The Sixmilebridge Story
The winery’s name, Sixmilebridge, pays homage to the Irish village where Jim Moroney’s ancestors hailed from, creating a bridge between family heritage and the fertile lands of Paso Robles. The Moroneys’ journey to winemaking was inspired by their love for fine Bordeaux-style wines and frequent travels to renowned wine regions. Their dream? To replicate the quality and elegance of Bordeaux wines in the heart of California.
What drew the Moroneys to Paso Robles, and specifically to Peachy Canyon, was the area’s unique terroir. The limestone soils and microclimates of this region provide the perfect environment for growing exceptional Bordeaux varietals. It’s this combination of ideal growing conditions and the Moroneys’ dedication to excellence that forms the foundation of Sixmilebridge’s winemaking philosophy.
A Vineyard with a View
As you wind your way through Peachy Canyon, the anticipation builds. The road leads to a picturesque property where vineyards cling to steep hillsides, their vines reaching towards the sky.
Perched at 2,000 feet elevation, Sixmilebridge’s vineyards surround the Moroneys’ home and tasting room, offering visitors breathtaking views of the Paso Robles countryside. The vineyard’s steep, varied terrain and diverse aspects allow each grape variety to find its perfect home, aligning with its need for more or less sunshine. The Moroneys have created an intimate space where anyone can relax, learn, and most importantly, enjoy exceptional wines.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the vineyard is its dramatic diurnal temperature swings – sometimes as much as 50 degrees! This variation, aided by a daily breeze from the Pacific Ocean through the Templeton Gap, contributes to the complexity and balance of the wines produced here.
Bordeaux in Paso Robles
Sixmilebridge stands out in Paso Robles for its unwavering focus on Bordeaux-style wines. The vineyard is planted primarily with the classic Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon (making up 50% of the plantings), Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. In a nod to innovation, they’ve also planted two newly sanctioned Bordeaux varieties: Touriga Nacional and Marselan (a hybrid of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache).
For white wine lovers, Sixmilebridge offers Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Their first vintage of Semillon harvested in 2023, should be available in 2025. And in a tribute to Paso Robles’ winemaking history, they’ve included a small planting of Zinfandel.
What is a “Bordeaux-style” wine?
The phrase “Bordeaux-style” is used informally to describe red wines produced from a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and to a lesser extent Carmenère and Malbec (Bordeaux-style whites are blended from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle.).
Versions of these kinds of wines are made all over the world, and outside of Bordeaux, they’re often referred to as “Bordeaux-style.” But it’s not a regulated term, so how it’s used will vary from vintner to vintner.
Winemaking Philosophy
The winery’s commitment to quality begins in the vineyard. From the beginning, Sixmilebridge embraced organic farming practices. Their vineyard, meticulously planned by Kevin Wilkinson—one of the area’s top farmers and vineyard managers—focuses on quality over quantity. By limiting yields to around 2.5 tons per acre, they ensure each grape reaches its full potential. This dedication to sustainable practices and growing high-quality fruit sets the stage for producing exceptional wines.
Under the expert guidance of renowned winemaker Anthony Yount (Denner Vineyards & The Royal Nonesuch Farm), Sixmilebridge embraces a minimalist approach in its winemaking. Their goal is to let each vintage express itself fully, with as little intervention as possible. This philosophy allows the true expression of the terroir to shine through in every bottle, resulting in wines that are rich, complex, and distinctly Sixmilebridge.
Signature Wines
While every wine at Sixmilebridge is crafted with care, in our opinion there are a few standouts that truly capture the essence of the winery:
1. Cabernet Sauvignon: Sixmilebridge’s flagship wine, showcasing Paso Robles’ potential for world-class Cabernet. It’s a sensory journey – aromas of blackberry, violet, and rain-soaked earth lead to flavors of black currant, cocoa, and a hint of smoky chipotle. With smooth tannins and a seamless finish, this Cab is both powerful and elegant. It’s the perfect introduction to what makes Sixmilebridge special in Paso Robles.
