creston spans a plateau at the base of the La Panza Range with medium to high elevation. The fertile alluvial soil contains both granite and sedimentary rock. You'll find a wide number of Bordeaux and Rhône varieties thrive here.
 

Good to Know

  • The Creston District averages about 11 inches of rainfall per year.
  • The average diurnal temperature can swing 25-35 degrees or more.
  • Huerhuero Creek serves as the primary watershed and this region was originally known as Huerhuero before the name of Creston was adopted in 1885.
  • Creston District is an ideal environment to grow Cabernet Sauvignon.
 

Select Wineries & Vineyards

August Ridge Vineyards
Shadow Run Vineyards & Winery
Chateau Margene
 

El Pomar District

A cooler region than many of its neighboring counterparts, the El Pomar District is known for strong marine breezes and thick fog with rich, loamy soils. The region totals approximately 21,300 acres and receives moderate rainfall.
 

Good to Know:

  • Located at the base of the foothills of the La Panza Range, El Pomar District is home to calcareous rock and sandstone.
  • A number of wine grapes thrive in El Pomar District's cooler climate from Rhônes like Grenache and Syrah to Bordeaux varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
 

Select Wineries & Vineyards

Still Waters Vineyards
Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery
 

Estrella District

Warm days and cool nights paired with mineral-rich alluvial soils make the Estrella District ideal for cultivating premium wine grapes. Estrella is so named for Gary Eberle's celebrated Syrah clone, the Eberle clone.
 

Good to Know:

  • Totalling about 66,800 acres, the Estrella District features both rolling plains and valley floor. Elevations span between 745-1,800 ft. above sea level.
  • The Estrella River forms close to the town of Shandon and flows west-northwest of the Salinas River.
  • The Estrella District Is Perfect for Growing Bordeaux Varieties Such as Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. White Varieties Succeed Here as Well, From Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to Viognier.
 

Select Wineries & Vineyards

Eberle Winery 
Le Vigne Winery
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
Villa San-Juliette Vineyard & Winery
 
Looking to buy or sell a Paso Robles vineyard?
 
Jenny Heinzen provides an exceptional experience to discerning clients from wineries and growers to institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. In fact, she's the top vineyard broker across California with over two decades of insider industry expertise and long-time relationships defined by time and trust.
 
Contact Jenny today at (805) 260-0581 or email [email protected].

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