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Author: Libbie Agran

Discovering San Luis Obispo County – 1870

Discovering San Luis Obispo County – 1870

Posted by | Sep 16, 2026 | |

This article was written by the editor of the San Luis Obispo Tribune, Walter Murray, to refute comments by “critics” in the Bay Area in 1870. It was published in our hometown Tribune on March 5, 1870. This is the best description of our county at the time; many new vineyards and winemakers were moving to our county and planting vineyards and making wine. Please note that we have not edited the article. It stands as written. There are a few words we could not read due to the fragility of old newsprint. 

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New Vineyards In San Luis Obispo County 1860 To 1900

New Vineyards In San Luis Obispo County 1860 To 1900

Posted by | Sep 10, 2026 | , , , , |

There is no doubt that the discovery of gold in California in 1848 profoundly shaped the history of nineteenth century America. The astonishing discovery made San Francisco the destination of travelers around the world. Men and women planned to emigrate to California to seek their fortunes. They came by ship around the Cape Horn of South America and across the Isthmus of Panama, through Mexico to reach the Pacific Coast. From there, they boarded a ship to reach San Francisco Bay. They also came by foot and by wagon from the Midwest, across the plains, over the Rocky Mountains and through New Mexico and Sonora to find gold in California. California was declared a state in 1850 and San Luis Obispo was one of 27 counties formed in the same year.

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The South County Growers, Winemakers, And Inventors Who Shaped The Wine History Of Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley Upper And Lower The City of San Luis Obispo And The Southern Central Coast

The South County Growers, Winemakers, And Inventors Who Shaped The Wine History Of Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley Upper And Lower The City of San Luis Obispo And The Southern Central Coast

Posted by | Sep 8, 2026 | , , |

Libbie established The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County in 2015 to study the land, microclimates, grape varieties, growers, and winemakers who have shaped the wine history of the county. She interviewed hundreds of people and worked with the older generations of growers and winemakers to identify the important people and historical events that shaped local wine history. Libbie believes that history must be shared in a variety of ways to reach the public; each exposure should add joy and a sense of adventure to the experience. The Wine History Project shares the unique history of “SLO” county by making documentary films, organizing art events paired with wine, developing exhibits to place in the vineyards, gardens, parks, and historic buildings. You will find written history, descriptions of historic wine tools and equipment and photographs on our website, in our books and publications and in our monthly newsletters. You can read more about us at winehistoryproject.org. Today the Wine History Project is partnering with UC Davis in their special project, archiving the history of Food and Wines from around the world. We are merging our collections and archives into what is now considered to be the finest wine history collection in the world. Libbie was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the San Luis Obispo Wine Industry on July 18, 2025.

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Fifty Wineries And Growers That Shaped The Wine History Of San Luis Obispo County (1772 To 2019)

Fifty Wineries And Growers That Shaped The Wine History Of San Luis Obispo County (1772 To 2019)

Posted by | Jun 15, 2026 | , , |

California viticulture history, distinct from other areas of the United States, is unique in its origins, its geographical isolation, and the diversity of widely planted grape varieties. California viticulture originated with the Spanish crown seeking new lands to conquer and sending explorers to map what is now coastal California. The grapevines, Vitis vinifera, were brought by ship from Spain and became known in the New World as Mission Grapes. They have been identified as Listán Prieto in recent years. Although the Mission San Miguel was founded on July 25,1797, the first evidence of grapevines is documented in the early 1800s. Two prosperous vineyards were established in Vineyard Canyon under the leadership of Father Juan Martin.

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