“York Mountain Road meanders through gnarled Madrone and under the overhanging branches of oaks draped with Spanish moss. Around a curve, the winery appears nestled against the hillside, its weathered brick and stone look as if it has stood for a hundred years, as indeed it has.”

 

This is Paso Robles Wine Association’s wonderful description of this historic landmark, deep in the western part of the Paso Robles wine region. Tucked into the mountains between Cambria and Paso Robles the winery was founded in 1882 by Andrew York and christened Ascension Winery. York and his family tended the vines, crushed the fruit and sold the wine. They shipped their wine in barrels by horse-drawn wagon to the San Joaquin Valley and to the coast for shipment to San Francisco.

 

The vineyard they planted included Zinfandel grapes a well as Alicante Bouschet. Though close to other vineyards, the climate and soil conditions are unlike any other—creating one of the smallest recognized appellations in the country.

 

Due to the original winery buildings age it was recently closed for retrofitting and with its new owner’s vision, will be brought back to its former glory. They plan for a complete restoration of the rustic tasting room and the creation of a wine museum. The original farmhouse located on the property will be transformed into bed & breakfast retreat. They also plan to expand the vineyards at York Mountain and will start by planting 30-40 acres of grapes, mostly reds, including Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

For now the simple tasting room is a module structure sitting on the edge of the property pouring wines from previous vintages. There are wine accessories and food items for sale. The outside area is beautiful with tables under the mature trees.