Taste the untamed spirit of Paso Robles’ Estrella District, where four valleys converge in a star-shaped embrace to create something extraordinary: a place where world-class wines emerge from rugged terrain with refreshing authenticity.
Named for the Spanish word for “star,” this historic growing region proves that greatness doesn’t require pretense—here, celebrated Syrahs and coveted Cabernets share the spotlight with warm welcomes and genuine wine country charm.
Where Rivers Meet Mountains
Rising between 745 and 1,819 feet above sea level, the Estrella District terrain encompasses morning mist and rugged hillsides, while ancient rivers carve rocky paths, leaving behind nutrient-rich soils that nurture some of Paso’s most distinguished vines. Here, Rhône and Bordeaux varietals flourish, producing wines of remarkable depth and vibrant fruit-forward character.
World-Class Wines, Down-Home Spirit
The tasting experiences mirror the region’s character—a blend of sophistication and grit. From European-inspired terraces offering elaborate food pairings to intimate family cellars where multi-generational farmers and their faithful winery dogs welcome you like old friends, the Estrella District delivers excellence without ego. This is where exceptional wines and warm hospitality flow freely, whether you’re enjoying a curated flight on a grand terrace or chatting with the winemaker in a historic barn.
Estrella District – Quick Facts
The Footprint
- 8,500 acres
- 14 distinctive wineries
- Approx 35 working vineyards
- Elevation range: 745-1,819 feet
Signature Varieties
- Bordeaux
- Rhône
Growing Excellence
- Location: Northern Paso Robles, between San Miguel District and Adelaida
- Climate: Maritime cool meets valley warmth
- Soil: Well-draining alluvial, shaped by ancient riverbeds
Star Wines to Taste in the Estrella District
- Syrah: Complex and aromatic, benefiting from the daily dance of morning fog and afternoon warmth
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold and structured, showing off what those well-drained alluvial soils do best
- Merlot: Elegant and full-bodied, thriving in the gravelly terraces where roots run deep
- Mourvèdre: Rich and spicy, drawing intense character from those sandy loam soils
- Grenache: Bright and expressive, perfectly suited to the district’s unique cooling influences
What makes Estrella District Wines Shine?
The Estrella District lets its wines do the talking—bold, honest expressions of exceptional Paso Robles terroir, served with authentic charm.
Wine Country without Compromise
The Estrella District is a natural wonder where wines need no marketing mumbo-jumbo to captivate. Here, world class vines benefit from perfect terroir: cool breezes from the Santa Lucia Range slip through mountain gaps, while Pacific air flows from Monterey Bay via the Salinas River, parting morning fog to reveal sun-drenched vineyard blocks planted in ancient riverbed soils. Spend the day exploring the Estrella District, where award-winning reds, fresh whites and vibrant blends converge under the warm Paso sun.
Estrella, Illuminated: History of the Region
A Pioneer’s Vision – The Estrella Star is Born
In the 1970s, this northern stretch of Paso Robles caught the eye of visionary winemaker Gary Eberle, who saw more than just rolling hills and well-drained soils—he recognized the makings of a world-class wine region. His most legendary contribution? Carrying precious Syrah cuttings from the famed Chapoutier vineyards of Hermitage, France, and planting them in Estrella’s sun-kissed soils. This bold move gave birth to the now-famous Estrella clone, forever linking the district to one of the world’s most beloved Rhône varietals.
Building a Legacy
Following Eberle’s pioneering footsteps, other vintners began to recognize the area’s extraordinary potential. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines established deep roots here, building the region’s reputation for exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon since the 1980s. Today, the Estrella District is home to a vibrant collection of unique wineries, from intimate family ventures to established estates, building on decades of passion.
Must-Visit Wineries of the Estrella District
Eberle Winery
If the Estrella District has a founding father, it’s legendary winemaker Gary Eberle. The pioneer who brought Syrah to Paso Robles hasn’t stopped innovating since—this historic estate combines old-school wisdom with new-world vision. From the legendary wine caves storing their award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon to the iconic boar statue greeting visitors (Eberle means “small boar” in German), every sip smacks of pure Paso lore.
