The Wine History Project
We collect and present two centuries of local viticulture history through research, interviews, exhibitions, films, and publications and work with local vintners and growers to bring to life the wine history of San Luis Obispo County.
Together We Can Preserve the Story of Central Coast Winemaking
Explore the stories of the men and women who made viticultural history in our county in People. Learn about the historical tools and equipment used in cultivating grapevines and making wine in Objects. Delve deep into the chronology of wine history in the county in Wine.
Reach out to us and help contribute to our continually expanding wine history timeline and archival collection. Contact Us
Recent Articles
New Series: Outstanding Tasting Rooms from the Decade
Series: Artists and Winemakers
Series: Prohibition
Series: Wines in the White House
- Legends
The Roots Run Deep on the Kentucky Ranch Home to Thacher Winery
This article focuses on the history of the Kentucky Ranch from 1850 when San Luis Obispo County was established to the year 2004 when Sherman Thacher purchased a portion of the old Kentucky Ranch with the KY historic barn and founded Thacher Winery. Sherman built the first winery on the property and planted grape varieties to produce wines that reflect the terroir and sense of place.
From the Collection
Nicolas Catalogues Currently on Display in the Wine History Project Broad Street Offices
From 1928 to 1973, Etienne Nicolas recognized the synergy between wine and art and created these catalogues, produced by the printers Draeger Frères, who owned a major design and print studio and hired top designers.
Featured Resources
Wine - 18th Century History
Central Coast Timeline: Early Wine History
Early Explorers, the Missions Era, and the Mexican Period.
Wine - 19th Century History
The Wine House – Paso Robles 1887
1144 Pine Street, located on the southeast corner of Pine at 12th Street, has been many things over the years. It is currently an Italian restaurant and formerly home to Villa Creek. Further back in time, to the year 1887 to be exact, the property housed The Wine House and Billiard Hall, owned and operated by E.J. Carpeaux.
Wine - 20th Century History
The Tobias Vineyard
The first vintage of Tobias 1980 Zinfandel won gold medals at the Santa Barbara County Fair and the San Luis Obispo County Fair. Tobias Vineyard was the smallest winery in San Luis Obispo County at the time.
Current Exhibitions
