Guides

A Deep Dive into Paso Robles’ Geneseo District AVA

Nestled in the sun-soaked Eastside of Paso Robles, the Geneseo District is one of the region’s most cherished wine tasting destinations. Wind through rolling hills blanketed with warm-climate vineyards and dotted with century-old farms—watching for cows and wildflowers along the way.

Home to some of Paso Robles’ most acclaimed cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel, the Geneseo District invites wine tasters to embark on a sensory journey through world-class tasting rooms, each offering a unique glimpse into the authentic art of Eastside Paso Robles wine.

Quick Facts:

Primary Wine Varieties: cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, syrah
Established: 2014 as part of Paso Robles’ 11 sub-AVAs
Location: Southeast of downtown Paso Robles
Climate: One of Paso’s warmest districts, producing fruit forward wines
Soil: Well-drained sandy and gravelly loam
Notable Features: High-yield vineyards producing high quality grapes

East Meets West: Understanding Paso’s Wine Landscape
You probably know that Paso Robles is the ultimate growing grounds for world class wine grapes. That said, the differences between the Eastside and Westside vineyards offer unique experiences and very different wine characteristics. The Eastside, with its warmer climate and clay loam soils, produces richer, riper wines with bold fruit flavors and softer tannins.

In contrast, the Westside, influenced by cooler maritime conditions and calcareous soils, yields wines with higher acidity and complex, balanced flavors. These distinct characteristics highlight the diverse range of wine styles in Paso Robles Wine Country, making it a joy to explore.

What makes Geneseo District wines so sought-after?
As one of Paso’s prized Eastside regions, the Geneseo District perfectly exemplifies the rich, bold characteristics synonymous with classic Paso Robles Wine.

This district experiences warmer temperatures due to its inland location, with less marine influence than western regions. This warmth, combined with well-draining sandy and gravelly loam soils, creates ideal conditions for producing full-bodied wines with intense flavors.

There’s more to the Geneseo District than meets the eye: The rolling hills and varied topography help with air circulation and sun exposure, creating a range of microclimates. This diversity allows winemakers to craft a rainbow of top tier wines, from bold reds to vibrant whites, each expressing the unique characteristics of their respective vineyard sites.

Wine Styles to Look For:
Paso Robles’ Geneseo District wines reflect their warm-climate origins with rich, concentrated flavors and full-bodied profiles. Look for:

Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich and robust with bold fruit flavors
Zinfandel: Ripe and spicy with abundant berry notes
Syrah: Deep and complex with exceptionally smooth tannins
Rhône Varietals: Full-bodied with intense fruit characteristics
White Wines: Vibrant and fruit-forward with balanced acidity

10 Must-Visit Wineries of Geneseo District

Eberle Winery

Taste Geneseo District wine history at Eberle Winery, where late great wine pioneer Gary Eberle helped shape the region’s destiny. This Eastside winery stands as a testament to the Geneseo District’s endless potential, producing bold, fruit-forward reds that consistently earn praise from critics and everyday folks stopping by.

Descend into Eberle’s famous underground caves, where centuries of winemaking wisdom meet modern innovation. Of course, you can just as easily relax on the scenic vineyard deck, where the winery’s bronze boar mascot stands guard over the estate. Here, every glass of red speaks of Paso’s evolution from hidden gem to world-class wine region.

Address: 3810 E Highway 46, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Pear Valley Vineyards

Perched atop the rolling hills of the Geneseo District, Pear Valley Vineyards embodies the sustainable spirit of Paso Robles Wine Country. This family-owned estate crafts wines that speak to their commitment to both land and legacy, from their bold, award-winning cabernet franc to their distinctive petite verdot.

Take in panoramic views from Pear Valley Vineyards’ rustic-elegant tasting room, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame beautiful Eastside vineyards. The winery’s sustainable ethos, which span eco-friendly farming practices to the no-waste, energy-efficient tasting room, preserve Paso Robles’ magic for future generations. Plus, an outdoor patio area offers the ideal spot to soak up that warm Geneseo District sunshine!