Experience Eberle Winery’s storied offerings in their welcoming Estrella District tasting room, complete with panoramic vineyard views and one of Paso’s largest underground wine caves. Join a cave tour to discover where the magic happens, or relax on the breezy deck overlooking the estate vineyards where the Estrella clone of Syrah first took root in California soil.
Local Tip: Don’t miss Eberle Winery’s enchanting cave tours, offered daily on the hour. The 16,000 square feet of underground caves provide a perfect escape from summer heat.
Must Try: Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Steinbeck Vineyard Syrah, Estate Chardonnay
Address: 3810 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Open Daily 10 AM to 6 PM (10 AM-5PM in winter)
Tastings offered daily. Large groups welcome with advance reservation.
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
Pioneers don’t always wear cowboy hats—sometimes they carry pruning shears. An early adopter of the Estrella District, iconic Paso Robles winemaker Jerry Lohr has been blazing trails in this star-shaped valley since long before the region earned its official AVA status. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines’ famed Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards benefit from the district’s well-drained alluvial soils and unique cooling influences, producing wines that consistently garner stellar critical acclaim.
Experience J. Lohr’s exceptional Estella District Cabernet Sauvignon at their bright, modern Paso Robles tasting room, where guests can savor seasonal selections and winery-exclusive offerings either in an elegant interior space or on a scenic veranda and patio with sweeping vineyard views.
Local Tip: Check the J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines events calendar for live music and educational tastings you won’t want to miss!
Must Try: Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon, Pure Paso Proprietary Red Wine, Tower Road Petite Sirah
Address: 6169 Airport Road Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Open Daily 10 AM – 4 PM
Each curated tasting experience runs 60-90 minutes, with online bookings available for parties of up to six guests.
Grand Estates
Villa San Juliette Winery
Bringing Hollywood glamour to Paso wine country, Villa San Juliette Winery was founded by American Idol creators Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Cholame Hills, this stunning 130-acre estate channels European elegance while showcasing the Estrella District’s star growing conditions. Here, a dozen distinct wine varieties benefit from the region’s unique charms, each crafted to pair beautifully with dishes from the winery’s on site kitchen.
Discover the enchantment of Tuscany in Paso Robles at the winery’s elegant villa, where passionate staff guide you through seasonal flights of fine estate wines. Trust us: You’ll want to enhance your tasting with dishes expertly prepared by an in-house chef on the sun-dappled veranda overlooking the vineyards.
Must Try: Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet
Address: 6385 Cross Canyons Road, San Miguel, CA 93451
Hours: Open Thursday – Monday 11 AM – 5 PM, Saturday – Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM Closed Tuesday – Wednesday
Tasting fee waived with two-bottle purchase per person. Wine Club members enjoy complimentary tastings for up to four guests.
Derby Wine Estates
Old school agriculture finds modern fandom at Derby Wine Estates, an iconic Paso Robles landmark. Housed in the historic Almond Growers Building in downtown Paso, this family-owned winery offers a unique perspective on the region’s winemaking potential. In fact, their Laura’s Vineyard—an Estrella District mainstay—carries deep historical significance, first planted as part of the Estrella River Winery over three decades ago.
Enjoy tastings at the winery’s beautifully restored tasting room, where a unique tower offers spectacular views of downtown Paso Robles and oak-studded hillsides beyond. Just minutes away from the tasting room, Derby Wine Estates’ 278-acre vineyard showcases the district’s perfect conditions for Bordeaux varieties, with dramatic diurnal temperature swings and ideal growing conditions. Yes, you can taste Estrella District wines without venturing outside downtown Paso!
Local Tip: Keep your eyes peeled while tasting the Estrella district—Derby’s iconic vineyard is visible from Highway 46 East!.
Must Try: Project Espana Red Blend, Laura’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Implico Bordeaux Blend
Address: 525 Riverside Avenue, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Open Daily 11 AM – 5 PM
Tower tours available by reservation, offering a unique perspective of the converging Estrella valleys.
