SALLY CARPENTER HALE
Associated Press
PASO ROBLES (AP) — Winemakers around this central California city can grow a mind-boggling variety of grapes thanks to a wide diversity of microclimates.
Visitors can take a tasting tour of European varietals — from Italy and Spain as well as France's Rhone and Bordeaux regions.
The wine-growing area around Paso Robles is nearly three times the size of Napa Valley. Rainfall ranges from 10 to 30 inches per year in different areas, and elevations in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains rise from 700 feet to more than 2,400 feet. On the wetter and cooler west side of Paso Robles, Rhone-style varietals grow best. The drier and warmer east side works well for Bordeaux grapes.
Wine reviewers have taken note of the region's more than 200 winer
