Broken Earth Winery: A Guide to the Vineyard and Tasting Room Experience

Broken Earth Winery is a California-based winery located in Paso Robles. The winery has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality wines, and has been committed to bolstering the high-quality reputation of Paso Robles wines. The winery has been producing unique wines that are estate grown, harvested, and bottled in Paso Robles for over 50 years.

Broken Earth Winery is a customer-focused team that produces estate-grown, harvested, and bottled wines. The winery has a unique portfolio of award-winning, single varietals and blended wines that are available daily in their tasting room. Visitors can enjoy their salads, wood-fired pizzas, charcuterie plates, and more at their onsite restaurant, La Cucina. Reservations are encouraged, but not required.

Broken Earth Winery is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a good glass of wine. Their wines are unique and of high quality, and the winery's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their customer-focused approach.

History and Philosophy

Founding of Broken Earth Winery

Broken Earth Winery was established in 1989 in Paso Robles, California, by a group of wine enthusiasts. The winery is situated on a vast property that was once home to Continental Vineyards, a 2500-acre parcel of land that was once a hub for hard-working caballeros, cattle barons, and grape growers. The founders of Broken Earth Winery were inspired by the rich history of the land and the potential it held for producing high-quality wines.

Sustainable Ideals and Practices

Sustainability is at the core of Broken Earth Winery's philosophy. The winery is committed to promoting eco-friendly practices in all aspects of their operations. They are the largest 100% solar-powered winery in the United States, and they have implemented a range of sustainable practices to minimize their carbon footprint. These include water conservation measures, recycling programs, and the use of organic and biodynamic farming methods.

Winemaker Chris Cameron

Chris Cameron is the head winemaker at Broken Earth Winery. He has been making wine for over four decades and has a wealth of knowledge and experience. Cameron is committed to producing unique wines that are estate-grown, harvested, and bottled in Paso Robles. He works closely with the vineyard team to ensure that the grapes are of the highest quality, and he uses a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques to create wines that are both innovative and delicious.

In summary, Broken Earth Winery has a rich history that is rooted in the land and the people who have worked it. The winery's sustainable ideals and practices are a testament to their commitment to preserving the environment and producing high-quality wines. Winemaker Chris Cameron's expertise and dedication to his craft are evident in the unique and delicious wines that Broken Earth Winery produces.

Winery Overview

Broken Earth Winery is located in Paso Robles, California, on a 2,500-acre estate known as Rancho Tierra Rejada. The winery produces unique wines that are estate grown, harvested, and bottled in Paso Robles. The name "Broken Earth" reflects the winery's commitment to sustainable ideals, as well as its location in the Estrella Bench area, which is known for its rocky, calcareous soil.

Location and Region

Paso Robles is located in San Luis Obispo County, California, and is known for its diverse microclimates, which are influenced by the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains. The region is home to over 200 wineries, and has gained a reputation for producing high-quality wines, particularly those made from Rhône and Bordeaux varietals. Broken Earth Winery is situated on the east side of Paso Robles, just north of Highway 46E, in the Estrella Bench area.

Vineyard Characteristics

The vineyards at Broken Earth Winery are located on slopes with varying degrees of exposure to the sun, which allows for a range of ripening times and flavor profiles. The soil is made up of calcareous shale and clay, which provides excellent drainage and mineral content. The vineyards are also sustainably farmed, with practices such as cover cropping, composting, and integrated pest management used to promote soil health and biodiversity.

Wine Varietals and Style

Broken Earth Winery produces a range of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay. The winery is known for its unique blends, which incorporate lesser-known varietals such as Tannat and Petit Verdot. The wines are made in a style that emphasizes fruit expression, balance, and complexity, with oak aging used judiciously to enhance the flavors and aromas of the grapes.

In summary, Broken Earth Winery is a sustainable, estate-grown winery located in the Paso Robles region of California. The winery's vineyards are characterized by their rocky soil, varying exposures to the sun, and sustainable farming practices. Broken Earth Winery produces a range of varietals and blends in a style that emphasizes fruit expression, balance, and complexity.