Allegretto Wines
Your daily dose of la dolce vita awaits at Allegretto Wines, where hotelier Douglas Ayres’ vision of a wine country destination has beautifully materialized amid the hills of Paso Robles. The Allegretto Vineyard Resort’s estate vineyard (located in the Estrella District) proves that when it comes to growing great grapes, location really is everything.
From Viognier to Tannat, each variety finds its sweet spot in these well-drained soils, while estate-produced olive oil further showcases the district’s Mediterranean soul. Experience small-lot wines crafted with sustainable practices at the resort’s onsite Allegretto Wines tasting room, a luxurious hangout for resort guests and walk-ins alike.
Local Tip: Complete your tasting room visit at Allegretto Vineyard Resort’s onsite Cello Ristorante & Bar, where farm-fresh cuisine pairs wonderfully with estate-grown wines.
Must Try: Estate Tannat, Viognier, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Address: 2700 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Open Daily 11 AM – 5 PM
Vineyard tours only available Friday through Monday at 10 AM. Reservations required for parties of 7 or more.
Le Vigne Winery
Bring your passport to Paso flavor—no luggage required! The Filippini legacy runs deep in Estrella District soils, where since the 1960s, an Italian family’s dream has blossomed from humble hay fields into Le Vigne Winery, one of Paso Robles’ most cherished destinations. Today, owners Walter and Sylvia Filippini’s Le Vigne Winery proves that Old World flavor is alive and well in the Estrella District, their mature vineyards taking full advantage of the area’s alluvial soils and cooling maritime influences to produce wines sure to make their ancestors proud.
Savor these handcrafted wines in Le Vigne Winery’s spacious tasting room or on the sunny patio surrounded by estate vineyards. Weekend visitors can indulge in Chef Walter’s seasonal lunch menu, featuring house-made pizzas and fresh pasta dishes.
Local Tip: Don’t miss Le Vigne Winery’s legendary artisanal cheese pairings or the onsite Italian marketplace, where you can take home a taste of Italy—from imported cheeses and oils to fresh pasta and delicacies.
Must Try: Di Fatto Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Sangiovese, Cuore Della Vigna Red Blend
Address: 5115 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Open Daily 11 AM – 5 PM Friday – Saturday 11 AM – 6 PM
Wine Club members enjoy exclusive access to the elegant Domenico Room. Weekend lunch served Saturday & Sunday, 11:30 AM – 3 PM.
Scenic Hilltop Experiences
Graveyard Vineyards
Don’t let the name spook you; the only spirits you’ll find at Graveyard Vineyards are in the bottle. Perched along Estrella Road above the historic Pleasant Valley Cemetery, this family-owned estate tells a uniquely Paso tale. The property’s history dates to the 1860s when it housed the First Presbyterian Church of the old town of Estrella. Today, owners Rob and Paula Campbell-Taylor have transformed the hilltop setting into a wine lover’s paradise, where their vineyards harness the dynamic microclimate.
Sip small lot tastings in a renovated barn-turned-winery, complete with chandelier-lit barrel room and red barn doors that embrace the property’s agricultural roots. The outdoor seating area offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, where morning fog gives way to warm afternoon sun and wisteria perfumes the air each spring.
Local Tip: Graveyard Vineyards’ barrel room hosts intimate winemaker dinners and special events, including live music and paint and wine nights, so check the winery’s online calendar for more info.
Must Try: Paso Tombstone Red Blend, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Tannat
Address: 6990 Estrella Road, San Miguel, CA 93451
Hours: Open Thursday – Monday 11 AM – 5 PM
No reservations required.
High Camp Wines
Elevate your expectations—welcome to the peak of Paso. Nestled in the rolling terrain of Ranchita Canyon, High Camp Wines redefines “high elevation” with bold, expressive wines that capture the best of their surroundings. Perched at an ideal altitude, the vineyard benefits from the cooling influence of the Santa Lucia Range and the warm afternoon sun—Estrella’s signature magic trick. This is mountain wine country at its finest.