Address: 4900 Union Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

CASS Winery

Nestled in the heart of the rural Geneseo District, CASS Winery captures the essence of Paso’s eastside DNA and French personality in every bottle. Here, estate-grown Rhone and Bordeaux varietals flourish under the ample East Paso Robles sun, producing award-winning wines known for fantastic food friendliness.

Sip from CASS Winery’s long lineup of red and white offerings, from honied viognier to the robust “Rockin One Red” blend. The on-site CASS Café elevates your tasting with gourmet burgers, salads and cheese and charcuterie plates that showcase the versatility of CASS wines.

Whether you’re sipping on the patio or diving deep into an array of reserve selections, CASS is a fitting place to unwind among the peaceful birdsong of Geneseo District AVA.

Local Tip: Looking for more Eastside Paso Robles Wine Country experiences? Check out CASS Winery’s Camp CASS activities, ranging from vineyard e-bike rides and sunset hikes to unique overnight accommodations at the aptly-named Geneseo Inn.

Address: 7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Mitchella Vineyard & Winery

Revel in the charm of small-lot wine making at Mitchella Vineyard & Winery, where each bottle shines with a personal Eastside Paso Robles touch. Known for their bold yet balanced wines, this family-owned operation has earned a stellar reputation for crafting top tier cabernet sauvignon and Rhône-style blends.

The intimate tasting experience at Mitchella Vineyard & Winery feels less like an official tasting and more like being welcomed into the family’s cozy home. Let this knowledgeable clan guide you through the Mitchella Vineyard & Winery lineup, sharing intimate details of the land and passion behind each handcrafted vintage.

Address: 2525 Mitchell Ranch Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Thursday – Monday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Robert Hall Winery

More than ever, Robert Hall Winery stands as a testament to Paso Robles’ wine making excellence, and especially what the region’s Eastside terroir can produce. This acclaimed estate winery crafts wines that capture the essence of the Geneseo District, from robust Bordeaux-style blends to richly textured cabernet sauvignon.

Saunter through Robert Hall Winery’s stately tasting room, where panoramic views of sun-drenched vineyards are designed wow. Sample the winery’s Cavern Select series, showcasing the very best of this sustainably-farmed 173-acre estate. Oh, and don’t miss the opportunity to tour the barrels, where future vintages quietly mature to perfection.

This Eastside tasting room’s sophisticated-yet-welcoming atmosphere invites both casual sippers and serious collectors to discover Geneseo wines. Soon, you’ll understand why Robert Hall Winery has become synonymous with Paso Robles quality.

Address: 3443 Mill Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery

Savor seven generations of winemaking heritage at Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery, where history runs as deep as the vines. Since the 1920s, this hardworking family operation has been cultivating grapes in Paso’s famous Geneseo District, a legacy that continues to evolve with each new vintage.

Steinbeck’s appointment-only tastings offer a rare glimpse into Paso’s past and present: Explore a sumptuous range of estate-grown wines, including high quality cabernet sauvignon, spicy zinfandel and inspired viognier.

Address: 5940 Union Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Barr Estate Winery

A small but mighty winery, Barr Estate Winery crafts ultra-boutique wines that honor both Earth and art. This family-owned operation showcases the versatility of the Geneseo District’s terroir through thoughtfully-produced wines, including standout malbec and stellar petit verdot.

The relaxed Geneseo District tasting room at Barr Estate Winery provides an unpretentious setting to explore distinctive Eastside Paso Robles wines, including lesser-known varieties like Aglianico (just ask your tasting attendant to introduce you to your new favorite wine). Swing by to taste the magic of their 57-acre estate vineyard or pick up a bottle of their own estate extra virgin olive oil, a tasty souvenir.

Address: 6950 Union Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Friday – Sunday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Dresser Winery & Luxury Vacation Rental

Tucked away in the sunny Geneseo District of Paso Robles, Dresser Winery & Luxury Vacation Rental proves that amazing flavors come in small packages. This family-operated gem specializes in handcrafted, small-lot wines that showcase the best of what this warm-climate district can produce.

