Paso Robles Is Cool, Crisp, and Glowing Right Now, Early Autumn Edition
With harvest nearly wrapped up, autumn has officially arrived at Tablas Creek. We share a look at the crisp morning light, shifting vine colors, and sweeping views across the vineyard before winter rains arrive.
By Ian Consoli
We’ve had a warm stretch over the last few weeks, but that late-summer heat gave our lingering blocks just the nudge they needed to wrap up a slow, steady 10-week harvest. Aside from about two tons of stubborn Roussanne holding out in the cool Kneppel Flatt block while we wait for their sugars to peak, all our estate fruit is officially in the cellar. But right around the end of last week and into the weekend, you could feel a shift in the air.
I had the distinct pleasure of seeing what this shift felt like and looked like on a brisk morning. After spending the night in a ten-foot trailer, I opened the door to this view:
The blue sky and low light bouncing off the leaves were a jolt to the system. Who needs coffee when the beautiful surroundings bring this much energy, with a briskness to the air that felt like that first breath after staying underwater long enough to need it.
I took a step out, turned to my left, and saw the sun rising through the marine layer as it refracted sunlight over the vineyard and through the vines. This view at the end of the Mourvèdre row revealed the onset of autumn’s distinct colors.
Looking ahead, I could see the low light catching the leaves of the young Viognier vines we planted this summer:
The young vines didn’t produce any fruit this growing season, so they still have plenty of energy left to continue their photosynthesis efforts. That gives them a lovely green hue that contrasts against the older vines settling in autumn mode in the background. You can almost hear the older blocks saying, “you’ll understand one day, kid.”
This view also shows the depth of our far west location in the Adelaide as it reaches along the valley that homes Adelaida Road’s route back to town. Stunning.
Finally, I knew where I needed to go. This spot is at the base of a location we internally call “The Ridge”. It’s home to one of the longest views of the vineyard and, personally, some of my favorite memories of Tablas Creek. Walking up the farm road, I turned, and that expansive view revealed itself:
Wow. This place is beautiful.
This window in Paso Robles is short but sweet. In about a month, the first real frosts and early winter rains will drop the remaining leaves, starting the vineyard’s natural progression toward bare canes before transforming our hillsides into that vibrant, rolling green. But if you’re planning a visit to the tasting room over the next few weeks, you are in for a treat. Don’t worry if you see a bit of fog in the forecast; just grab a sweater, take in that crisp morning air, and enjoy the view.