Art of Expression: Showcasing Paso Robles' Finest Varietals
Exploration into Paso Robles AVA’s Unique Grape Varietals, that Make the Finest Wines…
Inside the Craft and the Grapes That Define Hawks Hill Ranch Wines
Hawks Hill Ranch Winery isn’t just a winery—it’s a narrative of terroir, vision, and varietal purity. Nestled in the Adelaida District AVA of Paso Robles, this hillside estate is where each grape variety tells its story.
Paso Robles is well known for its robust wines. However, at Hawks Hill Ranch Winery, a more sophisticated approach is evident—a commitment to showcasing the essence of the grape, where every wine is built around a primary varietal that embodies the terroir, climate, and the winemaker's intent.
Paso Robles, Adelaida District Terroir in Every Bottle
Hawks Hill Ranch isn’t chasing trends or hiding behind broad blends. Instead, they’re crafting wines of intention, where the varietal speaks first. Whether Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon, the wines remain honest to their roots. >Discover Adelaida District Wines
How Paso Robles’ Finest Grape Varietals Craft Top-Rated Paso Robles Wines
It Starts with the Fruit: Paso’s Varietal Powerhouse
Tucked into the limestone-rich hills of the Adelaida District AVA, Hawks Hill Ranch is more than just a vineyard—it’s a winemaker’s canvas. With elevation, coastal breezes, and a mosaic of soils, the site is primed for growing fruit that’s both powerful and nuanced.
The varietals grown at Hawks Hill Ranch:
Syrah – dark, savory, and earthy with tension and texture
Grenache – bright, floral, and spicy with red-fruit energy
Mourvèdre – structured and wild, bringing savory herbs and backbone
Zinfandel – lush and bold with brambly fruit and Paso warmth
Cabernet Sauvignon – elegant power, graphite, and black cherry
Syrah 🍷
Violets, smoked meat, and black olive — structure meets velvet tannins.
Grenache 🌺
Red cherry, white pepper, and lifted aromatics — lively and expressive.
Mourvèdre 🌿
Leather, wild herbs, and dark plum — brooding and age-worthy.
Zinfandel ☀️
Raspberry, licorice, and Paso sunshine — bold with balance.
Cabernet Sauvignon 🍇
Blackberry, cedar, graphite — refined and polished Paso character.
What You’ll Taste: Varietal Dominance, Paso Personality!
Grapes are grown across 32 acres of hillside terrain in the limestone-rich, coastal-influenced Adelaida District.
Every Hawks Hill Ranch wine is crafted to showcase its primary varietal, bringing forth the True, authentic characteristics of Paso Robles terroir.
Paso Robles, California: A Thriving Wine Region
11 sub-AVAs, the Adelaida District stands tall, its grapes fueling the region’s most celebrated wines. At Hawks Hill Ranch, we’re thrilled to lead this charge, inviting wine lovers to discover the magic of Adelaida and the vibrant tapestry of Paso Robles. Here’s to a future filled with bold flavors and unforgettable bottles!
Over 40,000 acres of vineyards across the Paso Robles AVA
300+ wineries producing 64+ grape varieties – one of the most diverse regions in California
Home to California’s most dramatic day-to-night temperature shifts—ideal for balanced, age-worthy wines
Generates more than $355 million annually from wine tourism (SLO County Tourism Board)
UNPARALLELED GRAPE VARIETIES OF PASO ROBLES CREATE EXCEPTIONAL PASO ROBLES WINE RATINGS & EVALUATIONS BY PROMINENT WINE EXPERTS
Paso Robles Winemaking: A Fusion of Skilled Craftsmanship & Innovation
Paso Robles Wine Crafting Innovation represents a dynamic blend of tradition and modern techniques, where artisanal craftsmanship meets cutting-edge creativity to produce exceptional wines that reflect the unique character of the region.
Who is Don Burns?
Central California Coast Winemaker Don Burns, known for his critically acclaimed work at Turtle Rock Vineyards and his formative time at Saxum Winery, brings a minimalist, nature-forward approach to winemaking at Hawks Hill Ranch.
Don isn’t just crafting wine—he’s decoding the vineyard.
“We farm organically and let the vineyard tell us what to do, t
he grape comes first, the story starts there.”
-- says Don Burns.
What sets Don apart isn’t just his talent—it’s his ability to co-ferment strategically and apply subtle blending techniques when necessary, all while keeping the varietal identity intact. Think of it not as blending for blending’s sake, but as nuance—a way to elevate, not dilute, the dominant grape.
>While Rhône varietals are part of the story, the focus here is clear: each wine is varietal-driven, with a lead grape front and center. But in every bottle, the lead varietal remains unmistakably in the spotlight.
Don Burns brings a minimalist, organic, and nature-forward approach. Don’s philosophy: highlight the varietal, not manipulate it. His subtle co-fermentation and restrained blending elevate the lead grape without overpowering it.
Translating Terroir into Character
“Every vintage is a fingerprint of the land,” says Don. “We’re translating it, not rewriting it.
When it comes to crafting exceptional wines in the Paso Robles (AVA) wine region, few names shine brighter than Don Burns. Don Burns is a prominent figure in the Paso Robles wine community, known for his work as the owner and winemaker.
