Tucked away in the southeast corner of the Paso Robles AVA (American
Viticultural Area) at an altitude of 1600ft+, you will find Last Frontier Vineyards (LFV). This little gem of a vineyard was originally planted (22.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon) in 1996/1997 under contract with Meridian Winery. From the first harvest, LFV showed its potential by producing fruit with “Bench Mark” color and quality. An additional 11 acres of similar clone and rootstock Cabernet Sauvignon were planted in 2003/2004. Over the years, LFV was fortunate to work with a few smaller wineries such as Eberle and Shale Oak. In 2007, when the Meridian contract was fulfilled and they no longer required fruit, LFV began a relationship with J.Lohr that continues today.
Also in 2007, Last Frontier Vineyards was approached by Field Recordings Winery to try our hand at some white Rhone varietals (Grenache Blanc and Muscat). The curiosity of which wine grape varietals could also thrive here could finally be satisfied. Several years and acres later, the results began to show, and show well. The Muscat continues to be blended into some wonderful wines at Field Recordings Winery and the Grenache Blanc has found a home at the cult Rhone phenom Sans Liege.
Much of this vineyards success is attributed to its hillside location and altitude, which gives Last Frontier Vineyards a very unique micro-climate. Blessed with great aircirculation and drainage, Last Frontier Vineyards location is high enough to both dodge the still heat of summer as well as avoid all but the coldest spring frost. This unique micro-climate also provides a more concentrated growing season, where pruning can be done late and our Cabernet is usually the first to be harvested in Paso Robles.