EP 161: Paso AVA Series: The Willow Creek District – Featuring Caliza Winery | Jack Creek Cellars
February 26, 2026
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🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with two westside Paso farmers who bet on place and trusted the dirt beneath their feet.
Carl Bowker of Caliza Winery and John Lemstra of Jack Creek Cellars join the show to talk about the power, elegance and diurnal magic of the Willow Creek District AVA, one of Paso Robles’ most compelling nested appellations.
From ripping out 30 acres of Pinot and Chardonnay to replant Rhône varieties. From 4,000 cow dairy mornings in Tulare to cool climate Pinot Noir near York Mountain. This episode is about conviction, farming and crafting wines with both restraint and presence.
🏔️ About the Willow Creek District AVA
- Established 2014
- Elevation ranges roughly 900 to 1,900 feet
- Approximately 1,400 planted vineyard acres
- Significant diurnal shift driven by Templeton Gap influence
- Limestone and shale based soils
- Known for Rhône varieties, structured Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and distinctive Pinot Noir
Learn more at https://pasowine.com/willow-creek-district/
🍷 Wines Discussed
From Caliza Winery:
- Azimuth GSM blend
- 100 percent Syrah
- Cohort Cab and Petit Sirah driven blend
- Estate Grenache
- Concrete Grenache
- End of the Day Albariño
- End of the Day Graciano
From Jack Creek Cellars:
- Concrete Chardonnay
- Estate Pinot Noir
- 100 percent Mourvèdre
- Petit Sirah
- The Straight and Narrow GSM blend
📰 Paso Wine Wire
Hawks Hill Ranch and Boutz Cellars now share a tasting room inside a heritage barn overlooking the Adelaida District. A Westside collaboration bringing estate Rhône wines and Greek varietals together under one roof.
https://www.hawkshillranch.com
https://www.boutzcellars.com
Wine 4 Paws returns April 25 and 26 benefiting Woods Humane Society. Participating wineries and businesses across SLO County donate 10 percent of sales for the weekend. Since 2009 the event has raised more than 750,000 dollars for homeless pets.
McPrice Myers Wines collaborates with Hog Island Oyster Co. on Sea Legacy, a limited 100 percent Clairette Blanche release benefiting the White Abalone Project.
🌴 Travel Paso Spotlight
Rhone Rangers March 20 and 21: Adam connects with Kim Murphy Rodriguez, Executive Director of Rhone Rangers, to preview their upcoming event celebrating American grown Rhône varieties. Seminars. Tastings. Winemaker panels. Rhône education at its best. https://rhonerangers.org
Planning a weekend around it, start here: https://travelpaso.com
🎉 Paso Wine Fest
Paso Wine Fest returns May 15 through 17.
Locals Only Grand Tasting tickets at $99 are available through February 28 to San Luis Obispo County residents. In-person purchase required.
🔗 https://pasowine.com/
🎟️ Win a pair of tickets at
🔗 https://adammontiel.com/
🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com
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🎙️ Credits
Executive Producer: Paso Wine
Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel
Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir
Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com
Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture)
Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect
🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective
📱 Download the Paso Wine App
🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine
🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com
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