At Pipestone Vineyards in Paso Robles

About Viognier in Paso Robles

This Viognier vineyard is part of the Pipestone estate located in Paso Robles on the westside of Highway 101. All the vineyards are sustainably and organically farmed at Pipestone. Viognier is a Rhone variety of grape. The soil and growing conditions in this area of Paso Robles are in many ways similar to the terroir of the Rhone Valley of France. The soil is shale and limestone bedrock. Cooling breezes in the afternoon come from the Pacific Ocean though what is called the Templeton Gap. Viognier is a beautiful aromatic white wine with floral and peach characteristics. It can be fermented and aged in stainless steel, or often barrel fermented or aged in neutral oak barrels. Viognier is often blended with Rousanne and/or Marsanne, two other white wine grapes common to the Rhone Valley. Some vintners like to blend a very small amount of Viognier with Syrah wine. This takes the edge off a Syrah and gives it an added aromatic character. The Pipestone Vineyards tasting room is open from Thursday to Monday, 11 am to 5 pm, or by appointment.