An Introduction to the Harvest Celebration

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

The First Harvest Celebration With Friends – 1991

The Edna Valley Arroyo Grande Valley Association was formed in 1985 to support the growers and winemakers working in both valleys, each a separate AVA. One of the early challenges was marketing their wines. The first celebration was held on November 9, 1991, at the iconic Edna Valley Vineyard winery, marking the harvest of wine grapes grown in the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley. The First Harvest Celebration was designed to celebrate the harvest of the grapes in both valleys with friends. Many members sold their grapes to California wineries located throughout the state. These wineries were invited to participate in the celebration. The event was limited to a Saturday afternoon from 1 to 4 P.M. 

Edna Valley Vineyard, owned by Paragon Vineyards, was planted during the years 1973 to 1979,  primarily in Chardonnay. The vineyard encompassed a total of 650 acres.  In 1977 Edna Valley Vineyard established a partnership with Chalone to produce Chardonnay under the Edna Valley label. The first two vintages, 1979 and 1980, were produced at Corbett Canyon Winery. In 1981, the third vintage was produced at the new winery built by Paragon Vineyards at the Edna Valley Vineyard. Paragon provided the grapes for a production of 80,000 cases of Edna Valley Chardonnay and 1,000 cases of Pinot Noir annually.

The Event

These two Central Coast valleys, Edna and Arroyo Grande produce some of the finest wines in California. According to the Harvest Celebration brochure, there were five scheduled events: Tasting of wines produced from grapes grown in the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley, a Silent Auction of Old Vintages, Large Bottles and Case Lots from barrels, Barrel Tasting of the new wines of 1991 vintage, a tour of the Edna Valley Vineyard Cellar and guided tours through the Edna Valley Vineyard. A selection of appetizers was served with the wines.

The 16 Participating Wineries

Au Bon Climat -founded in 1982 and devoted to making classic, Burgundian Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County. Grapes were purchased from Edna Valley vineyards. Founded by Jim Clendenen. Winemaker: Jim Clendenen.

Carmenet Vineyard – The winery was built in the early 1980s high on the Sonoma side of Mount Veeder, famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Owned by Chalone Group.

Chamisal Vineyard – a family-owned winery specializing in estate Chardonnay crafted in the Burgundian Style. Founded by Norman Goss. Winemaker: Clay Thompson.

Claiborne & Churchill Vintners – A small premium winery specializing in stylish versions of Dry Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

Founded by Clay Thompson and Fredericka Churchill. Winemaker Clay Thompson.

Corbett Canyon Vineyards – Offers a full line of popularly priced premium varietal wines. 

Cottonwood Canyon – Estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir crafted in the traditional Burgundian style.

Edna Valley Vineyard – Their specialty is Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, using traditional Burgundian wine-making practices. Partnership: Paragon Vineyards and Chalone Winery. Winemaker Stephen Ross Dooley.

Maison Deutz – The winery is devoted to the production of true Methode Champenoise sparkling wine. Winemaker: Christian Roguenant.

Meridian Vineyards – This 95-acre vineyard provides fruit for the award-winning Edna Valley Chardonnay. Winemaker: Chuck Ordman.

Morgan Winery – Founded in 1982, produced its first red wines in 1986, including Pinot Noir from what would become the Santa Lucia Highlands. The winery was located in Salinas. Grapes were purchased from vineyards in the Edna Valley.

Mount Eden Vineyards – Located in Saratoga, founded in 1945 by Martin Ray, who put Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on the map in California. Purchased Chardonnay grapes from MacGregor Vineyards. (Vineyards in the Sky: The Life of Legendary Vintner Martin Ray, published 1993)

Piedra Creek Winery – One of the smallest wineries in the state, normal production is limited to 250 cases of Chardonnay and 150 cases of Pinot Noir. Founded by Romeo and Margaret Zuech. Winemaker: Romeo Zuech.

