07 Jul Discovering Tablas Creek Vineyard: Rhône Roots, Californian Soul
Deep in the rugged hills of Paso Robles, California, Tablas Creek Vineyard is more than just a winery – it’s a story of friendship, tradition, and bold viticultural vision. A collaboration between two iconic families in the wine world – the Perrins of Château de Beaucastel in France’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Haas family of Vineyard Brands – Tablas Creek has become a beacon for Rhône varietals in the New World. Together, they have created wines that honour the complexity of France’s Rhône Valley while capturing the sun-drenched essence of California’s Central Coast.
A Legacy Rooted in Rhône
The Perrin family’s legacy dates back to 1549 and includes stewardship of Château de Beaucastel, one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most revered estates. Known for pioneering organic and biodynamic practices, they played a central role in reviving heritage grapes like Mourvèdre. Robert Haas, a legend in his own right, brought these wines to American tables and, through his import business, became the Perrins’ exclusive US importer. Their shared passion for Rhône varietals and terroir led them on a quest to find a Californian site with the right conditions to bring these grapes to life.
Their search ended in Paso Robles, where they found limestone-rich soils, a Mediterranean climate, and dramatic day-night temperature swings – conditions uncannily similar to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In 1989, they founded Tablas Creek Vineyard, planting cuttings imported directly from Beaucastel after a rigorous USDA quarantine process. These cuttings, now propagated throughout the U.S., helped launch the American Rhône movement.
Estate Philosophy: Regenerative to the Core
Tablas Creek is not just certified organic and biodynamic – it was the first vineyard in the world to become Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) and later, the first to receive ROC® Gold status. Their philosophy is simple yet radical: prioritise the health of soil, vine, and ecosystem above all. Dry farming, native yeasts, and large-format neutral oak ageing are all part of a meticulous winemaking process designed to showcase terroir, not intervention.
They now cultivate all 13 traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape varieties (plus a few more), working with an impressive spectrum of grapes from Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah to Roussanne, Picpoul, and Clairette Blanche.
Wines to Discover on Artisan Wine Online
We’re proud to offer a curated selection of Tablas Creek’s finest wines on Artisan Wine Online. Whether you’re a Rhône devotee or new to these complex blends, these wines offer a world-class introduction:
🥇 Panoplie Rouge 2019
- A show-stopping, age-worthy blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Grenache. Only 820 cases made. Deep red and black fruit, umami, licorice, and sweet earth swirl together in a blockbuster that will age for decades.
- $260 | Buy Now ›
- ⭐ 97 pts Vinous | 97 pts PDWR
🌿 Esprit de Tablas Rouge 2020
- The flagship red blend, led by Mourvèdre with support from Grenache, Syrah, Counoise, and new additions Vaccarèse and Cinsaut. Layers of black cherry, leather, and savory herbs. Stunning now, or cellar for 20+ years.
- $174 | Buy Now ›
- ⭐ 98 pts BevX | 96 pts Decanter
🕯 Esprit de Tablas Blanc 2020
- A luxurious yet vibrant white blend dominated by Roussanne, with Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, and rare grapes like Bourboulenc, Clairette Blanche, and Picardan. Rich honeyed texture balanced by citrus, stone fruit, and saline minerality.
- $138 | Buy Now ›
- ⭐ 97 pts BevX | 94 pts Decanter
🕊 Esprit de Tablas Blanc 2019
- Another stellar vintage, this blend is plush and creamy with notes of quince, wildflower honey, and fresh vanilla bean. Drink now or cellar to unlock nutty, earthy complexity.
- $130 | Buy Now ›
- ⭐ 98 pts PDWR | 95 pts James Suckling
🌸 Esprit de Tablas Blanc 2014 (Library Release)
- Aged to perfection. Layers of salted honeydew, jasmine, citrus blossom, and roasted nuts. An extraordinary opportunity to taste an aged Roussanne-led blend in its prime.
- $98 | Buy Now ›
- ⭐ 96 pts Owen Bargreen (2025)
Why Tablas Creek Belongs in Your Cellar
Tablas Creek isn’t just making Rhône-style wines in California – they’re setting the global standard. Whether you’re seeking bold reds with aging potential or complex whites with elegance and freshness, each bottle reflects an uncompromising commitment to place, heritage, and innovation. With an array of critical acclaim, environmentally regenerative farming, and rare varietals, these wines are treasures worth collecting – and drinking.
Check out the Tablas Creek Vineyard section of our shop and experience wines from this amazing vineyard yourself.