Craving a wine experience that blends adventure, community, and natural beauty? It’s time to seek higher ground. Tucked away in the hills above Paso Robles, this stunning estate features ten estate-grown varietals crafted with old-world techniques. Choose your perfect tasting escape: an intimate indoor wine bar and lounge, a scenic outdoor patio with vineyard views, or a relaxed picnic area beneath the oaks—complete with cornhole for a little friendly competition.
Tasting fee waived with purchase of two bottles or club membership. Dogs welcome in picnic area. Outside food permitted in picnic area only.
Must Try: Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve Sangiovese, Estate Cabernet Franc
Address: 3439 Ranchita Canyon Rd, San Miguel, CA 93451
Hours: Friday 10:30 AM – 5 PM, Saturday 12 PM – 8 PM, Sunday 10:30 AM – 5 PM. Closed Monday-Thursday.
Four Sisters Ranch Vineyards & Winery
Four sisters, countless possibilities: Where family togetherness and pristine growing conditions converge, Four Sisters Ranch Vineyards & Winery proves that good taste runs in the fam. Their Estrella District vineyard takes full advantage of the morning fog and afternoon warmth that characterize this special corner of Paso Robles, producing wines that speak of place and tradition—with a dash of sisterly love.
Set atop a hill with what The New York Times called “possibly the best vineyard vistas in Paso Robles,” this hacienda-style winery offers a truly exceptional escape. The tasting room features a wood-burning fireplace, comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas, and beautifully crafted grounds.
Visitors can enjoy the outdoor courtyard with horseshoe pit and bocce ball court, or discover picnic spots and educational checkpoints throughout the vineyard.
Local Tip: For those with grumbling bellies, the winery offers gourmet meats, cheeses, olives and crackers for purchase.
Must Try: Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Estate Bordeaux Blend
Address: 2995 Pleasant Road, San Miguel, CA 93451
Hours: Thursday – Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM, Monday-Wednesday by appointment only (Check website for updated seasonal hours).
Tasting fee waived with purchase of 2 bottles. Walk-ins welcome, but reservations suggested for groups of 8+ (special rates apply). Family and pet friendly.
Intimate Family Cellars
Riverstar Vineyards
Follow the river, find the stars: Tracing the path of the namesake Estrella River, Riverstar Vineyards isn’t just about location—it’s about liquid inspiration. Their estate captures the very essence of what makes this district dreamy, from the sandy loam soils of the valley floor to the afternoon breezes that sweep through the vines.
In 2021, Riverstar Vineyards expanded their vision with 22 acres of new plantings, including Syrah, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo. Experience them all at this family-owned gem on the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail, where warm hospitality meets relaxing scenery. Beyond wine tasting, visitors can spread out on the grassy knoll for a picnic, host an event or extend their stay in one of the onsite vineyard lodgings—perfect for catching those legendary Estrella sunset views.
Must Try: Estate Petite Sirah, Reserve Red Blend, Estate Sparkling Wine
Address: 7450 Estrella Road, San Miguel, CA 93451
Hours: Friday – Sunday 12 PM – 5 PM (Additional times available by appointment)
Tasting fee waived with wine purchase. Reservations recommended but walk-ins welcome based on availability.
Bon Niche Cellars
Good spot? More like perfect spot. That’s what “bon niche” means, after all. Tucked away on Golden Eagle Way, this boutique Estrella District winery proves that the best things in life come in small lots. Their hillside location captures both cooling breezes from the Santa Lucia Range and the warm afternoons that make the Estrella District ideal for Rhône varieties. Each boutique bottle of Bon Niche Cellars wines showcases the kind of attention to detail that’s only possible at a micro-winery that cares. In fact, Bon Niche Cellars produces just 600 cases annually, ensuring careful attention to each bottle produced.
