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Author: Libbie Agran

Pierre Hypolite Dallidet (1822 – 1909) First Bonded Winery In San Luis Obispo County; Planted Over 125 Grape Varieties

Pierre Hypolite Dallidet (1822 – 1909) First Bonded Winery In San Luis Obispo County; Planted Over 125 Grape Varieties

Posted by | Feb 15, 2024 | , |

Pierre Hypolite Dallidet is celebrated as the first commercial winemaker in San Luis Obispo County, and he confirmed his fame when he also became the first commercial distiller in the county. His legend is one of adventure, upheaval, service to his country, viticulture, and travels abroad—from his village in southwestern France to Tahiti to Hangtown and finally to San Luis Obispo, California.

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Henry Ditmas (1845 – 1892) Plants Saucelito Canyon Vineyard In 1880 In Upper Arroyo Grande Valley

Henry Ditmas (1845 – 1892) Plants Saucelito Canyon Vineyard In 1880 In Upper Arroyo Grande Valley

Posted by | Jan 27, 2024 | |

In 1878, Henry filed a government claim for 560 acres adjoining Ranchita Arroyo Grande and named it Rancho Saucelito for its many bordering willow trees, willow in Spanish is sauce. The following year, 1879, Henry cleared land and planted Zinfandel and Muscat grapevines. The vines were sent from Europe and purchased locally according to the Ditmas family. This is the first documented planting of Zinfandel in the upper Arroyo Grande Valley.

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Abram Bruyn Hasbrouck (1845 – 1915) Grape Grower, Cheesemaker And Winemaker At St. Remy Winery In Upper Arroyo Grande Valley

Abram Bruyn Hasbrouck (1845 – 1915) Grape Grower, Cheesemaker And Winemaker At St. Remy Winery In Upper Arroyo Grande Valley

Posted by | Dec 12, 2023 | , , |

The first winery built in the Upper Arroyo Grande Valley was built by a man who grew up in a wealthy family in upstate New York but who longed for adventure. He had a style and grace that made him a legend in hospitality on the Central Coast and a beautiful English wife who owned her own cattle brand and was famous for her roses and love of English gardens.

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James Robert Anderson (1852 – 1921) Established First Winery On York Mountain In 1879 On 163 ½ acres And Planted A 20 Acres Vineyard

James Robert Anderson (1852 – 1921) Established First Winery On York Mountain In 1879 On 163 ½ acres And Planted A 20 Acres Vineyard

Posted by | Nov 25, 2023 | , |

James Anderson was a shipwreck survivor from Sydney, Australia and one of the founding viticultural pioneers of San Luis Obispo County, alongside his friend and neighbor, Andrew York. He was one of the only Australians to settle in San Luis Obispo County, and was the first Australian to settle on York Mountain and to grow Zinfandel and Burger grape varietals in the York Mountain area. He may even be the first to build a winery in the history Ascension district. He was the first to own a redwood tank with a 16,000-gallon capacity. The tank was made in San Francisco and purchased in the San Jose area. James Anderson studied winemaking and had the money to buy good equipment.

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