J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

Founded more than four decades ago by Jerry Lohr, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines crafts an array of internationally recognized, award-winning wines from estate vineyards. Bring a picnic lunch, sit on our patio and enjoy the vineyard views. Open daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 6169 Airport Road (3.4 miles north of Highway 46 East), Paso Robles, CA 93446. 805.239.8900. www.jlohr.com.

More than four decades ago, Jerry Lohr became one of a handful of early pioneers to explore the potential for premium winegrowing on California's Central Coast. In the late 1960s, he began searching for the ideal location to plant a vineyard. Raised on a farm, Jerry understood the importance of climate, soil quality and location. His instincts led him to the Central Coast, a unique region with one of California's longest growing seasons. Selecting Monterey County's Arroyo Seco appellation for his original vineyard, Jerry planted his first 280 acres of grapes beginning in 1972. Ideally suited for cool-climate winegrowing, these vineyards have become an acclaimed source for outstanding Chardonnay, Riesling, Valdiguie and Pinot Noir.

Taking a lesson from the winegrowing regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux, Jerry understood that great Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon could not be grown side-by-side. With this in mind, he began planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other red varietals in the Paso Robles region in 1988. Today J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines includes more than 4,000 acres of vineyards.