In order to multiply the imported vines into the quantities necessary for the vineyard, Tablas Creek constructed its own nursery complex of high-tech greenhouses and shadehouses. There, vinifera was multiplied, grafted onto rootstocks, and gradually hardened off to sun and wind in preparation for planting in the vineyard.
Rhône Rangers, California Pioneers & the Legacy of Tablas Creek
California’s Rhône Ranger movement took hold in the 1980s as pioneering winemakers like Randall Grahm, Joseph Phelps, Bob Lindquist, and John Alban challenged the state’s Cabernet and Chardonnay dominance by championing Rhône Valley grape varieties.
But the movement’s story wouldn’t be complete without the Perrin family, owners of the legendary Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In 1989, the Perrins partnered with American wine importer Robert Haas to establish Tablas Creek Vineyard in Paso Robles, bringing French expertise and credibility to California’s Rhône revolution.
Their greatest contribution may have been the vines themselves. Beginning in 1990, they imported Rhône grape cuttings from France, navigated lengthy quarantines, and established a nursery. Rather than keeping these vines exclusively for themselves, they shared them with other producers. More than 600 vineyards and wineries eventually obtained Tablas Creek vine material, helping Rhône varieties flourish throughout California and beyond.
The Perrins didn’t start the Rhône Ranger movement, but they helped give it the roots to thrive.
We're thrilled to showcase an outstanding lineup of Tablas Creek wines and invite you to discover what makes this pioneering Paso Robles estate so special.
Join us Monday, October 12, from 4–6 PM at The Wine and Cheese Place on Forsyth for a tasting of five exceptional wines!
Wines to Be Tasted
2024 Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Blanc — $26.99
92 Points — Wine Spectator
2024 Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Blanc — $79.99
96 Points — James Suckling
2025 Tablas Creek Alouette Grenache — $29.99
93 Points — James Suckling
2023 Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rouge — $29.99
93 Points — Jeb Dunnuck
2023 Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Rouge — $79.99
96 Points — James Suckling