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
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
Romeo (Meo) made wines sourced from the finest grapes in San Luis Obispo County. He harvested his own grapes. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay came from the MacGregor Vineyard in the Edna Valley, and Zinfandel from the old vines in the Benito Dusi Vineyard in Paso Robles. Meo had a long history making wine at home in his laundry room in Southern California as a hobby starting in the 1960s. However, when he retired to the Edna Valley his talents and passion for winemaking brought him into the limelight. He started new careers as a grower and winemaker at age 75.
Summary Domaine Alfred Winery, founded by Terry Speizer in 1994, changed the history of winegrowing in the Edna Valley. Terry favored Pinot Noir, one of the most difficult grapes to grow. He researched the best clones grown in the area of Dijon, France, and planted...
The Paderewski Festival is a four-day music festival held annually in November celebrating Paso Robles’ rich heritage and its most famous resident Ignacy Jan Paderewski – virtuoso pianist, composer, international politician, local landowner, grower and winemaker. Concerts featuring world renown talent, exhibits, lectures, master classes and film screenings are accompanied by wine tastings and tours of local vineyards. A youth piano competition, recital and student cultural exchange with Poland additionally honor Paderewski’s legacy.
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.
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...
Open March 1 to April 10. Featuring original works and art etchings on wine bottles, including original works by James-Paul Brown, Yuroz, Gary Conway, Candice Norcross, Colleen Gnos, Michael Masicampo, and artists of the Mano Tinta Project.
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