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?
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
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?
California history is rich with the stories of men and women arriving in busy ports on the California coast or crossing the Sierra mountains on overland travels from the east by train or Conestoga wagon during the 19th Century. California became part of the territory of the United States in 1848, and on September 9, 1850, was admitted to the union as a state. San Luis Obispo County was designated as one of the original 27 counties in February 1850 in preparation for statehood. The California gold rush brought over 300,000 people from all over the world to the state. Many began to migrate south to find a pleasant place to settle and establish a farm or a craft.
George William Hampton was born July 12, 1832, in Abingdon, Washington County in Virginia to William and Sarah Buchanan Hampton, who had married on August 31, 1828 according to the “Visit Abingdon” website.
Caterina had a strong work ethic which inspired her three sons and her grandchildren to pursue the demanding work in their careers no matter what the obstacles.
Welcome to “Essential Wine Readings” – your ultimate destination for all things wine! This curated collection features a vast array of articles inspired by the world of wine, from vintage analyses and vineyard stories to pairing recommendations and insightful industry trends. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a novice wine explorer, there’s an interesting article for everyone here.
Janell was born into the fourth generation of a famous Italian family who settled in Paso Robles and Templeton in San Luis Obispo County in the 1920s. She was born and raised in the Dante Dusi Vineyard and by the age of 12 knew she wanted to pursue winemaking. Dante was her mentor.
The Wine History Project Honors Vicki Carroll as a wine educator in San Luis Obispo County who promoted local winemakers, growers and agriculture in the 1990s. She founded her own marketing consulting firm before becoming the President and Executive Director of Hospice du Rhône with the mission of improving the business conditions for grape growers and wine producers of Rhône variety wines and grapes throughout the world.
The Wine History Project honors Karen MacNeil as the most influential wine educator and writer in the United States. She not only produced the most comprehensive and accessible “Bible” on viticulture, wine history and wine culture throughout the world, but continues to make wine accessible to everyone through her blogs, wine quizzes, seminars, films, special events and wine tastings. She is always available to educate you with delight and passion.
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.
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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