Join us on a journey that goes beyond the familiar paths of Paso Robles Wine Country and into the rolling eastern hills of the Creston District AVA. Here wide-open spaces and grassy hillsides meet dry creek beds. Boutique wineries and vineyards tell the story of Eastern Paso and what makes it special. This guide highlights a region where history, terroir, and a pioneering spirit combine to create wines that speak of their origin.
Discover the Creston District
The Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a sprawling region encompassing over 610,000 acres. It once stood as California’s largest undivided appellation for more than three decades. In 2014, seeking to provide producers and consumers with a more nuanced understanding of this region, the Central Coast underwent a significant division into 11 distinct sub-appellations.
The Creston District is an eastern territory often regarded as Paso’s “hidden treasure.” Rich with a pioneering and agricultural history dating back to the late 1800s, Creston is a distinctive part of Paso Robles’ dynamic wine landscape that rewards those willing to venture east of downtown.
A Look Back: History and Naming of Creston
The story of the Creston District begins with its original as Huerhuero, a name derived from an 1842 Mexican land grant. The hardy pioneer residents preferred to honor C.J. Cressy, and by 1885, the town’s name was adopted as Creston, which also became the name for the surrounding district.
Originally known for ranching and agriculture the rolling hills of Creston, and its potential for grape cultivation, was recognized early on. J.V. Webster, an experienced horticulturist and one of the founding fathers.
However, it wasn’t until the late seventies and early eighties that wine grapes and wineries began to establish themselves in the Creston area, mirroring the early growth of the broader Paso Robles AVA as a prominent wine region.
Terroir of Creston: Climate and Geography
The Creston District is located on the easterly plains of the Paso Robles AVA, nestled at the base of the La Panza Range. Also positioned in the rain shadow of the Santa Lucia Range, Creston is one of the drier and hotter growing regions within the Paso Robles AVA.
A critical influence on Creston’s climate is the Templeton Gap, a lower elevation point in the Santa Lucia Mountain Range to the west. This gap let’s cool Pacific Ocean breezes and marine fog cover the Paso Robles AVA, even reaching the eastern expanses of Creston.
The winds that descend from the La Panza Range in the early morning hours also contribute to Creston’s unique climate. This interplay of influences results in a significant diurnal temperature shift in Creston, typically ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, with swings as high as 50 degrees having been recorded.
This substantial difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows is crucial for grape development, allowing the fruit to ripen well while retaining its elegance and freshness.
Terroir of Creston: Soil Composition
The soil composition in the Creston District is another defining characteristic of its terroir. It is primarily a mix of sedimentary rock and granite that has been transported over time through the waterways around the district. The presence of loam in the soil is significant, and combined with the granite, provides the necessary drainage and encourages deep rootstock development, which is essential for the successful growth of vineyards in the region.
Signature Varietals of Creston
Given its climate and soil conditions, the Creston District has proven to be particularly well-suited for certain grape varietals. Cabernet Sauvignon stands out as a major and highly successful varietal in the region. The significant temperature swings contribute to the development of big, structured Cabernet Sauvignons that are able to ripen well while retaining their elegance and freshness.
Other popular varietals also thrive in the Creston District, including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Merlot. The district also sees the cultivation of Rhône varieties, aligning with its classification as a moderate to low region three climatically according to the Amerine and Winkler scale.
Standout Wineries of the Creston District
A wine tasting journey through the Creston District can often feel like stepping back in time. The wide-open spaces and the roads that traverse grassy hillsides and dry creek beds create a sense of rural tranquility.
Much like the historical ranches and homesteads, the wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms are spread out across the district, each embodying the pioneering spirit of Creston.
Chateau Margene
For over 20 years Chateau Margene stands as a testament to dedication and excellence in winemaking. This boutique winery specializes in ultra-premium, limited production Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends that showcase the unique terroir of the Creston District.
Founded by Michael and Margene Mooney, Chateau Margene has a commitment to quality over quantity. Their meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking has earned them a devoted following among wine enthusiasts seeking elegant, age-worthy wines that express a sense of place.
The winery operates on an appointment-only basis, providing visitors with an intimate and personalized tasting experience (often with the winemaker). This exclusive approach allows guests to truly immerse themselves in the Chateau Margene philosophy, often guided through their tastings by the owners themselves.
Their signature offerings include the estate Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its complex structure, rich fruit profile, and remarkable aging potential. The Mooney Family selection represents their finest expression of Paso Robles terroir, featuring wines that balance power with finesse.
Address: 4385 La Panza Road, Creston, CA 93432
Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday by appointment (11AM–5PM)
Contact: (805) 238-2321
B&E Vineyard & Winery
B&E Vineyard is a family-owned and operated winery, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into a working ranch with deep roots in the region’s farming traditions.
The winery’s history is woven into the fabric of California’s agricultural narrative, beginning in 1952 when Doc Elliott (the “E” in B&E) established a racing horse operation that would go on to produce several world champions. The enterprise expanded in 1969 when the family joined forces with the “B” (Bello) to cultivate alfalfa and oat hay alongside their Registered Quarter Horses and Registered Cattle operation.
The family recognized water conservation as a critical concern long before sustainability became a widespread focus in agriculture. This environmental consciousness led them to establish their vineyard operation in 1989, starting with 25 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon on its own root. They later expanded to include 25 acres of Merlot and 8 acres of other red varietals primarily used for blending.