Located on the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail just 15 minutes east of Paso Robles, this woman-owned, veteran-operated winery offers a relaxed, family-friendly environment with incredible wine country views to behold. Beyond wine tasting, visitors can enjoy the company of cute farm animals and take in the scenic vineyard vistas.
Must Try: Estate Malbec, L’Entrée Bordeaux Blend, Reserve Petit Verdot
Address: 2627 Golden Eagle Way, San Miguel, CA 93451
Hours: By appointment only
Tastings by appointment only – call, text, or book your tasting online. Private off-site tasting experiences available.
Cinquain Cellars
Poetry in a bottle? Absolutely. Named for a five-line verse poem, Cinquain Cellars crafts wines that are pure romance for your palate. Located in the Independence Ranch area, their Estrella District vineyards dance to the rhythm of elevated terrain and well-draining soils that characterize these rocky elevations.
All wines are planted, pruned, picked,and pressed by hand, creating what the owners/winemakers like to call “bottled poetry.” You could say each wine represents a different verse in the ongoing story of Estrella District excellence! From nurturing 10,000 vines on the estate vineyard to crafting small lots of artisan wines, this small family-owned winery offers a selection of big, bold reds including Bordeaux, Rhône and Portuguese varietals, as well as limited white and rosé releases.
Taste several 90+ point red wines (including some 10-year-old barrel aged port dessert wine offerings) with the winemakers while learning about winemaking techniques, barrel programs and the story about what makes Cinquain wines so poetic.
Must Try: Reserve Malbec, Estate Cabernet-Syrah, Cinquain Cider
Address: 6404 Independence Ranch Place, San Miguel, CA 93451
Hours: Sunday 11 AM – 1 PM, Monday 11 AM – 3 PM, Thursday 11 AM – 3 PM. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday.
Tasting fee waived with bottle purchase. Pets and picnics welcome. Large parties (10 or more) require direct contact.
J & J Cellars
Double the J’s, double the joy. Tucked along scenic Ranchita Canyon Road, J&J Cellars is proof of what happens when passion meets the perfect place to grow. With over a century of grape-growing history in Paso Robles, this family-owned winery carries five generations of agricultural heritage in every bottle.
Their 114 acres of vineyards span two distinct locations: one in San Miguel, where rocky, complex soils shape layered flavors, and another in nearby Shandon, where warmer temperatures coax bold reds into their full potential.
Each vineyard block is individually managed, ensuring that only the finest fruit makes it into the bottle. Thanks to dramatic 40+ degree temperature swings, the Estrella District’s magic touch creates wines with remarkable depth, balance, and structure—one good reason why generations of farmers have remained in this exceptional Paso Robles AVA.
Tastings by appointment only.
Must Try: Estate Tempranillo, Estate Malbec, Estate Merlot
Address: 2850 Ranchita Canyon Road, San Miguel, CA 93451
Hours: By appointment only
Destination Discoveries
Straight Out of Paso
No filter needed—just pure Paso attitude! Innovation defines Straight out of Paso, where modern winemaking techniques highlight the best of what the Estrella District can produce. Their location captures the essence of this diverse growing region, from morning fog to afternoon sun, crafting wines that keep it real and keep you coming back.
Founded to showcase the varietals that put Paso Robles on the map, expect to taste through the region’s rich winemaking heritage, including Zinfandel, Paso’s heritage wine grape since the 1880s. You’ll also experience stellar Estrella District-grown Cabernet Sauvignon—Paso’s most planted varietal since the Bordeaux boom of the 1960s-70s.
Straight Out of Paso also embraces the newer wave of Rhône style varieties thriving in Estrella soil, including outstanding Syrahs and GSM blends. Overall, you could say these distinctive wines encapsulate Paso’s bold spirit with a fresh twist on classic offerings. What’s not to love?
Must Try: Classic Zinfandel, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Rhône Blend
Address: 3550 Combine St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: Thursday – Monday 10 AM – 3 PM, Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
Walk-ins welcome. Reservations required for parties of 6+
Tackitt Family Vineyards
Where military precision meets winemaking passion, Estrella District wines shine. Tucked away on Von Dollen Road, Tackitt Family Vineyards blends service-driven dedication with artistic flair. This family-owned boutique winery showcases the intimate side of Estrella District winemaking—where every bottle is crafted by hand.