Saucelito Canyon Vineyard – Remote dry-farmed vineyard in Arroyo Grande Valley producing estate Cabernet and Zinfandel from century-old vines. Founded by Bill Greenough. Winemaker: Bill Greenough.

Talley Vineyards – Specializing in estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Founded by Rosemary and Don Talley. Winemaker: Steve Rasmussen.

Tiffany Hill – first  Chardonnay vineyard in the Edna Valley, planted by a woman, Catharine Niven; produces Burgundian-style Chardonnay. Winemaker: Gary Mosby

Vita Nova – no description is available. However, Nancy Greenough states that Vita Nova purchased grapes from Saucelito Canyon Vineyard.

The Second Harvest Celebration 1992

The second year the Harvest Celebration was held at the Talley Vineyards Winery on November 7, 1992, from 1 to 5 P.M.

The Harvest Celebration was organized as a benefit for the Nipomo Community Medical Center. This clinic provided low-cost medical care for many local vineyard workers and their families. The pairing of wine and philanthropy became a very important focus in San Luis Obispo County and continues to this day. Brain Talley and his wife, Johnine, expanded on the concerns and support for local farm workers. They established the Fund for Vineyard and Farm Workers at the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County in 2004 to support vineyard and farm workers and their children throughout the county.

The Event

The scheduled events included four activities: Wine Tasting from grapes grown in the Edna and Arroyo Grande Valleys, a Silent Auction of Old Vintages, large Bottles and Case lots from barrels, Barrel Tastings of the 1992 Vintage, and Guided Tours through the Talley Vineyard. Advanced tickets were sold to the events for $35.00 per person. The celebration expanded into Sunday, with each winery offering its own tours and tastings.

The 17 Participating Wineries

The participants were the same as the first Harvest Celebration, with a few exceptions. Cottonwood Canyon did not participate in 1992. Two new wineries join the event – Ojai Vineyard and Windemere Winery.

Ojai Vineyard – Adam Tolmach, co-founder of the Ojai Vineyard, planted five acres of Syrah on Ventura County land that his grandfather purchased half a century earlier. Adam’s last vintage was in 1995 due to an infestation of Pierce’s disease. Winemaker: Adam Tolmach.

Windemere Winery – Artisan wines created from the famed, family-owned MacGregor Vineyard. Award-winning winery specializing in limited edition Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. Winemaker: Cathy MacGregor.

The Third Harvest Celebration – 1993

The third Harvest Celebration was held at the Maison Deutz Winery in Arroyo Grande on Saturday, November 6, 1993, from 1 to 5 P.M. Tickets were priced at $37.50 per person. 

The Event

The format included the same four scheduled events: Wine Tasting from grapes grown in the Edna and Arroyo Grande Valleys, a Silent Auction of Old Vintages, large Bottles and Case lots from barrels, Barrel Tastings of the 1993 Vintage, and Guided Tours through the Maison Deutz Vineyard.

Philanthropy

The Harvest Celebration was organized as a benefit for the Nipomo Community Medical Center for the second year in a row. Member wineries organized special events to be held at each winery the following day, Sunday, November 7.

The 17 Participating Wineries

In the third year, there were seventeen wineries. John Alban, one of the most influential American Rhone producers, was an important addition to the Harvest Celebration. After studying Rhone grape varieties in France for four years, John returned to California with cuttings he propagated and sold to American growers. He purchased 300 acres in the Edna Valley in 1989 and founded the first American winery and vineyard producing Rhone varietals, Alban Vineyards.

The famous jewelry store, Tiffany & Co., brought a lawsuit against Tiffany Hill, founded by Catharine Niven, stating the label Tiffany Hill was infringing on the Tiffany & Co. brand. Unfortunately, someone had presented a bottle of Tiffany Hill Chardonnay to the company’s Chairman as a gift. Catharine had named her wine for the road Tiffany Hill in the Edna Valley where the Niven home was located. Catharine and her husband decided to change the name of the label to Baileyana, a nod to the street in Hillsborough, California, where Jack Niven grew up. They built their own winery and acquired an old schoolhouse which they restored to use as a tasting room. Baileyana was the first of many famous labels owned by Paragon Vineyards, founded by Jack and Catharine Niven. 

