Early Explorers, the Missions Era, and the Mexican Period.
Central Coast Timeline: Early Wine History
read more
Calendar
[tribe_events_list limit=”5″ ]
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
The Father of California Wine, Viticulture and Land Use Planning: Fray Junípero Serra
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.
Harvest Celebration The First Annual Celebration November 9, 1991 Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley San Luis Obispo, California
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
Piedra Creek Winery
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.
Domaine Alfred and the Chamisal Vineyard LEGEND – Terry Speizer
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...
Paderewski Festival | November 4-6
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.
Edna Valley in the 1970s
A map of Edna Valley in the 1970s showcases the pioneering vineyards and single winery.
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.
Collaborations & Memberships
Exhibitions
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you.