Perched 1,100 feet above sea level and surrounded by verdant vines, the Dresser Winery tasting room is a must-visit in Eastside Paso Robles: Slow down and savor their standout zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon at your own pace, no need to rush.

Here, each wine receives meticulous attention, resulting in bottles that express both power and elegance, a hallmark of Geneseo’s distinctive terroir. For those who wish to linger longer, check-in to the winery’s onsite vacation rental, an expansive 6300 sq. ft. abode overlooking Dresser Vineyard and Winery.

Address: 6435 Union Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Friday – Sunday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Tobin James Cellars

Experience the carefree spirit of Paso Robles at Tobin James Cellars, where exceptional wines meet western hospitality. This Eastside hideout has earned a devoted following for their bold zinfandels and fruit-forward style that captures the raw beauty of Geneseo’s world class terroir.

Swing through the doors of Tobin James Cellars’ tasting room, where the lively atmosphere and friendly staff make every visit feel like a party.Tastings showcase everything from their famous “Ballistic” Zinfandel to the elegant James Gang Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Address: 8950 Union Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Paris Valley Road Estate Winery

Sip French-inspired elegance with a Geneseo heart at Paris Valley Road Estate Winery. Here, Old World winemaking traditions meet the unique characteristics of Geneseo District terroir, inspiring wines of depth and sophistication.

Pear Valley Road Estate Winery’s refined tasting room offers sweeping views of lush estate vineyards, providing a dreamy setting to explore heavy-hitting Bordeaux-inspired wines, including complex cabernet sauvignon and full-bodied chardonnay.

Address: 5625 E. Highway 46, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

More Geneseo Greats – Visit These Eastside Tasting Rooms

Acclaim & Recognition: Geneseo’s Wine Legacy

The Geneseo District of Paso Robles Wine Country has earned its place among California’s celebrated wine regions, with its wineries consistently producing award-winning vintages that capture critics’ attention.

Leading this charge is the late winemaking pioneer Gary Eberle, who made history as one of the first winemakers to popularize cabernet sauvignon and syrah in the Paso Robles region. Today, Geneseo District wineries regularly earn scores in the mid-90s from prestigious publications like Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast—not to mention gold stars from acclaimed wine critic Robert Parker.

Modern success stories continue to emerge from this famed Eastside corner of Paso Robles: Robert Hall Winery’s cabernet sauvignon and merlot consistently bring home gold medals from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and California State Fair. Plus, CASS Winery has made an indelible mark with exceptional, award-winning Rhône varietals like viognier, mourvèdre and grenache blanc.

Beyond Geneseo: More Paso Robles Adventures

While the Geneseo District offers enough wine experiences to fill several days of wine tasting, Paso Robles Wine Country has even more to discover! Here’s a peek at some other outstanding Paso Robles districts and sub-AVAs:

Adelaida District
With historic roots and prized wines, the mountainous Adelaida District AVA is a must-visit in Westside Paso Robles. The acclaimed Brecon Estate showcases this mesmerizing side of Paso Robles terroir.

Willow Creek District
In the breezy Westside Willow Creek District, wines showcase incredible balance you must taste to believe. Discover Hayseed & Housdon and Ecluse, fabulous stops for anyone looking to sample modern and classic interpretations of Paso Robles terroir.

El Pomar District
Don’t forget the inland El Pomar District, where rolling hills and cooling breezes create ideal conditions for distinctive wines. Check out Still Waters Vineyards for a vast outdoor tasting space and bold wines to match.

Santa Margarita Ranch
Ancient Peaks Winery stands as a testament to the diversity of Paso Robles wine country, offering distinctive wines from one of the region’s southernmost areas. Sample cool-climate counterparts to Eastside Paso’s warm-climate flavors.

See you in Eastside Paso Robles!

Your Geneseo District adventure awaits! Whether you’re drawn to Paso Robles’ bold cabernets, spicy zinfandels or elegant Rhône-style blends, this warm-climate paradise offers something for every wine drinker. Discover the magic of Paso Robles’ Eastside, where tradition, innovation, and natural beauty combine to create an unforgettable wine country experience.

Cover photo curtesy of Cass Winery, shot by Yvonne Goll