Raise a glass to cool breezes, crisp wines and breathtaking views along Highway 1 this fall
The wine overfloweth during the month of September in SLO CAL! Check out these ways to experience wine month along SLO CAL's coast as well as deals and events going on throughout Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo wine country.
Savor San Simeon
Your next Hearst Castle adventure just got more opulent
As if touring the manicured gardens and glimmering pools of Hearst Castle could get any sweeter—we suggest adding “wine tasting” to your San Simeon travel itinerary. Indulge all of your senses (we're looking at you, flavor-receptors) while taking in some of the most sought-after coastline along Highway 1. San Simeon is your destination for seasonally driven fare and fresh seafood paired with exceptional coastal wines. Pull up a chair at Cavalier Restaurant or head to the nearby Ragged Point Inn, where the flavors are only rivaled by the expansive ocean views (especially come sunset). Looking for more than a pit-stop while traveling along the coast? Sebastian's General Store is not your typical general store off the highway. You'll find artisan groceries perfect for picnicking on the sand as well as a juicy grass-fed burger made just the way you like. Bonus: All you need to do is step next door to enter the well-appointed Hearst Ranch Winery tasting room, where award-winning cool-climate chardonnay and pinot noir are always on offer. Yes, your next coastal wine tasting excursion can be this easy.
Be charmed by Cambria
Step into a painting at the pine-studded wine oasis
Dip your toe into the artful realm of Cambria, where the crashing waves meet staggering pines (with sumptuous results). This dramatic landscape is a sight to behold, especially with a chilled glass of earthy pinot noir in hand. Escape from the doldrums of the real world and stroll the eclectic downtown, where fine art galleries, antique stores and wine tasting opportunities abound. Savor a farm-fresh meal at Black Cat Bistro or Harmony Cafe paired with a glass or two of local wine, or order up a vertical tasting at Cutruzzola Vineyards, where the grapes are grown just steps from the Pacific. You'll also find fabulous coastal wine at Moonstone Cellars and Madeline's among others. With its green meadow flecked with wildflowers and bolstered by live music, Stolo Vineyards makes for the perfect place to enjoy a picnic while sipping floral, fresh acid-driven whites. Don't forget to say hello to the winery's resident miniature goats while you're there. If this is all a dream, you won't want to wake up.
Find peace in Harmony
This historic village is rife with art, history and wine
SLO CAL's tiny coastal town of Harmony, (population 18, if you count the cows) is like something torn from a storybook of yore. This small but mighty hamlet—located between Cambria and Cayucos off Highway 1—shows its history on its sleeve (just check out the tiny post office and chapel). Once home to a creamery operated by Swiss and Italian dairy farmers, Harmony served as groovy artist's escape in the 1960s and 70s. Today, you'll experience both the town's dairy heritage (grab an ice cream cone from the Harmony Scoop Truck) and its artist background (view glassblowers create their red-hot works before your very eyes), combined with—you guessed it—delicious coastal wine. Harmony Cellars, located on a pastoral overlook perched above undulating hills, has been producing fabulous whites, reds and blush-hued beauties for some 30 years.
Get away to Avila Beach
Sometimes it's OK to let the bubbles go to your head
Let it all go. The irresistible combination of natural hot springs, blue waves and oak woodland make Avila Beach one of the most romantic wine escapes in SLO CAL. Book a stay at Avila Hot Springs and feel your worries melt away as the bubbles work their magic (while enjoying some local sparkling wine, of course). Looking for food, wine and fun to complete your escape? Look no further than Avila's vibrant boardwalk, where farmer's markets, local musicians and fresh seafood collide. After a day of paddleboarding the calm waters, you'll want nothing more than to sip and swirl a glass of coastal wine at Alapay Cellars, Sinor-Lavallee or Peloton Cellars. The best part about The Avila Beach Wine Trail beside the fresh, crisp wine offerings? They're situated along the coast, so you're never far from a stroll on the sand. Nearby Kelsey See Canyon Winery offers up a joyful combination of coastal chardonnay and See Canyon apple cider (apples, as well as grapes, thrive on the SLO CAL coast). Check out this detailed Avila Wine Map, which includes seven tantalizing tasting room stops by the sea.