2. Shannon: A Left Bank Bordeaux-style blend that beautifully expresses the complexity and elegance of Sixmilebridge’s terroir. It’s a careful mix of Cabernet Sauvignon (52%), Merlot (23%), Malbec (10%), Petit Verdot (9%), and Cabernet Franc (6%). When you take a sip, you’ll notice it has some grip (that’s the tannins talking), but it’s balanced by vibrant blueberry flavors and floral notes. It’s no wonder Wine Enthusiast gave it 94 points and named it an Editor’s Choice.
3. Limerick: This Right Bank Bordeaux-style blend shows off another side of Sixmilebridge’s talent. You’ll smell fresh strawberries, hints of licorice-like anise, and spicy coriander, with a touch of ripe mulberry. Take a sip, and the smooth, silky texture will surprise you. Flavors of tart red currants mix with rich cocoa powder, and there’s a wild, herbal note that wine experts call “chaparral” – it’s like the scent of sun-warmed herbs. Wine Enthusiast gave it 93 points.
Tasting Sixmilebridge
The tasting room offers an intimate and personalized wine tasting experience set against the backdrop of the picturesque Paso Robles countryside and stunning architecture. Here, guests can savor the winery’s exceptional Bordeaux-style wines while enjoying the views from the edge of their vineyards.
The tasting experience at Sixmilebridge is also a very thoughtfully curated and highly personal experience, with one host dedicated to one party of guests for the duration of their visit. These knowledgeable experts guide guests through a selection of wines that showcase the best of what Paso Robles has to offer. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Cabernet Sauvignon, a varietal that thrives in the unique microclimate of Peachy Canyon.
For those seeking a more in-depth experience, Sixmilebridge offers some other options that provide a deeper exploration of their wines.
Vineyard walking tours ($76 per person) allow guests to see the current growth stage of the vines, get insight into their vineyard management practices, and see the care that goes into cultivating their grapes. The SixmileSamples experience allows you to taste side-by-side barrel selection from their Cabernet program. Ever wondered how much a barrel impacts the expression of a varietal? This is the tasting for you.
Upcoming Events
Throughout the year, Sixmilebridge hosts special events that showcase their wines in new and exciting ways. This year look out for the Fall Winemaker Dinner, featuring their favorite Cabernet bottlings paired with dishes prepared by chef Justin Hall.
Pre-register here.
For those with a particular interest in Cabernet Franc, this December Sixmilebridge and Brecon Estate are hosting a seminar offering a chance to delve deep into this often-overlooked varietal.
Pre-register here.
The Sixmilebridge Experience
What sets Sixmilebridge apart in the Paso Robles wine scene is its laser focus on producing world-class Bordeaux-style wines. In a region known for its Rhône-style blends, Sixmilebridge offers a distinctive experience for wine lovers seeking something different. It’s also an immersion into a world where Old World traditions meet New World innovation, where Irish heritage meets California sunshine, and where every glass tells a story of passion, dedication, and exceptional winemaking.
They are clearly making a name for themselves as a leading boutique winery in Paso Robles. This success stems from a winning combination: expert vineyard planning, one of the region’s top winemakers, a tasting room staff dedicated to exceptional service, and owners whose passion shines through in every aspect of the winery.
Jim and his team have produced wines with a connection to the land and sense the passion that goes into every bottle. Each sip evokes the unique characteristics of the Adelaida District’s terroir, showcasing the winery’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. I am very interested to see how they age over time, and we are looking forward to cellaring a few bottles each year.
The best way to experience it for yourself is to book a tasting, take the beautiful drive along Peachy Canyon Road, and join their Club. Their wines are produced in limited quantities, but you’ll get twice yearly (spring & fall) allocations of 4, 6, or 12 bottles.
For anyone exploring the diverse wine scene of Paso Robles, Sixmilebridge offers a unique and memorable experience that shouldn’t be missed.
