A shared family passion and some wine business know-how are the keys to success at Calcareous?Vineyard. The winery was established in 2000 by Lloyd Messer, whose hunt for ideal growing conditions, for terroir-driven wines brought him to the coveted west side of Paso Robles. The new project coaxed his daughter, Dana, to join him, and they both sold their wine distribution companies in Iowa to dive into the world of Paso Robles wine production. And later, sister Erika joined forces to make Calcareous a true family affair. Twelve years later, Calcareous Vineyard boasts countless awards and accolades, blessed by its high elevation, microclimate, and soil conditions.

The unique site of the 442 acres that is Calcareous Vineyard features dramatic topography, dry and chalky limestone soil, and—at 2,000 feet above Peachy Canyon Road—a mountaintop location that benefits from Paso Robles' coastal weather patterns. An extended growing season permits long grape ripening from the lengthy hot days and chilly nights, characteristic for the Central Coast wine region and sought after by winemakers near and far. In fact, these very same growing conditions mirror the famous wine producing epicenters of France, and directly support the delicious blends of Rhône and Bordeaux varietals for which Calcareous is known.

To create excellent wine is not an easy feat, especially on vineyards of such steep terrain. The great amount of physical work and skill required shows dedication to the craft of winemaking and farming. Calcareous adheres to a practice of hand harvesting and double sorting the carefully selected grapes in the vineyard, resulting in wines of deep complexity and structure. The stunning Paso Robles location adds another reason to visit. The glass-walled tasting room is perched at the very topmost precipice of the property, affording memorable views and vistas of Paso Robles’ expansive golden hillsides. A food and wine pairing is served from 12 to 3 on weekend afternoons to enhance the views and the pleasing Calcareous portfolio.

What to Buy
'13 Lily Blanc - $32
Honeydew, pear, peaches, spring flowers

'11 Tres Violet - $48
Earthy, blackberry, cranberry

’10 Moose - $48
Dark, rich, graphite, dried dark berry, cedar

Special Notes
Gift shop, picnic grounds, scenic views, wine club events, weekend food and wine pairing.

Contact
3430 Peachy Canyon Rd.
Paso Robles, CA  93446

Phone: 805-239-0289
E-mail: info@calcareous.com
Website: calcareous.com

Tasting Room: Open Daily 11–5

Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.