Wine Along The 101
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    • 2022 Articles >
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      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
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      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
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    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
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      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
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      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
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      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
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Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem


San Luis Obispo Wine Country, the hub of the sweet life along California’s Central Coast, is a virtual cornucopia of small town delights, among so much agricultural abundance, with a beach vibe at its pulse.  With so much to offer, SLO Wine Country is a great getaway, midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, a coastal playground that offers something for everyone.  Wine-centric, it is defined by it’s vineyards, but there are plenty of other diversions, from outdoor activities, such as ocean kayaking, hiking and biking, alongside a vibrant arts scene and cultural experiences, from museums and plays.  The bustling town of San Luis Obispo, called “America’s happiest city”, is at it’s core, energized by a college crowd, it’s charming, tree-lined streets offer easy walking exploration of its historic downtown.  On Thursday nights, the famous Downtown San Luis Obispo Farmer's Market showcases the local bounty, where farm to table is a way of life, inspiring a vibrant restaurant scene.  It’s the complete package, everything you could want in a wine-themed or family vacation.   


Since San Luis Obispo was established in 1772, with the founding of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, winemaking has been part of the fabric of life in this coastal paradise.  Most vineyards are within five miles from the ocean, channeling the marine influence into the grapes, from the soils to the climate, a Goldilocks moment where the clusters enjoy a long growing season.  Not subjected to wild temperature swings, the grapes slowly develop, reaching a balance between acidity and concentrated aromas and flavors.  This cradle gives rise to aromatic white wines and distinctive reds.  Just under 5000 acres of vines populate the region, yet bring life to the economy, being the top crop, responsible for lots of jobs and visitors to SLO Wine Country.


With just under 30 wineries interpreting their plots of paradise, the region is getting noticed.  Cool climate varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, reign here, but many diverse microclimates nourish almost two dozen wine varietals, from Albariño to Syrah.  You can work your way through 6 different wine trails, from Avila Valley Beach to the Back Roads of Corbett Canyon, San Luis Obispo’s Urban Wine Trail to Arroyo Grande Valley.  Two AVAs, Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley will soon be joined by the SLO Coast, as winemakers continue to define what makes their individual vineyards special. 


Downtown San Luis Obispo has it all, hip restaurants, boutique shops, cultural experiences, and lots of wine tasting options.  It’s fun and youthful vibe is fueled by a Cal Poly college crowd, that lends itself to quirky things like Bubble Gum Alley.  It’s a great jumping off point for wine country adventures, with a wide range of accommodations, from B&B’s to budget-friendly inns, such as The Lamplighter Inn, just north of the main drag and an easy 10 minute walk to all the action.  It’s a comfortable Spanish style hotel, with lots of amenities, including free breakfast, WIFI, and parking.


Being at the epicenter of SLO Wine Country, wine and craft beers are a big part of the Downtown scene, with numerous wine bars, tasting rooms, and breweries.   But there are more creative ways to sample the local wines.  Express your inner artist at Art Bar, in the Granada Hotel, where, with wine glass in hand, you can paint your own individual interpretation of a local masterpiece.  You’re guided by a staff artist, and, on the day I attended my workshop, joined by Center of Effort’s winemaker Nathan Carlson.  Center of Effort is an artisan winery, located in Edna Valley, that combines the talents of local wine stars to “create magic in the bottle”, through “skillful cultivation and artful winemaking”.  Carlson’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir provided the inspiration, if not the talent, for me, to paint my rendition of a local landmark, the Fremont Theater.  Sipping wine, along with some tasty treats, like oysters and charcuterie, makes this a different and fun way to immerse yourself in wine country!


Embracing its own emerging wine identity, SLO is celebrating the burgeoning wine scene, with festivals designed to bring newbies to the region, Roll Out The Barrels this past June, and the upcoming Harvest on the Coast, November 4-6.  The 26th annual Roll Out The Barrels festival was four days of wine fun, beginning with “Barrels in The Plaza”, a grand tasting of wine and food held in Mission Plaza on Thursday night.  There were so many activities to choose from, vineyard tours and tastings, winery open houses, vineyard picnics and dinners, and even a chance to get up close and personal with wolves!  Here are some of the highlights that I experienced with the LA Wine Writers at this fun celebration of SLO Wine.  
  


