SOIL

There are two types of soils found in our vineyard, they are known as GAZOS and SANTA LUCIA soils (or a combination of the two). Both soil types consist of a mixture of fractured shale and clay loam. The soils are moderately deep and drain well resultant from shale that has weathered over years. The soil pH ranges from a low of 5.1 to a high of 6.4. The lower pH numbers are from the higher elevations that consist of a greater percentage of the fractured shale with less of the clay loam soils. The higher pH soils are in the lower elevations and consist of higher concentrations of deep clay loam soils.

LAYOUT

The 20-acre vineyard is predominantly comprised of hill sides with south-facing slopes. This orientation is preferable due to the maximum sun exposure for the vines. The lower vineyard blocks are at 900 feet above sea level and range up to 1200 feet at the highest blocks. Being located within the Templeton Gap area, the vineyard faces significant swings in day and night temperatures with as much as 40 degree variations. This allows the fruit to hold onto its acidity as long as possible during the long, warm growing season.

PRACTICES

We take a sustainable approach to farming our vineyard and follow the guidelines set forth by the leading sustainable farming organization in our area, Vineyard Team. We follow their mission statement by using “environmentally safe, viticulturally and economically sustainable farming methods, while maintaining or improving quality and flavor of wine grapes.” All reasonable practices are incorporated to minimize unnecessary pesticide and fertilizer use. Pesticides are only applied when absolutely necessary to solve or prevent an outbreak that could have a damaging effect on the vines or fruit. Our water management practices incorporate drip irrigation that allows us to deliver the specific amount of water each vine needs directly to the vine rooting zone. Our respect for the land also includes erosion control. We incorporate a permanent cover crop of native grasses and flowers in the vine rows and roads. We also try to avoid any soil tilling to minimize loss of loose soils in rain events. (More info on sustainable farming can be found at www.vineyardteam.org/resources/sustainableag.php)

DIVERSITY

The 20-acres of vineyards are planted to the following varieties:

MICROCLIMATE

Our 20-acre vineyard is located in the Templeton Gap region of Paso Robles where severe swings in the daily temperature bring out the best in our grapes. The daytime highs during the summer growing season are met by cool marine air from the west through gaps in the San Lucia mountain range in the late afternoon and early evening hours. The daytime temperatures between May and September can often reach into the upper nineties but in the evening drop into the forties. Fifty degree temperature swings between day and night are not uncommon. The hot days allow for full grape maturation while the very cool nights allow the vines and fruit to recover from the stress of warm days. This also allows the fruit to maintain some if its desired acid levels. Although generally still a warm growing region, the evening cooling effects separate our Templeton Gap microclimate from many of the others in the Paso Robles viticulture area which on average are hotter. Rainfall in our vineyard and the greater Templeton Gap region historically averages between fifteen and twenty inches per year.

THE CALIZA STORY

Carl Bowker, a relative newcomer to the world of winemaking, has followed a long yet steady path towards his goal of producing special wines. Born and raised in Hawaii, Carl began his farming experience while tagging along with his father, an irrigation specialist to the local farms. This early introduction left a lasting impression and true appreciation for soils and the farming life. Little did he realize that this childhood curiosity would lead him to the special soils of Paso Robles, California.

Upon graduating from the University of Hawaii, Carl left for California to join the corporate world. His entrepreneurial spirit took flight soon after when started his own company and later, other ventures. After several decades he decided that a desk job was not for him and he began the pursuit of his passion for special wines.

Carl’s affection for wine turned into an obsession shortly after September 11, 2001 during a visit to Europe. It was there that he expanded his appreciation for world class wines and for what the land could produce. While there, Carl and his wife Pam got to spend time with many of the regions’ finest wine producing families. He attentively listened to the details of wine production and noticed the special connection the families had with their land. From this experience, Carl vowed that he would make this the way of living life for himself and his family.

Upon returning from Europe, the search to locate a vineyard property to grow superior wine grapes ensued. As with many pioneers before them, they chose Paso Robles, California due to its soils, microclimates, and upside potential for growing world-class grape varietals from the Rhone Valley region of France.

With his desire to become a winemaker and viticulturist Carl attended Napa Valley College’s Viticulture and Enology associate program and completed it in 2004. With all things moving toward the vision of producing special wines, Carl and Pam ventured to the Rhone Valley of France. It was there that the die was cast. It was to be old world wine in the new world that he would make. Deep, opulent and complex Syrah of the Northern Rhone, Grenache-based blends of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Viognier-based white wines were what would be produced at the family’s Caliza Winery in Paso Robles.

In 2005 the quest ended and the vision began when Carl and Pam planted their 20 acre hillside vineyard. Located on Anderson Road in the famed Templeton Gap on the Westside of Paso Robles, the warm days are met with the cooling evening influences of the coastal marine breezes.

The Bowkers, with their new vineyard, found themselves in the company of cutting edge winemakers and their respective vineyards. A stone’s throw to the Northwest is the highly respected Stephan Asseo’s L’Aventure Winery, to the East is Booker Vineyards whose fruit is used in many fine wines such as Saxum, Villa Creek and Booker Vineyard’s own label.

The name Caliza came from a desire to link the winery to its surroundings. After days of suggestions, a brief search yielded the Spanish word for limestone. Being that Caliza lies on a thin band of limestone running along the Santa Lucia mountain range, it was a natural choice.

DIRECTIONS

From Hwy 101: Take the Hwy 46 West exit towards Hearst Castle. After approximately 3 miles, take a right on Anderson Rd. We are at the end of the road just past Booker Vineyards on the right.

From Hwy 1: Take Hwy 46 East (Green Valley Rd/Eric Seastrand Hwy.) toward Paso Robles approximately 14 miles. Take a left on Anderson Rd. We are at the end of the road just past Booker Vineyards on the right.