The Wine History Project of SLO County preserves and presents two centuries of local viticulture through research, interviews, exhibitions, publications, talks and tastings. We work with local museums, galleries, archives, and wineries to organize events and exhibitions in venues throughout the county.
Together We Can Preserve the Story of Central Coast Winemaking
3592 Broad Street,
Suite 104,
San Luis Obispo,
CA 93401
(805) 439-4647
libbie@winehistoryproject.org
By Appointment
Hello, readers and champions of this phenomenal SLO Wine History Project. My name is Gail Unzelman, a California wine historian of many decades, now pretty much retired. (Which we all know is impossible.) SLO Director Libbie has asked me to contribute a little something about my California wine history writings and experiences — which I am honored to do.
Thank you to these outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals who are all generous supporters of the Wine History Project!
Third-generation Italian grower and winemaker at the famous Pesenti Winery and his own ZinAlley in Templeton. Frank is proud of his heritage and continues to strengthen the Legacy of both the Nerelli and Pesenti families.
Robin Baggett and Bob Schiebelhut were working as young lawyers in San Francisco soon after graduating from law school. Within a few years they were both dreaming of moving to an area with a more laid-back and idyllic lifestyle. The dream of living in a beautiful area on the Central Coast of California found its roots in childhood. Both men had family backgrounds “steeped” in agriculture.
A deep dive into historical vineyards planted in San Luis Obispo County from 1779 to 1900.
Grape growing. Viticulture. Vineyards. A complex ecosphere. How did San Luis Obispo County become an important part of the now thriving industry of wine grape growing and wine making?
Native American landscapes have been described in detail in the early correspondence and diaries of explorers, travelers, and traders who traveled to Alta California and the Pacific Coast as early as 1518. Their writings note that the landscape was often shaped by burning foliage but the traditional agricultural practices of tiling the soil, weeding, pruning, irrigating, sowing seeds, and selective harvesting were also used by Native Americans.
California viticultural history is unique in its origins, distinct from all other areas of the United States. California viticulture originated with the Spanish Crown seeking new lands to conquer and sending explorers to map and explore the Pacific Coast on land and sea.
The Harvest Celebration is a tradition that is still celebrated today. The name has changed several times to become known as Roll Out the Barrels and most recently, Harvest on the Coast. The sponsoring vintners’ association has also changed. The original name, Edna Valley Arroyo Grande Valley Vintners, founded in 1985, is now known as San Luis Obispo Coast Wine Collective, with a membership of 30 member wineries located on average five miles from the coast. They can be reached at info@slowine.com or at 805-550-2506
New Exhibition, Dog Boats and Rum Runners in State Parks – San Luis Obispo County in the Prohibition Era at the historic Spooner House in Montana de Oro State Park, on display until June 2022.
The exhibit Celebrating Amphorae: 6,000 Years of Winemaking in Amphorae and the Local Winemakers Who Continue the Ancient Tradition is on display at the Paso Robles History Museum in Paso Robles City Park through February 2022.
Objects on display from the Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County collections. Copper Demi-Jon Bottle Funne, 1910 Copper Pitcher, 1920-1930 3 Stoneware Jugs, 1920-1935 NAMCO Wine Grape Juice, 1931 VINE-GLO Fruit Industries Grape Concentrate, 1920-1933 Fruit...
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