Chamisal Vineyards did not participate. Norm Goss was in failing health, and the fate of the vineyard was uncertain in 1993. Vita Nova was no longer participating, but a new member, Hart’s Desire,  joined the celebration.

Alban Vineyards – California’s first winery and vineyard established exclusively for Rhone varieties: Viognier, Roussanne, Syrah, and Grenache. The pioneering efforts of Alban Vineyards have opened a new frontier here and garnered significant acclaim. Many French and U.S.  producers have followed John Alban’s lead and located in our region to produce unique and outstanding “Rhones.”

Au Bon Climat – founded in 1982 and devoted to making classic, Burgundian Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County. Founded by Jim Clendenen. Winemaker: Jim Clendenen.

Baileyana – Baileyana’s 1996 Edna Valley Chardonnay captures the distinctive and recognizable characters of the Edna Valley Appellation. The rich tropical fruits enhance this multifaceted wine. The wine underwent 100% malo-lactic fermentation using traditional Burgundian methods in small French oak barrels resulting in a creamy yet texturally stimulating character.

Carmenet Vineyard – The winery was built in the early 1980s high on the Sonoma side of Mount Veeder, famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Owned by Chalone Group.

Claiborne & Churchill Vintners – A small premium winery specializing in stylish versions of Dry Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Founded by Clay Thompson and Fredericka Churchill. Winemaker Clay Thompson.

Corbett Canyon Vineyards – Offers a full line of popularly priced premium varietal wines. 

Edna Valley Vineyard – Our specialty is Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, using traditional Burgundian wine-making practices. Partnership: Paragon Vineyards and Chalone Winery. Winemaker Stephen Ross Dooley.

Hart’s Desire – John Hart established this winery in 1986. He is known for his Pinot Noir made in the Burgundian style in the town of Geyserville in the Alexander Valley. He sourced grapes in the Edna Valley.

Maison Deutz – The winery is devoted to the production of true Methode Champenoise sparkling wine. Winemaker: Christian Roguenant

Meridian Vineyards – This 95-acre vineyard provides fruit for our award-winning Edna Valley Chardonnay. Winemaker: Chuck Ordman.

Morgan Winery – Founded in 1982, produced its first red wines in 1986, including Pinot Noir from what would become the Santa Lucia Highlands. The winery was located in Salinas.

Mount Eden Vineyards – Located in Saratoga, founded in 1945 by Martin Ray, who put Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on the map in California. Purchased Chardonnay grapes from Mac Gregor Vineyards.

Ojai Vineyard – Adam Tolmach, co-founder of the Ojai Vineyard, planted five acres of Syrah on Ventura County land that his grandfather purchased half a century earlier. Adam’s last vintage was in 1995 due to an infestation of Pierce’s disease. Winemaker: Adam Tolmach.

Piedra Creek Winery – One of the smallest wineries in the state, normal production is limited to 250 cases of Chardonnay and 150 cases of Pinot Noir. Founded by Romeo and Margaret Zuech. Winemaker: Romeo Zuech.

Saucelito Canyon Vineyard – Remote dry-farmed vineyard in Arroyo Grande Valley producing estate Cabernet and Zinfandel from century-old vines. Founded by Bill Greenough. Winemaker: Bill Greenough.

Talley Vineyards – Specializing in estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Founded by Rosemary and Don Talley. Winemaker:  Steve Rasmussen

Windemere – Artisan wines created from the famed, family-owned MacGregor Vineyard. Award-winning winery specializing in limited edition Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. Winemaker: Cathy MacGregor.

