El Pomar District is an AVA established in 2014 within the greater Paso Robles region in San Luis Obispo County. The area has a history of agriculture with its name being derived from the Spanish word for orchard – the El Pomar region was known for growing fruit and almonds.
El Pomar is immediately southeast of the city of Paso Robles, and quite central within the greater area. Its southern border increases in elevation and is characterized by the foothills of the La Panza Range, with the elevation of the whole AVA ranging from 740 to 1600 feet (225-490 meters). The western border is adjacent to the Templeton Gap District, with Rinconada fault demarcating the two. The soil is composed of underlying granite and sandstone with good drainage, and the topography is shaped by terraced alluvial fans left by old waterways.
El Pomar falls in the shadow of the Santa Lucia Range, which influences its modest rainfall average of 15 inches annually. The region lies squarely within the path of air circulating through the Templeton Gap and, as a result, it is significantly affected by the Pacific Ocean. Sea breezes cool El Pomar and can bring marine fog as well. Cold air also drains off the La Panza range along the southern border bringing additional cooling affects; however because of the hilly topography of the region the risk of frost is low.
The predominant grapes of El Pomar don't vary much from Paso Robles or the wine styles of the greater Central Coast. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are dominant, with some Syrah grown for use in southern Rhône-style blends along with Grenache and Mourvèdre.
