Sculpterra Winery And Sculpture Garden

Open: Year Round

The first grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon were planted on the estate along with pistachio trees in 1979. The 120 acre vineyard is now planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Viognier, Petite Sirah, Mouvedre and Cabernet Franc. If you see horseback riders in the gently sculpted vineyard hills, they are likely to be Dr. and Mrs. Frankel, enjoying the scenic vineyard and oak hillside views. 

The Sculpterra Vineyards occupy a unique position in the Paso Robles appellation. Situated 3 miles east of Paso Robles, the vineyards are flanked by the Huerhuero Creek drainage. A tributary of the Huerhuero snakes through the vineyard contributing important characteristics to the complex landform present in our vineyards. Limestone outcroppings dominate ridge line plantings on the western portions of the property.

Impressive Zinfandel plantings occupy the high ground sharing the ridge with small plantings of Merlot and a  reserve planting of Cabernet Sauvignon. Dramatic overlooks on the steep slopes facing the eastern exposures, reveal lowland vine plantings sited on alluvial fans of clay loam intermixed with gravel beds from nearby streams. The terroir is reminiscent of the Medoc-Graves region of Bordeaux and classic Cabernet Sauviginon is the natural result. 

Ridge line vines typically ripen earlier and feature exquisite fruit tones. The thermal cutoff in the late afternoon provides unique cool microclimates on the eastern face of this key ridge. These areas contribute intense color, tannin, and structure to our wines. Recent plantings of Pinot Noir appear particularly suited to these locations. Soil types on the property are exceptionally complex and feature at least six distinct soil types including the Nacimiento-Los Osos Complex, Greenfield gravelly sandy loams, and Arbuckle-Positas-San Isidro complexes.    

Our most recent planting to the north of the Winery occupies a cool narrow valley and is home to a beautiful planting of Viognier and a complex of red blending varietals which include Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Franc. The soil is this portion of the vineyard is richer and more suited to the vigor and balance requirements of these varietals. These vines are flanked by terraced olive plantings on the western slope of the valley and pastoral scenes on rolling hills to the east.