This week I was fortunate to have gone on a vineyard tour of Derby Wine Estates 3 vineyards. A big thank you is in order to Steve Vierra of Vineyard Professional Services in Paso Robles, who manages all 3 vineyards. Steve took the time out of his day to give the tour. It was fascinating to see the the differences in each of these vineyards.
First on the vineyard tour was Laura's Vineyard. This vineyard is adjacent the Derby Wine Estates tasting room located on Highway 46 East. Laura's Vineyard is approximately 279 acres of primarily Bordeaux varietals and Zinfandel. The east/west row orientation is ideal for these late ripening grape types. The vineyard rows are carefully maintained so that in the morning sun there is more light and in the afternoon the vines are protected from the sun.
The picture to the left was taken of a cluster of Petite Sirah grapes on Laura's Vineyard. I was amazed at the size of the cluster. There can be up to 200-300 grapes per cluster!
Last we visited Derbyshire Vineyard located just off the Pacific Ocean and next to the Hearst Ranch property. I was wondering if we would see zebra on our trip today and we were not disappointed. Zebra have been roaming the land adjacent to Hearst Ranch for decades. Besides the zebras and cattle, Derbyshire Vineyard is very unique. It is the only commercial vineyard in such close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Constant cool ocean breezes, fog and less than 2000 growing degree days are what makes Derbyshire Vineyard nearly impossible to farm and could quite possibly be the reason there are no neighboring vineyards.
Breathtaking views from Derbyshire Vineyard above. Pacific Ocean in the background. What a wonderful way to end the day touring Derby's Vineyards!! But wait there is more...as we left the vineyard we had to stop and pick some blackberries for our trip back to Paso Robles. 
First on the vineyard tour was Laura's Vineyard. This vineyard is adjacent the Derby Wine Estates tasting room located on Highway 46 East. Laura's Vineyard is approximately 279 acres of primarily Bordeaux varietals and Zinfandel. The east/west row orientation is ideal for these late ripening grape types. The vineyard rows are carefully maintained so that in the morning sun there is more light and in the afternoon the vines are protected from the sun.
The picture to the left was taken of a cluster of Petite Sirah grapes on Laura's Vineyard. I was amazed at the size of the cluster. There can be up to 200-300 grapes per cluster!The 2nd vineryard we toured was Derby Vineyard, which is located on Live Oak Road on the west side of Paso Robles off of Highway 46 West and Arbor Road. Neighboring Vineyards are Hope Family Wines and Windward. Of the 60 acres planted on this vineyard most are Rhone varietals, but there are also Spanish and Bordeaux varietals growing here. Syrah, Grenache, Counoise, Mourvedre, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier are among the existing vineyards. Newer plantings in head trained blocks surrounding the property are more obscure varietals such as Picpoul Blanc, Granciano, Albarino, Carignan, Petite Verdot, Mourvedre, Grenache Blanc & Zinfandel/Primitivo. The newest phase of plantings at Derby include Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Malbec. There are 4 different clones of Mourvedre growing on this vineyard.
Last we visited Derbyshire Vineyard located just off the Pacific Ocean and next to the Hearst Ranch property. I was wondering if we would see zebra on our trip today and we were not disappointed. Zebra have been roaming the land adjacent to Hearst Ranch for decades. Besides the zebras and cattle, Derbyshire Vineyard is very unique. It is the only commercial vineyard in such close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Constant cool ocean breezes, fog and less than 2000 growing degree days are what makes Derbyshire Vineyard nearly impossible to farm and could quite possibly be the reason there are no neighboring vineyards.
Only 2 varietals on this 60 acre property, but that is perfectly fine. Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes are growing on these coastal hillsides and the vineyard manager, Steve Vierra is constantly challenged to figure out new ways to get these grapes to survive. This only makes the wine produced from these extraordinary grapes even more special. The Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris wines produced from this vineyard are both high in acid and complexity.
Breathtaking views from Derbyshire Vineyard above. Pacific Ocean in the background. What a wonderful way to end the day touring Derby's Vineyards!! But wait there is more...as we left the vineyard we had to stop and pick some blackberries for our trip back to Paso Robles. 
Location:
5620 E Highway 46
Paso Robles CA 93446
Hours:
Friday – Monday 11am to 5pm
and by appointment
Website:
www.derbywineestates.com
5620 E Highway 46
Paso Robles CA 93446
Hours:
Friday – Monday 11am to 5pm
and by appointment
Website:
www.derbywineestates.com
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