Don Burns: Deep Winemaking Roots
A Paso Robles native, Don Burns grew up immersed in the region’s vibrant and evolving wine culture. Raised amidst the rolling vineyards of the Central Coast, Don’s passion for wine was cultivated early.
Don found himself surrounded by the rich and colorful world of winemaking, where the lush vineyards and sun-drenched hills of Paso Robles became his playground. His family’s enduring bond with the land instilled in him a profound appreciation for nature’s bounty.
A pioneer in sustainable farming and minimalist winemaking, Don is the creative force behind Turtle Rock Vineyards and a partner at the esteemed Hawks Hill Ranch Winery. With deep roots in California's Central Coast and a career marked by innovation and excellence, Don has become a driving force in elevating Paso Robles to a world-renowned wine destination.
World-Class Paso Robles Winemakers
Don has become a pivotal figure in the Paso Robles wine community. Burns has crafted a legacy rooted in sustainable farming, exceptional wine production, and a devotion to the craft of winemaking.
Don Burns is not just a winemaker; he’s an environmental steward. The focus on sustainability extends beyond farming.
In the cellar, his minimalist philosophy means doing as little as possible to interfere with the natural process, allowing the true character of the grapes to shine through. This commitment to the environment and high-quality winemaking makes Don Burns a standout in the Paso Robles region.
Don Burns: Top Winemaking Accolades & International Recognition
Turtle Rock has since become a beacon of excellence in the Paso Robles wine scene, earning multiple 99-point ratings and a coveted 100-point score for the 2019 G2 Syrah.
Don’s commitment to family, community, and quality continues to elevate Paso Robles on the global wine stage, inspiring the next generation of winemakers in the region he calls home.
His work has not gone unnoticed. His wines consistently receive high praise from critics, with scores ranging from 92 to 100 points from publications such as Wine Advocate, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.
The Don Burns approach to winemaking is one of simplicity—letting the terroir speak for itself while ensuring that the fruit is of the highest quality.
This minimalist approach has earned Turtle Rock critical acclaim, most notably a perfect 100-point score for their 2019 G2 Syrah from esteemed critics such as Jeb Dunnuck.
Don Burns, Paso Robles Winemaker: Awards & Accolades
Don’s wines consistently receive praise from critics and collectors alike:
100-point rating for the 2019 G2 Syrah
99+ ratings from Vinous, Wine Advocate, & Wine Spectator
Acclaimed by top wine critics, with Multiple 95–99-point reviews
>His secret? Minimal intervention and maximum terroir expression.
“We farm organically and concentrate on fruit quality above all else,” -Don explains.
Sustainability in Every Sip
As Don Burns continues to innovate and inspire, the future of Paso Robles winemaking shines brighter than ever. His dedication to environmental stewardship, minimalist winemaking, and community engagement ensures his legacy will influence the region for generations to come.
Hawks Hill Ranch, located in the rugged Adelaida District AVA, is a perfect home for this philosophy.
Hawks Hill Ranch vineyard produces fruit that is cultivated with care, feeding directly into the award-winning wines that Don creates under the Turtle Rock label. Don Burns, based out of Paso Robles, truly stands out among world-renowned winemakers.
At Hawks Hill Ranch Winery, Don applies the same meticulous care to crafting wines that showcase the richness of Paso Robles. Known for its award-winning Paso Robles wines, Hawks Hill Ranch is celebrated for its sustainable practices and Don’s commitment to excellence.
Don’s partnership with Hawks Hill Ranch reflects his commitment to high-quality, sustainable wine production. For discerning wine enthusiasts, a visit to the Hawks Hill Ranch tasting room offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Don’s craftsmanship as winemaker.
In the Adelaida District AVA, Hawks Hill Ranch vineyard is a patchwork of limestone-rich slopes, dramatic elevations, and distinct microclimates—a winemaker's dream. Since the first estate vintage in 2015, Hawks Hill Ranch Wines have embodied the Paso ethos: bold yet balanced, structured yet approachable, and always a reflection of the land.
Paso Robles, Central California Coast: Where Terroir Leads the Way
Situated across 32 acres on Kit Kuyper’s 240-acre estate, Hawks Hill Ranch offers dramatic slopes, calcareous soils, and coastal breezes—ideal for Rhône varietals. The wines have been estate-crafted since 2015, and it shows. Before launching the label, Kuyper sold fruit to Paso's top producers.
Hawks Hill Ranch Winery, The Next Chapter
“Inside Paso Robles: The Heart of California Wine Country” with Don Burns & Kit Kuyper - Podcast
Paso Robles is evolving—and Hawks Hill Ranch is at the forefront. Rather than mimicking Napa or the Rhône, the team is crafting wines that are honest, site-specific, and deeply personal. With Kit Kuyper stewarding the land and Don Burns guiding production, Hawks Hill Ranch continues to redefine what Paso Robles wine can be.
Plan Your Visit Hawks Hill Ranch in Paso Robles: Taste Varietal Clarity
Experience for yourself why Hawks Hill Ranch is one of the Best Paso Robles Wineries to visit.
Hawks Hill Ranch
By appointment only, guests can experience:
Intimate tastings with winemaker insights
Stunning vineyard views of Paso’s limestone ridgelines
Estate-grown wines that reflect place and precision
Location: Adelaida District AVA, Paso Robles, CA
>Hawks Hill Ranch Vineyard Appointments: (Book Your Visit)