“When wine is done well, it tastes of a place.”  There isn’t a more passionate wine local than Mike Sinor of Sinor LaVallee Winery.  Hiking among the vines in Bassi Vineyard, on the steep, undulating hills of Avila Valley, Sinor plucks clusters and points to crumbly soils underneath the vines, a virtual 3D classroom for those attending his Dynamic Vineyard Tour.  Sinor’s enthusiasm is infectious, he’s living the dream, making estate wines from this piece of coastal heaven.  His journey began over 20 years ago, when he met his future wife, Cheri LaVallee, at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.  They shared a love of wine, especially Pinot Noir,  and worked their way through local wineries until they launched their own passion project in 2001.  Leveraging everything they had, they bought Bassi Vineyard near Avila Beach, growing grapes with an ocean view, just barely over a mile from the Pacific Ocean.  The marine soils, ocean air and fogs bring an intense sense of place to the wines, and became the perfect lab for experimenting with growing wine grapes.  Lacking formal training, Sinor was determined to make wines that reflected this coastal paradise, and drew ideas from many places, the most important one involving biodynamic farming.  Tinkering with its concepts, he’s found what works for him, not strictly adhering to all biodynamic requirements, but formulating his own philosophy, “Farm organically with biodynamic inputs”.  So, yes, he fills cow horns with manure and buries them in his vineyards, and 6 months later, digs them up to make a tea that is sprayed among the vines.  He notes, “it smells like forest floor, mushrooms, like life”, the bacteria from the tea is especially beneficial to the vineyards.  


From Sinor LaVallee’s ungrafted vines of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Albarino, and Pinot Gris, three different labels of wine are produced.  The White Label wines are leaner, with higher acidity and lower alcohol, limited wines that focus on Bassi Vineyard; the Black Label wines are riper and richer, with lower acidity and higher alcohol, also limited wines from Bassi, and the SLO Estate wines reflect the vineyard’s terroir.  At their tasting room in Avila Beach, current releases are offered, from Albarino to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir to Syrah, and a nice Rosé, a Pinot Noir Vin Gris.  Sinor, literally, has his prints on their bottle labels, he and Cheri’s thumbprints are on the front, and their kids on the back.  Sinor-LaVallee is focused on wine quality, as Mike notes, “we’re here to grow grapes, make great wine, and raise our family by the beach, we love what we do.”  


The sparkling gem of Roll Out The Barrels was the Taste the Coast Collaborative Winemaker Dinner at Claiborne & Churchill on Friday night.  Hot local chef Brian Collins of Ember Restaurant created a five-course dinner, paired with wines from five local winemakers.  It was a magical evening in the vineyard, and a top notch introduction to the world-class wines produced here.  Upon arrival, you were greeted with Claiborne & Churchill’s stunning Dry Gewürztraminer, and a fabulous cheese table designed by Fromagerie Sophie, a SLO treasure!  Two different wines accompanied each course, introduced by the different winemakers, which made for a fascinating comparison among producers Verdad, Peloton, Stephen Ross, Claiborne & Churchill, and Tolosa.  From the regional specialties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, to Albariño, Tempranillo, Syrah,  and a unique spin on GSM, a Grenache Syrah Petite Sirah from Tolosa, these wines are excellent, high quality wines that reflect the best of SLO Wine Country.  Paired with incredible food, the menu spanned dishes of Lobster Salad and Beet-Cured Wild Salmon, to the heartier fare of Duck Confit Pasta and Lamb Merguez Bolognese, finishing with Grilled Fig Jam Brioche.  Dining next to a winemaker, it was a good time, peppered with lively discussions of winemaking and dreams of future vintages, with the realization that SLO Wine is on the cusp of something really great. 


