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
September is California Wine Month; it's a time to raise a glass to the Golden State's rich and diverse winemaking tradition! With over 139 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) spread across 800 miles, California is the undisputed leader in wine production in the United...
Earlier this week, some members of the Orange Society came to the winery to present us with five double gold awards. They said it was the first time they could remember ever presenting five double golds to one winery.
By 1919, California had become America’s leading winegrowing state with over 1,000 wineries in operation. On January 16th, 1919, with the ratification of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution everything changed. This was the beginning of the Prohibition Era in America – 1920-1933. It was not illegal to drink. Any wine, beer, or spirits in the possession of an American in 1920 could be enjoyed and consumed at home. The 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act stipulated that individual states should enforce Prohibition according to their own laws. Local law enforcement in San Luis Obispo County was vigilant, harsh and terrifying. People were arrested, jailed and paid large fines for making and selling wine.
Our congratulations to Eberle Winery on the 40th Anniversary of the winery and to owner Gary Eberle who has contributed significantly to the wine history of San Luis Obispo County in four areas: grape varietals, the founding of the Paso Robles AVA, the production of fine red wines (Cabernet Sauvignon is his favorite) and the development of a culture of hospitality unlike any other wine area in California.
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.
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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