Paso Robles Highlands District AVA

The Highlands District occupies the southeastern quadrant of the Paso Robles AVA, sitting south of the San Juan Creek District and within the broader Central Coast AVA. The region lies 33 miles from the Pacific Ocean and is positioned in a double rain shadow formed by the Santa Lucia Range to the east and the La Panza Range to the northeast. This topographic position produces one of the most arid microclimates in all of Paso Robles, with annual precipitation of just 12 inches.

• Total area of 60,300 acres (94.2 square miles)
• Located in the southeastern quadrant of Paso Robles AVA
• 33 miles from the Pacific Ocean
• Double rain shadow from two mountain ranges limits rainfall to 12 inches per year

The Highlands District carries a warm, continental climate classified as Region IV on the Winkler scale. Daytime highs reach around 100°F while nighttime temperatures fall to approximately 50°F, producing a diurnal swing of roughly 50°F during mid to late summer. This dramatic temperature contrast allows grapes to accumulate full sugar ripeness during the day while retaining natural acidity overnight. The result is that harvest in the Highlands District occurs 2 to 4 weeks earlier than in other Paso Robles areas.

• Winkler Region IV classification, warmer than most Paso Robles sub-AVAs
• 50°F diurnal temperature shift in mid to late summer
• Harvest runs 2 to 4 weeks earlier than other Paso Robles districts
• Only 12 inches of annual precipitation

The Highlands District is topographically diverse, featuring wide grasslands, high ridges with scattered pines, and canyons with arroyos cutting through the landscape. Soils vary with elevation: sandy loam predominates near valley floors and creek beds, while clay loams and alluvial fans appear at higher elevations. Older leached alkaline alluvial soils mix with younger sandy soils along stream courses. Throughout the district, soils are calcareous and alkaline, with pH values ranging from 7.4 to 8.4.

• Sandy loam soils near valley floors and creeks
• Clay loam and alluvial fan soils at higher elevations
• Calcareous, alkaline soils with pH 7.4 to 8.4
• Topography includes grasslands, pine-dotted ridges, and canyon arroyos

The Highlands District grows a broad range of varietals reflecting its warm days and cool nights. Red grapes dominate, led by Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Aglianico, and Syrah. White grapes including Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay also grow here. The warm climate delivers full ripeness while the pronounced diurnal shift preserves acidity, producing wines with weight and freshness. Bordeaux and Italian varietals form the core of the district's identity.

• Primary reds: Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Aglianico, Syrah
• White varieties include Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay
• Full ripeness with retained acidity is the defining stylistic hallmark
• Bordeaux and Italian varietals anchor the region's grape mix

The Highlands District was established on October 8, 2014, as one of eleven new sub-AVAs carved from the broader Paso Robles AVA. It was originally proposed under the name Paso Robles Canyon Ranch before being renamed to reflect the area's historical local usage dating to at least the late 1800s, when the land was primarily cattle ranching territory. The first vines were planted in the 1970s. French Camp Vineyards is the largest single vineyard in the entire Paso Robles AVA, with approximately 2,000 acres under vine. Other notable producers sourcing fruit from the district include Shandon Hills Vineyard, Avenales Ranch (formerly Shell Creek Vineyard), Miller Family Wine Company, J. Wilkes Wines, and Thacher Winery. No public tasting rooms or wineries operate within the district itself.

• Established October 8, 2014, as one of eleven Paso Robles sub-AVAs
• Originally proposed as Paso Robles Canyon Ranch; renamed to honor historical local usage
• First vines planted in the 1970s; historically a cattle ranching region
• French Camp Vineyards is the largest vineyard in the entire Paso Robles AVA
• No public-facing tasting rooms within district boundaries