More Coastal Wine Experiences to Discover
Head South for more wine time
A classic California beach day, add wine? That's exactly what you'll get when you visit iconic Pismo Beach. Play in the surf, stroll the pier, then unwind with a glass of coastal wine. Located in the heart of Pismo Beach, Sans Liege offers up a laid back, family-friendly tasting experience. Looking to pick up multiple bottles from an array of producers? Stop by Taste of the Valleys, where you can sample flavors from across the southern SLO CAL coast. The Southern Charm Wine Trail includes an array of nearby tasting rooms you won't want to miss, including Laetitia Vineyard & Winery, Verdad & Lindquist Family Wines, Talley Vineyards and more.
Wine Options Only Minutes from the Coast
The San Luis Obispo Urban Wine Trail and the Edna Valley pair perfectly for a modern, action-packed wine trip. Discover quaint family-owned tasting rooms tucked away along the pastoral countryside of Edna Valley's Core of the Coast and Edna Valley Backroads Wine Trails to the latest warehouse-turned-hangout in downtown San Luis Obispo (or SLO, as the locals call it), home to Stephen Ross and Deovlet Wines. The best part? Edna Valley is just a ten minute drive from downtown San Luis Obispo, which means you're never far from dining and entertainment, too.
Enjoy a delightful detour through Paso Robles' Highway 46 West. Paso Robles Wine Country in northern SLO CAL is home to more than 250 wineries and dozens of French, Spanish and Italian varietals to sample The vineyard-rich drive from Highway 46 West in Paso Robles through to Highway 1 is the stuff of weekend road trip royalty. Roam from tasting room to tasting room along the famed Templeton Gap growing region to the coast. Check out the Points North Wine Trail for your step-by-step itinerary. You'll end on Highway 1, where destinations like Harmony, Cayucos and Cambria await nearby.
Events during Wine Month
International Grenache Day
Join Alta Colina and the national Rhone Rangers at Robert Hall Winery for a wine tasting of all Grenache wines! The evening includes tastings from over 30 featured SLO CAL wineries with live music and a casual dinner prepared by Chef Michael Learned of Robert Hall Winery.
- September 16
- 5 pm - 8 pm
- Price: $95
Dinner in the Vines Winemaker Dinner
Join ONX for a carefully crafted dinner at the ONX Estate. Dine al fresco amongst the vines, mingle with friends and the ONX team and learn more about the wines and the vineyard.
- September 17
- 6 pm
- Price: $195
Laetitia's Local Music & Food Series
Sip on your favorite Laetitia wines as you relax to the sounds and tastes of the Central Coast.
- Every Saturday and Sunday
- 12 pm – 3 pm
- Price: Free, tastings, bottle and food for purchase
Wine Down Fridays at Baileyana
Enjoy live music by local artists, awesome food and delicious wines every other Friday at Baileyana Wines starting September 9.
- September 9- Every other Friday
- 5 pm - 7 pm
- Price: $5, tastings, bottle and food for purchase
PARADOX- An Unexpected wine & food pairing
Join Neeta Mittal of LXV Wine for an unexpected food and wine pairing dinner that will feature unique wines from 8 different wineries in the Paso region.
- September 19
- 7 pm – 9 pm
- $120
Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival
Visit Castoro Cellars for two days of wine, music, art and jammin’ in the vines
- September 17-19
- $100
Pianetta Palooza
Join Pianetta Winery for their biggest party of the year, the Pianetta Palooza, on Saturday September 24th. This is a casual afternoon of great food, live music, cornhole tournament, and of course delicious Pianetta Wine!
- September 24
- 2 pm - 6 pm
- Price $85