Wine Tasting Experience

Broken Earth Winery offers a unique wine tasting experience that is sure to impress visitors. The tasting room is spacious and well-lit, with comfortable seating areas and a welcoming ambiance. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wines while taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards.

Tasting Room Ambiance

The tasting room at Broken Earth Winery has a warm and inviting ambiance that makes visitors feel right at home. The decor is rustic and elegant, with wooden tables and chairs, and exposed brick walls. The large windows allow natural light to flood the room, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Visitors can relax and enjoy their wine while taking in the stunning views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside.

Service and Knowledge

The staff at Broken Earth Winery are knowledgeable and passionate about wine. They are happy to answer any questions visitors may have about the wine-making process, the different varietals, and the history of the winery. The staff members are also skilled at pairing wines with food, and can recommend the perfect wine to complement any meal or occasion.

Tasting Room Hours

The tasting room at Broken Earth Winery is open seven days a week, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visitors can drop in anytime during these hours to sample the wines and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The winery also offers private tastings and tours for groups of up to 20 people, which can be arranged by appointment.

Wine Production

Broken Earth Winery is known for producing unique wines that are estate grown, harvested, and bottled in Paso Robles. The winery is committed to sustainable practices and nurturing the soil to minimize water use.

Viticulture

The winery covers 443 acres and is planted with 21 grape varietals. The Broken Earth team cultivates sustainable practices throughout the viticulture process, from nurturing the soil to minimize water use to installing solar panels in the winery facility. The vineyards are carefully managed to ensure optimal grape quality, which is critical for producing high-quality wines.

Harvesting Process

Broken Earth Winery's harvesting process is a crucial step in the wine production process. The grapes are harvested by hand, and the winemakers carefully select only the best grapes to use in the winemaking process. The winery uses state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that the grapes are handled with care and that the juice is extracted gently to preserve the flavor and aroma of the grapes.

Wine Bottling

Broken Earth Winery's wine bottling process is equally important. The winery uses modern technology to ensure that the wine is bottled under the best possible conditions. The bottles are carefully labeled and stored in a temperature-controlled environment to ensure that the wine is preserved in the best possible condition.

In conclusion, Broken Earth Winery is committed to producing high-quality wines that are sustainable, harvested, and bottled with care. The winery's viticulture, harvesting process, and wine bottling all play a critical role in producing the unique and exceptional wines that the winery is known for.

Visiting the Winery

Broken Earth Winery is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. Here's what you need to know before visiting.

Tours and Tastings

Broken Earth Winery offers a range of tasting experiences to suit every palate. Guests can choose from a variety of tasting flights that showcase the winery's unique wines. The tasting room is open daily from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 6:00 pm. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the winery to learn about the winemaking process and the history of the vineyard.

Amenities and Gift Shop

The winery has an onsite restaurant, La Cucina, that serves delicious food to pair with their wines. The restaurant offers wood-fired pizzas, salads, charcuterie plates, and more. Reservations are encouraged, but not required. The winery also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase wine-related gifts and souvenirs.

Events and Music

Broken Earth Winery hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music performances, wine pairing dinners, and more. Visitors can check the winery's events calendar to see what's coming up. The winery's outdoor amphitheater is a popular venue for concerts and other events.

Overall, Broken Earth Winery is a great destination for wine lovers looking to taste unique wines in a beautiful setting. With its range of tasting experiences, onsite restaurant, and gift shop, there's something for everyone.

Wines and Pairings

Broken Earth Winery produces unique wines that are estate grown, harvested and bottled in Paso Robles. Their portfolio of award-winning, single varietals and blended wines are available daily in their tasting room.

Wine Selection

Broken Earth Winery offers a wide range of wines that cater to different tastes. Their wine selection includes Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, Verdelho, Albariño, Grenache, Tinta Roriz, Sousão, Tinta Cão, Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Tannat, Syrah, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, Fiano, Malbec, Nero d'Avola, and Albillo Mayor.

