J Lohr in Paso Robles

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Written by:

Joe Becerra

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J Lohr in Paso Robles wine country
J Lohr Signature Cabernet Sauvignon

National Geographic and the Somm Journal are teaming up to present a virtual exploration of wineries worldwide. The series is “Unique Wine Regions of the World.” In the most recent virtual experience, J Lohr Vineyards & Wines represented the wine region of Paso Robles.

Paso Robles Wine Country

Paso Robles is one of our favorite wine regions to visit and explore. Paso Robles has eleven AVAs. The soil, terrain, and climate are suited for several different varieties of grapes. There are 200 plus wineries in the area, ranging from small and cozy to elaborate and luxurious hospitality centers.

Paso Robles and J Lohr
City Park in downtown Paso Robles

Paso Robles wine history began in the early 1970s. For many years, Zinfandel was the most notable wine, then came Cabernet Sauvignon. Now it is Rhone-style wines that are taking center stage in both white and red wines. Whatever your preference is in wines, you are likely to find it in Paso Robles.

The area is more relaxed than the Napa Valley. Things move at a slower pace. For us, the backroads are varied and beautiful. Around each bend, one finds something exciting to see.

The downtown area of Paso Robles is booming, even amid the COVID Pandemic. Restaurants and lodging establishments seem to be very busy with patrons. In short, there is much to explore for wine country lovers in this region.

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

J Lohr began in 1976, and its founder Jerry Lohr inspires the winery to produce quality wines from its 3000 acres of vines. Wine production is 1.5 million cases. In supermarkets across the U.S., we are likely to find the J Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon and the J Lohr Monterey Pinot Noir, among others. These wines are excellent values, and usually the price is around $15.

J. Lohr Pinot Noir
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At the top of the line, and, in limited production, is the J Lohr single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, “Signature.” The grapes for this wine come from the Beck Vineyard. The elevation there is 1700 feet, and it has calcareous soils. The vineyard is in the path of the afternoon cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean. All of this adds up to a delicious and world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.

Visiting J. Lohr and other Paso Robles wineries

The COVID Pandemic is affecting the way many Paso Robles wineries are having their wine tastings. Currently, the J Lohr winery is not accepting visitors. We hope the wine scene returns to normal in 2021.

In the meantime, many wineries are doing tastings in their outside areas. Most wineries require reservations. It is best to plan your trip to Paso Robles by checking with individual winery websites. Find out what their tasting room policy is before heading out.

Additional Paso Robles resources

Paso Robles wine country
Paso Robles Wine Map
  • Joe Becerra

    Joe Becerra has been traveling to wine country and enjoying wine since 1965. He is a retired educator, and now have the time the opportunity to share his wine travel experiences through this Website.