The estate’s portfolio focuses on Bordeaux varieties that thrive in the Creston District’s unique terroir, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Bordeaux Blends. Each wine reflects both the distinctive characteristics of the vineyard and the family’s multi-generational commitment to quality farming.
Visitors to B&E are welcomed into an authentic Western-style winery and tasting room that honors the property’s cowboy heritage. The welcoming atmosphere invites guests to experience genuine country hospitality while sampling hand-crafted wines. The tasting room offers various amenities, including art displays, pet-friendly areas, picnic facilities, RV parking, and special event spaces.
Address: 10000 Creston Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Saturdays, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sunday-Friday by appointment
Contact: (805) 238-4815 or (805) 458-3080
Tasting Fee: $15
Defiance Vineyard
Established in 2012, Defiance Vineyard has quickly made a name for itself as a distinguished boutique vineyard in the eastern reaches of the Creston District. While relatively new to the scene, their commitment to quality and innovation has already earned them recognition among wine enthusiasts.
Defiance Vineyard particularly shines with their exceptional Cabernet Franc, a variety that thrives in the unique conditions of the Creston District. Their interpretation of this sometimes-overlooked Bordeaux variety showcases vibrant fruit characteristics balanced with the herbaceous notes that make Cabernet Franc so intriguing.
The vineyard’s name reflects the independent spirit of the region, defying conventional expectations to create wines that truly express the character of their eastern Paso Robles location. Their sustainable farming practices and meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard translate to wines of remarkable depth and authenticity.
Visitors to Defiance Vineyard can expect a welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to taste limited-production wines that rarely find their way beyond the local market.
Address: 5950 Creston Road, Creston, CA 93432
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, or by appointment
Contact: (805) 237-0055
Ella’s Vineyard
Ella’s Vineyard represents the perfect marriage of Italian winemaking tradition and California innovation within the Creston District. This boutique winery boasts a picturesque 32-acre estate vineyard where dedication to quality begins in the soil and extends through every aspect of their winemaking process.
What makes Ella’s Vineyard unique is their focus on Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Primitivo, and Montepulciano, which they skillfully blend with Italian clones of Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to create distinctive Super Tuscan wines. This approach honors their Italian heritage while embracing the innovative spirit of Paso Robles.
In the spring of 2022, Ella’s Vineyard expanded their presence with a stunning new tasting room in the Tin City Annex of Paso Robles. This intimate space features reclaimed wooden beams from the historic Yoke Family Barn, built in 1866 in Indiana, creating an atmosphere that balances rustic charm and elegant comfort.
Vineyard Address: 8790 East Highway 41, Creston, CA 93432
Tasting Room: 3775 Ruth Way, Suite B, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Contact: (805) 221-5057 or [email protected]
Aleksander Wine
Located on Vista Del Paso Road in the Creston region, Aleksander Wine is a hidden gem that has been quietly producing exceptional Bordeaux-style wines since 2010. This family-owned endeavor spans a picturesque 30-acre estate where the focus is on crafting premium, small-batch wines that showcase the distinctive terroir of eastern Paso Robles.
Aleksander specializes in two Merlot-dominated blends that pay homage to the great wines of Bordeaux while expressing the unique characteristics of the Creston District. Their commitment to quality over quantity is evident in their limited annual production of under 2,000 cases, ensuring meticulous attention to every bottle.
The intimate tasting room offers visitors a chance to experience these limited-production wines in a relaxed setting that captures the rustic charm of the Creston District.
Address: Vista Del Paso Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Contact: (805) 226-8881
Other Notable Creston Wineries
The Creston District is also home to several other exceptional wineries worth exploring:
- LaZarre Wines: Located on Lone Pine Place, known for acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
- Loma Linda Vineyards: Situated on Rancho La Loma Linda Drive, this family-owned winery focuses on Spanish and Italian varieties.
- Shadow Run Vineyards & Winery: Their tasting room on La Panza Road is open Friday through Sunday, offering award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends.
- Stanger Vineyards: Located on CA-41, their tasting room is open in the late afternoons on weekdays and during the day on weekends, or by appointment.
- J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines: While a larger producer with vineyards across Paso Robles, J. Lohr sources their Beck Vineyard Syrah from the Creston District, highlighting the region’s quality.
Experiencing Creston: Planning Your Visit
When planning a visit to the Creston District, remember that the wineries are more spread out than those in western Paso Robles. This extra space offers a different and more secluded perspective on Paso Robles wine country.
It’s a good idea to check the individual websites or contact the wineries directly for their current tasting room hours and appointment policies, as some, like Chateau Margene, only take visitors with appointments.
Tips for a Perfect Trip
- Plan ahead and make appointments where required
- Allow extra travel time between wineries due to their spread-out locations
- Bring layers for temperature changes throughout the day
- Download maps or directions in advance as cell service can be spotty
- Consider a designated driver or wine tour service to navigate the rural roads safely
The Undiscovered Charm of Creston
The Creston District AVA has a rich history, unique soil, and signature Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. It is truly a hidden treasure in eastern Paso Robles and each winery has something special to offer. If you want to get to know Paso Robles wine country, check out the Creston District. It’s a less-visited but important part of this famous wine region.
Whether you know a lot about wine or are just curious, the Creston District is a great place to visit. You can explore the area, taste amazing wines, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of this special place in Paso Robles.
