The El Pomar District is one of the 11 sub-districts that make up the larger Paso Robles AVA. Established in 2014, the district derives its name from the orchards (or pomars in Spanish) that were historically grown in the area, although today it is known more for its vineyards.
The district itself falls geographically close to the city of Paso Robles, and the wine styles of the region are very similar to those of the larger Paso Robles AVA with cabernet sauvignon and merlot reigning supreme. However, the growing conditions in El Pomar also allow for grapes that thrive in the cooler weather that travels in from the Templeton Gap, like Grenache or Cabernet Franc.
Today there are over 200 wineries in the larger Paso Robles AVA, and endless ways to experience the world class wines being crafted every day here on California’s Central Coast. To help you plan your next outing we’ve curated a list of all the vineyard tasting rooms in the El Pomar District where you can enjoy and explore the amazing varietals coming out of the region.
WINE TASTING IN EL POMAR
Due to COVID-19, some wineries may not be open for tasting or have different hours than listed below. Given the rapidly changing landscape of rules and regulations, please contact wineries directly to ensure you are able to visit, and make reservations as necessary.
The El Pomar District only covers 35 square miles, but within those boundaries are some of the best wineries and beautiful vineyards to explore.
Its location in the center of the larger Paso Robles AVA gives locals and visitors easy access to the wineries, most of which are grouped along El Pomar Drive and Creston Road. These vineyards are also located in the flatter valley of Paso Robles’s wine country, and you’ll get to experience the full effect of a gorgeous north SLO County summer when visiting.
Learn more about the vineyard tasting rooms open to the public below, and how you can experience a piece of Paso Robles’s Wine Country.
If you can’t make it to the vineyards check out Paso Robles’ Food & Drink Page to see the wine bars, more tasting rooms, and restaurants that feature El Pomar wines!
FEATURED WINERIES
VINEYARD TASTING ROOMS
Are we missing a winery, or have outdated information? Let us know by emailing hello@sanluisobispoguide.com
AMBYTH ESTATE
ADDRESS
510 Sequoia Ln
Templeton, CA 93465
PHONE
(805) 319-6967
TASTING ROOM
Open Saturday & Sunday
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
By Appointment Only
TASTING FEE
$40
RESERVATIONS
BOVINO VINEYARDS
ADDRESS
5685 El Pomar Dr
Templeton, CA 93465
PHONE
(805) 238-2007
TASTING ROOM
Friday – Saturday
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
TASTING FEE
$20
RESERVATIONS
(805) 238-2007
FABLEIST WINE CO.
ADDRESS
5036 S El Pomar Rd
Templeton, CA 93465
PHONE
(805) 246-1431
TASTING ROOM
Open Daily
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TASTING FEE
RESERVATIONS
HANSEN VINEYARD & WINERY
ADDRESS
5575 El Pomar Dr
Templeton, CA 93465
PHONE
(805) 239-8412
TASTING ROOM
Open Friday – Sunday
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TASTING FEE
$20
RESERVATIONS
(805) 239-8412
HIDDEN OAK WINERY
ADDRESS
4671 S El Pomar Rd
Templeton, CA 93465
PHONE
(805) 237-9315
TASTING ROOM
Open Friday – Sunday
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TASTING FEE
RESERVATIONS
RAVA WINES
ADDRESS
6785 Creston Rd
Paso Robles, CA 93446
PHONE
(805) 238-7282
TASTING ROOM
Open Daily
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
By Appointment Only
TASTING FEE
$15
RESERVATIONS
(805) 238-7282
SARZOTTI VINEYARD & WINERY
ADDRESS
180 Bella Ranch Rd
Templeton, CA 93465
PHONE
(951) 205-0019
TASTING ROOM
Open Thursday – Sunday
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TASTING FEE
RESERVATIONS
(951) 205-0019
SCULPTERRA WINERY
ADDRESS
5015 Linne Rd
Paso Robles, CA 93446
PHONE
(888) 302-8881
TASTING ROOM
Open Daily
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TASTING FEE
RESERVATIONS
(888) 302-8881
STILL WATERS VINEYARDS
ADDRESS
2750 Old Grove Ln
Paso Robles, CA 93446
PHONE
(805) 237-9231
TASTING ROOM
Open Daily
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
By Appointment Only
TASTING FEE
$15
RESERVATIONS
TERROIR PROFILE
The El Pomar District is located southeast of the city of Paso Robles with vineyards that stretch from the La Panza Range along Highway 41 in the south almost all the way up to the flatter land along Highway 46 to the north.
The climate of the El Pomar District is quite similar to that of Paso Robles, but is also heavily influenced by its neighbor to the west: The Templeton Gap. The cool ocean air that circulates through the Templeton Gap also comes through El Pomar, and lowers the otherwise hot temperatures. You even see marine fog sometimes! However, the El Pomar District is also geographically close to the Santa Lucia Mountains, so only experiences an average of 15” of rain per year.
The climate and topography of the El Pomar District allow it to produce wines in a very similar style to those found in the Paso Robles AVA (and the larger central coast), and wineries will have their own Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrahs. However, the cold air also allows for Grenache and Cabernet Franc, and incredible blends crafted right here in SLO County.
ELEVATION
| High | 1180′ |
| Average | 991′ |
| Low | 843′ |
CLIMATE
| High | 83.8°F |
| Low | 47.8°F |
| Rain | 2.63″* |
during growing season
POPULAR VARIETALS
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Petite Sirah (Durif)
Merlot
Grenache
Cabernet Franc
ABOUT THE PASO ROBLES AVA
Paso Robles’s AVA was established in 1983, and at the time encompassed approximately 614,000 acres across the cities of Paso Robles, Templeton, San Miguel Creston, Shandon, and Santa Margarita in northern SLO County.
At almost three times the size of Napa Valley’s AVA, Paso Robles remained the largest single AVA in California until 2014 when 11 sub-districts were established. Although the larger boundary did not change, these new districts provided a more nuanced understanding of the growing regions within the Paso Robles AVA, and the wines that could be successfully crafted.
Today the distinct terroir profiles (or growing conditions) of the eleven districts contribute to the production of over 40 varietals (the vast majority crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Roussanne, Zinfandel, Viognier, Merlot, and Syrah), and home to over 200 wineries for locals and tourists to enjoy and explore.
Learn more about the eleven districts below, and make sure to plan your next wine tasting weekend in Paso Robles’s Wine Country!
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