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
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.
Max Goldman purchased and restored the iconic York Mountain Winery from 1970 to 2001. His research on fermentation profoundly increased the quality standards of wine, improved documentation, viticulture course curriculum, and production efficiency. He is known as a “founding father” of the Wine Institute and of the American Society of Enologists (later known as the American Society of Enology and Viticulture).
Thank you to these outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals who are all generous supporters of the Wine History Project!
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.
Adolph Siot was the first vintner in the area just west of the town of Templeton. The vineyards and winery that we know today as the Rotta Winery were established by Adolph Siot, who purchased the land in 1891 from the West Coast Land Company.
A deep dive into historical vineyards planted in San Luis Obispo County from 1779 to 1900.
The Rotta Winery, located at 250 Winery Road in Templeton, was operated by three generations of Swiss-Italians: the first generation by brothers Joe and Clement Rotta, the second by Clement’s son Mervin, the third by Clement’s grandson, Michael Giubbini and his wife. The ownership by members of the Rotta family spanned from 1908 to 1976 and then again from 1990 to 2013. Grape growing and winemaking operations by the Rotta family are thought to have been established around 1917 or shortly thereafter. Known for its jug Zinfandel wine, the winery to develop a strong following among Southern California surfers, Cal Poly students, and the Hippie generation who continue to talk about their visits and memories of Romilda Rotta to the present day.
Discover the history of wine in San Luis Obispo County in the 1800s.
The history of California and San Luis Obispo County’s wine in the 1800s.
We would love to hear from you.