The story began in the 1970s when winemaker Leon Tackitt’s grandfather planted 29 Gewürztraminer vines from Germany. Decades later, after a 28-year career in U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Leon and his wife Cindy transformed the family vineyard into an award-winning winery. From their first hand-destemmed harvest yielding just 30 gallons to now producing over 1,000 gallons annually, every step—from pressing to barreling to bottling—happens on-site.
Stop by their new tasting room, where you can sip with the winemaker, throw a ball for the dogs—and if you time it right—even lend a hand with bottling!
Must Try: Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Gewürztraminer, Grenache-Tempranillo Blend
Address: 6640 Von Dollen Road, San Miguel, CA 93451
Hours: Friday – Sunday 12 PM – 5 PM, Monday & Thursday by appointment. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday.
Family-friendly, boutique winery experience. Dogs welcome.
Via Vega Vineyard & Winery
¡Viva Via Vega! Located on Adobe Road, this spirited winery brings Spanish zest to the Estrella District, crafting wines that dance between Old World traditions and New World innovation. The Via Vega Winery vineyard location takes full advantage of the AVA’s grand growing conditions to produce wines of personality and complexity.
Led by Cal Poly and Fresno State-educated winemaker Larry Gomez, this small family farm and winery has been crafting big flavors since 1998. Their estate is home to eleven red varietals, from Aglianico to Zinfandel, which they craft into their signature wines including the artistic October Series celebrating Dia de los Muertos, the sourced Offshore wines, and their Limited Edition ZOO series supporting Conservation Ambassadors, a wildlife conservation effort headquartered nearby.
Every visit to Via Vega Vineyard & Winery culminates in an intimate, sit-down experience with the winemaker himself, often accompanied by live music from Larry’s daughter Ella and a warm greeting from Dobby, the winery dog / official welcoming committee.
Must Try: Estate Syrah, Limited Edition Aglianico, October Series Red Blend
Address: 2378 Adobe Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Hours: By appointment only, 7 AM – 8 PM
Reservations required for all visits, including pick-ups. Tastings last about one hour.
Getting Around the Estrella District
Fully immerse yourself in the Estrella District wine experience and let someone else take the wheel! Several Paso Robles tour companies offer expertly guided adventures through Paso’s historic, star-shaped valley:
The Wine Line
Delivers flexibility with their unique ‘Hop On, Hop Off’ service, perfect for those who want to set their own pace. For a more structured experience, their private tours can be customized to your interests.
Breakaway Tours
Specializes in bespoke experiences, from intimate couples’ outings to large group adventures. Their attention to detail includes arranging winery picnics and restaurant reservations to complement your tastings.
Central Coast Transportation
Provides luxury concierge service ideal for special occasions or larger groups seeking an elevated experience.
Explore more Paso Robles Tour Companies
Your Estrella District Adventure Awaits
Whether you’re drawn to the storied wine caves of Eberle, the family-owned vibes of Graveyard Vineyards or the Mediterranean romance of Villa San-Juliette, the Estrella District offers a wine tasting journey that’s authentically Paso.
A few insider tips to enhance your Estrella District wine tasting visit: Summer temperatures can soar past 100°F, so plan to pack plenty of water. Evening brings dramatic temperature drops—that jacket you shed at noon will be welcome when the cool coastal air sweeps in at sunset.
Consider booking a wine tour or designated driver service—not just for safety, but to fully immerse yourself in the tasting experience without worrying about navigation (cell service can be spotty among these rugged hills).
Discover a range of Paso Robles Wine Country lodging options, from opulent resorts to budget-friendly hotels and winery stays surrounded by vines.
Remember: Many Paso Robles wineries require reservations, especially for larger groups, so plan ahead. Your reward? A day of world-class wines served with down-to-earth Paso hospitality. See you in the Estrella District!
