Paso Robles Willow Creek District is an AVA in the greater Paso Robles viticultural region in San Luis Obispo County. It was established in 2014 as one of 11 sub-AVAs within Paso Robles, and takes its name from the creek and watershed within its boundaries.
Willow Creek's northern border is characterized by the mountainous terrain of the Santa Lucia Range and a decline in elevation towards the Salinas River floodplains to the east. In the very northeast corner it meets the boundaries of Paso Robles City. At the southeast border the district boundary is marked by a change in soil to the Monterey formation of hard alluvial bedrock. The soils of the district are made up of soft marine shale, mudstones and sandstone with alluvial sediment following various waterways. The terrain has been heavily influenced by Willow Creek, Sheepcamp Creek and Jack Creek which all flow into Paso Robles Creek.
The district falls in the Templeton Gap and so is highly influenced by the Pacific Ocean. Marine effects combined with its relatively high elevation of 960 to 1900 feet (292-580 meters) leads to the region's high average precipitation of 24-30 inches annually. The overall cooler climate when compared to neighboring AVAs means Willow Creek vineyards have longer ripening times, with harvest taking place two to three weeks later than the Paso Robles average.
Syrah and Southern Rhône red varietals are strongly represented along with Cabernet Sauvignon and the white grape Viognier.
