A map of Edna Valley in the 1970s showcases the pioneering vineyards and single winery.
Edna Valley in the 1970s
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The Wine History Project
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
Location
3592 Broad Street,
Suite 104,
San Luis Obispo,
CA 93401
Phone
(805) 439-4647
libbie@winehistoryproject.org
Open Hours
By Appointment
Recent Articles
LEGEND of Norman Goss, Founder of Chamisal Vineyard
Norman Goss was a “renaissance man ”; he had several remarkable talents, passions, an extensive knowledge of international wine regions, and built multiple careers that spanned most of the twentieth century. He traveled the world, and explored cultures and their cuisines, wines, music, and arts. He was a Californian, born in Los Angeles, who traveled to Europe in the “Grand Tour” fashion with his parents as a child; he was raised in Pasadena, which also became his home for a number of years in adulthood.
Legend of Phillip and Gelert Hart AmByth Estate- Forever
Phillip developed a passion for wine and ancient winemaking techniques during his travels. After much research he became the first person in San Luis Obispo County to pursue Biodynamic Farming in the vineyard when planting 17 acres with eleven grape varieties in Templeton.
Press & Media
Check out what folks are saying about our exhibits, books, films, and more! We love hearing feedback. If you’ve published an article about our exhibits, projects, or work, please email info@winehistoryproject.org.
Celebrating Women’s History Month and Two Hundred Years of BAD ASS French Women Champagne Makers
To continue the International Celebration of Women’s History Month, I want to introduce you to some of the heroines, winemakers, and owners of the Champagne Houses, who promoted, innovated and made French champagne during the past 250 years…
Legend – Vailia From
Vailia From describes herself as a traveler by nature and says “Desparada is what carries me.” Vailia arrived in Paso Robles in the year 2007, bringing her home on wheels with her. Within a few days she was parked in a vineyard owned by one of the early biodynamic farmers in the area and working at a local co-op as a cellar rat. This story is about the middle of her life journey and the birth of Desparada. The adventure continues…
Wine Legend Manu Fiorentini
Manu Fiorentini moved to Paso Robles with his wife Jordan, winemaker at Epoch Estate Wines, in 2010. He brings a variety of experiences and areas of expertise which have profoundly influenced winemaking in San Luis Obispo County. Manu was born in the city of Rome in Italy and grew up outside Milan. He spent most summers with his grandfather in Tuscany. He studied in France and speaks both Italian and French fluently. He founded the first local business to offer both technical services and a complete range of supplies and equipment for winemaking. He imports French Oak barrels, Italian-made concrete tanks, Italian-made winemaking equipment (including filters, crush equipment, tanks and bottling lines), Tuscan anfore and provides wine treatment services (including filtration and wine adjustments).
Legend of Daniel Callan
The Wine History Project spent several years developing criteria for the person, place, grape, vineyard or event to be selected as a LEGEND for our archives and website. In general each LEGEND has made an impact that has profoundly influenced the Wine History of San Luis Obispo County. Daniel Callan is the youngest person selected to date. He is the Assistant Winemaker at Thacher Winery. But he also has developed several historical research projects that include identifying the “Lost or Forgotten California Vineyards” where grapevines have flourished over 100 years ago. His love of history has brought new attention to heirloom grape varieties planted in California in the 19th Century and the winemaking techniques used in each era. Daniel is researching, cultivating and making wine from these forgotten grapes.
The Impact of John (Jack) H. Foott
John H. Foott served as the agricultural advisor to San Luis Obispo County from 1966 to 1991 when he retired from the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Department of University of California Statewide Extension (UCCE). Everyone knew him as Jack Foott. His legacy surrounds us in the vineyards, fruit orchards, avocado groves and vegetable fields that grow throughout San Luis Obispo County.
Collaborations & Memberships
Exhibitions
Grape Expectations: Break Their Hearts…and Have No Mercy
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...
Wine Becomes Art at SLOMA
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.
Seeking Gold, Finding Grapes
Collection of rare bottles and tools from the California Gold Rush at the El Paso de Robles Area Historical Society.
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you.