The Fourth Harvest Celebration

On Saturday, November 5, 1994, the Harvest Celebration commenced with the same format, with the non-profit Nipomo Community Medical Center benefiting from the money raised at the Harvest Celebration for the third year in a row. The proceeds from the 1994 Harvest Celebration enabled the clinic to provide low-cost cancer screening and made it possible for over 200 women to obtain mammograms.

The winery hosting the event was Corbett Canyon Vineyards. This winery offered many reasonably priced premium wines and featured the first large tasting room with wine-related and gourmet food items. The winery showcased a local artist each month and provided a picnic area for guests.

The Scheduled Events included four activities: Wine Tasting from grapes grown in the Edna and Arroyo Grande Valleys, a Silent Auction of Old Vintages, large Bottles and Case lots from barrels, Barrel Tastings of the 1992 Vintage, and Guided Tours through the Corbett Canyon Vineyard. Advanced tickets were sold to the events for $35.00 per person. The Celebration expanded into Sunday, with each winery offering its own tours and tastings.

18 Participating Wineries

Ken Volk founded his first winery, Wild Horse, in 1982. It was named in honor of the descendants of the horse brought by the Spanish to California in the late 1700s. He was famous for his Pinot Noir but eventually made wines from over 30 grape varieties.

Au Bon Climat -founded in 1982 and devoted to making classic, Burgundian Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County. Founded by Jim Clendenen. Winemaker: Jim Clendenen.

Baileyana –  Baileyana’s 1996 Edna Valley Chardonnay captures the distinctive and recognizable characters of the Edna Valley Appellation. The rich tropical fruits enhance this multifaceted wine. The wine underwent 100% malo-lactic fermentation using traditional Burgundian methods in small French oak barrels resulting in a creamy yet texturally stimulating character.

Carmenet Vineyard – The winery was built in the early 1980s high on the Sonoma side of Mount Veeder, famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Owned by Chalone Group.

Claiborne & Churchill Vintners – A small premium winery specializing in stylish versions of Dry Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Founded by Clay Thompson and Fredericka Churchill. Winemaker Clay Thompson.

Corbett Canyon Vineyards – Offers a full line of popularly priced premium varietal wines. 

Edna Valley Vineyard – Our specialty is Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, using traditional Burgundian wine-making practices. Partnership: Paragon Vineyards and Chalone Winery. Winemaker Stephen Ross Dooley.

Hart’s Desire – John Hart established this winery in 1986. He is known for his Pinot Noir made in the Burgundian style in the town of Geyserville in the Alexander Valley. He sourced grapes in the Edna Valley. Winemaker: John Hart.

Maison Deutz – The winery is devoted to the production of true Methode Champenoise sparkling wine. Winemaker: Christian Roguenant.

Meridian Vineyards – This 95-acre vineyard provides fruit for our award-winning Edna Valley Chardonnay. Winemaker: Chuck Ordman.

Morgan Winery – Founded in 1982, produced its first red wines in 1986, including Pinot Noir from what would become the Santa Lucia Highlands. The winery was located in Salinas. Grapes were purchased from Edna Valley vineyards.

Mount Eden Vineyards – Located in Saratoga, founded in 1945 by Martin Ray, who put Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on the map in California. Purchased Chardonnay grapes from Mac Gregor Vineyards.

Ojai Vineyard – Adam Tolmach, co-founder of the Ojai Vineyard, planted five acres of Syrah on Ventura County land that his grandfather purchased half a century earlier. Adam’s last vintage was in 1995 due to an infestation of Pierce’s disease. Winemaker: Adam Tolmach.

Piedra Creek Winery – One of the smallest wineries in the state, normal production is limited to 250 cases of Chardonnay and 150 cases of Pinot Noir. Founded by Romeo and Margaret Zuech. Winemaker: Romeo Zuech.

Saucelito Canyon Vineyard – Remote dry-farmed vineyard in Arroyo Grande Valley producing estate Cabernet and Zinfandel from century-old vines. Founded by Bill Greenough. Winemaker: Bill Greenough.

