San Juan Creek is an AVA in San Luis Obispo County on California's Central Coast. It was established in 2014 as one of 11 sub-appellations within the greater Paso Robles viticultural region. The designated area largely encompasses the valley floor of San Juan Creek including a narrow 10 mile stretch of land that runs along the northeast border of another AVA; the Paso Robles Highlands District.
The area takes its name from one of the earliest Mexican land grants in San Luis Obispo County. San Juan Creek lies south of the Cholame Hills, which increase in elevation and incline as they head into the Temblor Range. Because San Juan is shielded by both the Santa Lucia and the Temblor Ranges it is not significantly influenced by the Pacific Ocean, having a climate that leans more towards continental characteristics than other more westerly parts of Paso Robles. Because of this the average annual rainfall is a modest 10.4 inches resulting in drier and warmer growing days with high temperature ranges. Vines in San Juan have a shorter ripening period and harvests typically take place earlier in the season than neighboring AVAs.
San Juan Creek's elevation ranges from 980 to 1600 feet (300-488m). The terrain is shaped by the San Juan Creek itself and the Chalome Creek, which meet near the town of Shandon, and from the Estrella River. The soil composition has high amounts of sandy loam and sandy clay, with more gravel content on high and older alluvial fans. These soils are well drained and allow for moderate root depth.
The wines here reflect the greater Paso Robles region with a significant number of red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon and Southern Rhône varieties, especially Syrah.
