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Author: Libbie Agran

The Origin Story Of Saucelito Canyon Vineyard And Bill Greenough | Part One

The Origin Story Of Saucelito Canyon Vineyard And Bill Greenough | Part One

Posted by | Nov 11, 2025 | , |

This Legend is about a remote canyon in the upper Arroyo Grande Valley, formerly known as Rancho Saucelito. This unique place in our South County is home to the oldest vineyard, continually growing Zinfandel, in San Luis Obispo County. The terroir and ecosystem were formed thousands of years ago. It has been nurtured by two important families between 1878 and the present. It is the land that ties these people together; each family had unique backgrounds and personal challenges that brought them to San Luis Obispo County. Both families made the same discovery of land and climate creating a perfect place to grow Zinfandel

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The Legend of Claiborne & Churchill Winery Founded By Clay Thompson And Fredericka Churchill Made Possible By The California Wine Revolution

The Legend of Claiborne & Churchill Winery Founded By Clay Thompson And Fredericka Churchill Made Possible By The California Wine Revolution

Posted by | Sep 17, 2025 | |

This is the Legend of Clay Thompson and Fredericka Churchill. These two people became successful winemakers because they discovered and embraced winemaking during the early years of the California Wine Revolution. In fact, they are the best example in San Luis Obispo County of two people with an optimistic attitude, naivete, and the courage to overcome every obstacle they encountered.

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July Report: Heritage Mission Grape Vineyard

July Report: Heritage Mission Grape Vineyard

Posted by | Aug 1, 2025 | |

Jim Corridan is the President of the Board of the Dana Adobe. Libbie Agran, Director of the Wine History Project, toured the Heritage Mission Grape Vineyard planted three years ago at the Dana Adobe by retired viticulturist Jim Efird. The Dana Adobe was originally built on the Rancho Nipomo land grant of over 48,000 acres in 1839 by Sea Captain William Goodwin Dana. The two story adobe home and the land reflects the history of centuries from the ancient Chumash villages built on the land over 10,000 years to the Spanish occupation which brought the agricultural heritage we enjoy today to the cattle industry during the Mexican Era when Mexico defeated Spain in the early 1800s and finally California Statehood as the United States took control in 1850.

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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 | Jul 15, 2025 | |

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.newsletters.

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