Tolosa Winery held a Single Vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay seminar on Saturday morning, with winemaker Jim Kress explaining the differences that you could taste, through the lens of nine barrel samples, mostly focused on Pinot Noir.  Kress, who recently came to Tolosa, has quite a resumé, spending time in cellars, from Napa Valley to the Sta. Rita Hills, refining his skills over the past 20 years.  Now at the helm of a multi-million dollar renovation of the winery and label, Kress has quite a palette of vineyards to choose from, to paint a portrait of California Pinot Noir that ranks among some of the best in the world.  Edna Valley is the coolest appellation in California, and grapes that are grown here, on Tolosa’s Edna Ranch, make nuanced, complex wines.  The Tolosa Poletti Chardonnay has a lot going on, with tropical fruit aromas and flavors, honeysuckle, lemongrass, and spice on the nose, while the Tolosa Primera Pinot Noir, fragrant with dark fruit, violets, and crushed stone, is rich and balanced, with a hint of graphite on the finish.  Demonstrating the range of quality Pinot Noir outside of Edna Valley, a cast of star-quality wines, from Apex Santa Lucia Highlands, Albatross Ridge Carmel Valley, Saltonstall and Goldrock Ridge from Sonoma Coast, and Solomon Hills Santa Maria Valley, were sampled, comparing clones and terroir, all drawn with a wine thief from barrels that were rolled into the tasting room.  From a savory, umami expression to a sweeter, “Jolly Rancher” style, these 2015 barrel sample Pinots showed just a peek of what they will evolve into, already a promise of greatness.  These wines were offered as futures purchases at the time of the seminar, scheduled to be released the beginning of November.         


Filipponi Ranch offered a hike and BBQ lunch, and although I missed the hike, I had a chance to taste their wines.  Filipponi Ranch is a family-owned and operated winery, without vineyards of their own, they buy fruit for their wines.  Located just west of the 101 freeway, the ranch used to be a dairy farm until the 1960’s, and has since changed gears, although some grass-fed cattle are raised today.  Making small lots of quality wine from some of the best vineyards in SLO, winemaker Peter Cron is dedicated to letting the vineyards speak for themselves, through two labels, Filipponi Ranch and Cronologie.  Filipponi Ranch offers Rosé, Chardonnay, Mourvedre, Syrah, a GSM, and a Cabernet; Cronologie focuses on the Iberian varietals of Verdelho and Tempranillo, all fairly priced, affordable enough to drink everyday.  Some standouts, the Grenache-based Rosé is juicy and flavorful, the Mourvedre is soft, smoky and earthy, and the Verdelho is bright and tropical.  Cron enjoys interpreting each year’s harvest in a different way, drawing upon his years of experience in the region, crafting wines that are delicious and food-friendly.  


Stephen Ross Wine Cellars hosted a “Tapas at Two”, held in the barrel room of their Edna Valley winery.  Winemaker Stephen Ross Dooley spoke about his renowned small production wines, from their Stone Corral estate vineyard and a handful of other high quality vineyards in the region.  Ross was bitten with the winemaking bug as a teen in Minnesota, and pursued his passion, through UC Davis’s Enology school to a decade of winemaking in Napa Valley.  Founding his own label in 1994, Ross has continued to explore winemaking possibilities from the different vineyards in the Edna Valley AVA.  A stunning 2014 Jespersen Ranch Albariño greeted wine lovers, with it’s juicy acidity, low alcohol, and bright fruit flavors, it was perfect with the grilled shrimp.  The tasting included a study in their flagship wine, the Stephen Ross Stone Corral Vineyard Pinot Noir, the 2011, 2013, and 2015 vintages.  It was fascinating how each wine was slightly different, reflecting growing conditions and time in the bottle.  Overall, the Stone Corral Pinot Noirs are dense and concentrated, with rich dark fruit flavors and spice, balanced by acidity and polished tannins, a truly beautiful wine in all years.  


Known for their aromatic white wines, with a killer Dry Riesling and Gewürztraminer, Claiborne & Churchill held a White Wine Challenge, where five wines are blind-tasted, and you guess which wines are which.  Whether you scored or not, it was a great opportunity to taste their other whites, the Edelzwicker, Dry Muscat, and Pinot Gris.  So vibrant and refreshing, you’ll want to linger, buy some wine, and enjoy the ambiance of Edna Valley.


Roll Out The Barrels was quite an eye opener, the quality of wine coming from San Luis Obispo County is amazing, with passionate and dedicated wine professionals seeking to improve each vintage.  In 2016, you have another festival opportunity to explore SLO Wine.  Harvest on the Coast, November 4-6, offers a long weekend of food and wine tasting events, including a Grand Tasting and “Crafted on the Coast” Collaborative Winemaker Dinner.  


SLO Wine Country is addictive, with each experience, you want more, to return again and again, to explore and discover the next exhilarating sensation, from food, wine, hip urban pleasures, and sheer natural beauty.