Talley Vineyards – Specializing in estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Founded by Rosemary and Don Talley. Winemaker: Steve Ramussen.

Wild Horse Winery – Founded in 1982 by winemaker and grower Ken Volk. He studied grape varieties grown throughout California and ultimately made over 31 wine varietals. 

Windemere Winery – Artisan wines created from the famed, family-owned MacGregor Vineyard. Award-winning winery specializing in limited edition Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and  Zinfandel.

The Fifth Annual Harvest Celebration Expands – 1995

The 1995 Harvest Celebration expanded dramatically. The events included Wine and Food Tasting, Barrel Tasting, and Personalized Wine Glass Etching. Music was provided by Jill’s Knight Out;  she is still performing locally today. 

The Harvest Foods were varied, produced by Aglio Mustard, Canterbury Cuisine, Chukar Cherries, Cowboy Caviar, East Shore Specialty Foods, Gil’s Gourmet. Romona Gonyer, Hagensborg Foods, Immediate Gratification, Johnny D’s, Kaney’s Market, Lavosh Cracker, Macey’s Cheesesticks, Miss Scarlet Olives, Pat Elliot Q TEam, Riz-oli Oils, San Luis Sourdough, Santa Barbara Olive Co., Sorrenti Farms, Talley Farms, Upper Crust Biscotti, and Vista Verde Olive Oil.

Food tastings were provided by:

A Gourmet Touch

Apple Farm

Big Sky Cafe

Boston Bagel Co.

Chef Em’s

1865 Restaurant

Hunt Club at Crystal Rose Inn

Inn at Morro Bay

Madonna Inn

Nucci’s

Old Country Deli

Pasta Mercato

Popolo Carry Out

Rosa’s Ristorante Italiano

 Sea Cliff Restaurant

Events

The events were held at Corbett Canyon Vineyards in Arroyo Grande on November 4, 1995 – the first time the event was held at the same winery as the previous year. It started at 1:00 with a Silent Auction, food and barrel tastings, and a winery tour at 2:00 p.m. There was a new focus on raising awareness of the local wines and vineyards as well as increasing funds raised to benefit the Nipomo Community Medical Center and their health services for local farm workers.

The Silent Auction also expanded dramatically with over 37 lots of local wines and blended Cuvees, many bottled in Magnums. In addition, gift certificates for gourmet dinners were donated by Cafe Roma, Chef Hoppe, and McPhee’s Grill. Lodging was offered by Sycamore Springs, The Cliffs at Shell Beach, and La Cuesta Motor Inn. The most unusual item was Lot. 41 – etched and painted glass labels by Candice Norcross representing Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Wineries. If anyone owns these etchings, the Wine History Project would like to photograph and archive these works of art.

On Sunday, November 5th, open houses were held at eight local wineries, including Claiborne and Churchill, Corbett Canyon Vineyards, Cottonwood Canyon, Edna Ranch, Edna Valley Vineyards, Maison Deutz, Talley Vineyards, and Windemere Winery. For the first time, a Wine Trail Passport was issued to participants. It listed each winery tasting room, and when completed, the participant left it with the Vintners’ Association. A monthly drawing took place for the next 12 months for prizes, including tickets to the Sixth Harvest Celebration.

In 1995 there were 12 members of the Vintner’s Association.

Associate memberships were also available at $100 per year. The following were associate members: Central Coast Farm Credit Bureau, Cork Supply USA, MacGregor Vineyards – Andy MacGregor, Piedra Creek Winery – Romeo and Margaret Zuech, Pacific Vineyard Company- Jim Efird, Fred and LeVonne Righetti, Farm Supply – Bill Coy, and Villa Creek Vineyard – Howard and Vicki Carroll.

The years 1996 through 2010 are archived at the Wine History Project. More information will be posted over the next few months.