The Paso Robles Highlands District AVA is a sub region of Paso Robles established in 2014 in San Luis Obispo County. The region averages slightly warmer temperatures with a climate more closely aligned with continental rather than maritime regions, when compared to other parts of Paso Robles. Chardonnay is well represented in its vineyards in an area dominated by red wine, though it is accompanied by plenty of familiar Paso Robles varieties especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
The Paso Robles Highlands District is in the southeast corner of the Paso Robles AVA and is distinct in its terrain from the steep and rugged features of the Temblor Range to the east and the La Panza Range to the south. It has been a historically agricultural region due to its warmth, though it also has greater temperature ranges than other Paso Robles designated areas. It is in the shadow of both the Santa Lucia Range and the La Panza range, but its high elevation allows it to receive more rainfall than the territories further east: average precipitation is 12 inches annually and elevation is from 1160 to 2086 feet (353-636 meters).
The soil is made up of sandy loams near the valley floors as well as along Indian Creek, a water channel that defines its southwestern border and separates it from Creston District. Higher elevation soils have clay loams and alluvial fans. The subsoils of the region have been cemented over time limiting root depth, but the top soils provide good drainage.