Food Pairings

Broken Earth Winery offers a unique wine and cheese pairing experience that is not found in many other wineries. For $10 ($7 for wine club members), they offer two wine paired tasting plates. One of the plates is a chocolate plate. A local chocolatier designs five chocolates to pair with five different Broken Earth wines. It is really fun to take a bite of chocolate followed by a sip of the paired wine.

In addition to the chocolate plate, they offer a cheese plate that includes five cheeses that are paired with five different Broken Earth wines. The cheese plate is a perfect way to explore the different flavors and textures of cheese and wine.

One of the featured wines at Broken Earth Winery is their 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine has a rating of 91 and is priced at $25. It is a red wine with an alcohol content of 14.5%. This wine is a perfect pairing for red meats and hearty stews.

Another featured wine at Broken Earth Winery is their port. Their port is a sweet, fortified wine that is perfect for dessert. It is best paired with dark chocolate or a cheese plate.

Overall, Broken Earth Winery offers a wide range of wines that cater to different tastes. Their wine and cheese pairing experience is a must-try for anyone who visits the winery.

Customer Engagement

Broken Earth Winery is committed to providing an exceptional customer experience. They offer various programs and initiatives to engage with their customers and build a loyal community.

Winery Reviews

Reviews are a crucial aspect of customer engagement, and Broken Earth Winery takes this seriously. They encourage their customers to leave reviews on their website, social media platforms, and other review websites. They also respond to reviews, whether positive or negative, to show that they value their customers' feedback. This approach helps to build trust and a positive reputation for the winery.

Community and Social Media

Broken Earth Winery has a strong presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They use these platforms to engage with their customers, share information about their wines, and promote events. They also have an active blog on their website, where they share stories about their vineyard, winemaking process, and other interesting topics. This content helps to keep their customers engaged and informed.

Membership and Loyalty Programs

Broken Earth Winery offers a membership program called the "Wine Club." Members receive exclusive discounts, access to limited edition wines, and invitations to special events. They also have a loyalty program called the "Broken Earth Rewards Program." Customers can earn points by making purchases, leaving reviews, and referring friends. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.

In summary, Broken Earth Winery is committed to engaging with their customers and building a loyal community. They encourage reviews, have a strong social media presence, and offer membership and loyalty programs. These initiatives help to create a positive customer experience and build trust and loyalty.

Sustainability and Future

Broken Earth Winery has been committed to sustainability since its inception. The winery has a deep respect for the land, the environment, and the people who work on it. Broken Earth Winery's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its practices, which focus on reducing environmental impact, promoting biodiversity, and preserving natural resources.

Environmental Commitment

Broken Earth Winery has implemented a number of sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact. The winery uses natural pest control methods, such as cover crops and beneficial insects, to minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides. Additionally, the winery has installed solar panels to generate renewable energy and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Broken Earth Winery also recycles and composts waste to minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills.

Innovation in Winemaking

Broken Earth Winery is committed to innovation in winemaking, with a focus on sustainability. The winery has implemented a number of innovative practices, such as using gravity flow to move wine through the winemaking process, which reduces the need for pumps and minimizes energy use. Broken Earth Winery also uses recycled water in its winemaking process, which helps to conserve water resources.

Future Goals

Broken Earth Winery has set ambitious sustainability goals for the future. The winery is committed to achieving a balance between economic prosperity, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. Broken Earth Winery's future goals include reducing its carbon footprint, increasing the use of renewable energy, and promoting biodiversity on its land. The winery also plans to continue to innovate in its winemaking practices, with a focus on sustainability.

In conclusion, Broken Earth Winery is committed to sustainable ideals and achieving balance in its winemaking practices. The winery's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its practices, which focus on reducing environmental impact, promoting biodiversity, and preserving natural resources. Broken Earth Winery's innovative practices and ambitious future goals demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and ensuring a bright future for the winery and the environment.