Libbie Agran – Founder of The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County
Libbie established The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County in 2015 to study the land, microclimates, grape varieties, growers, and winemakers who have shaped the wine history of the county. She interviewed hundreds of people and worked with the older generations of growers and winemakers to identify the important people and historical events that shaped local wine history. Libbie believes that history must be shared in a variety of ways to reach the public; each exposure should add joy and a sense of adventure to the experience.
The Wine History Project shares the unique history of “SLO” County by making documentary films, organizing art events paired with wine, and developing exhibits to place in the vineyards, gardens, parks, and historic buildings. You will find written history, descriptions of historic wine tools and equipment, and photographs on our website, in our books and publications, and in our monthly newsletters.
You can read more about us at winehistoryproject.org. Today, the Wine History Project is partnering with UC Davis in their special project, archiving the history of Food and Wines from around the world. We are merging our collections and archives into what is now considered to be the finest wine history collection in the world. Libbie was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the San Luis Obispo Wine Industry on July 18, 2025.
The Significant Events That Shaped Wine History In the Southern Half of San Luis Obispo County 1772 To The 2025
1. Aerospace Industry – Scientists And Wine
In Southern California, the men working with rare metals, jet propulsion, and flights to the moon often developed interests in viticulture and home winemaking. Engineer Andy MacGregor was part of the team that designed jet and rocket engines for the Mercury and Apollo Missions to the moon. He retired to San Luis Obispo and planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Edna Valley. Romeo Zuech also worked in the aerospace industry in Southern California. He conducted science experiments on grapevines and began making wine at home. Romeo planted vines in his backyard in Southern California and transformed his laundry room into his first winery. Romeo and Andy were close friends and continued to collaborate. Romeo and Margaret moved to the Edna Valley upon retirement, worked in the MacGregor vineyard, and planted rare Italian grape varieties from native Italy. Romeo established his own winery, Piedra Creek, mentored many winemakers, and became well known for his Italian wines.
2. Alban, John – Founder Of Alban Vineyards, Multi-Generational Farmers
John is the spiritual and qualitative leader of the Rhône movement in the United States, according to Robert Parker and all who know him. John was the first to introduce Viognier and Roussanne grapes and wines in the United States. His cuttings were used to propagate his vineyards and the vineyards of those who joined the California Rhone movement. He is the founder of Hospice du Rhone, which is the world’s largest celebration of Rhône wines. John is an honorary citizen and Decurion of Cote Rotie and Condrieu. Thanks to John’s passion and commitment, Viognier acreage has grown from zero to over 2,000 acres, and Syrah has increased from a few hundred acres to over 17,000.
3. Alban, Lorraine – J & L Wines – Central California’s Premier Wholesale Distributor Of Fine Wines, Select Spirits & Craft Beers
In the 1970s, grape growers were planting new varieties, and local wineries were making wines in new styles in San Luis Obispo County. The California Wine Revolution inspired a new generation of winemakers. The systematic and scientific study of microclimates, soils, and grape varieties produced superior grapes which were used to make award-winning wines. Lorraine Alban recognized that a local distribution system was needed to highlight and market these Central Coast wines. In 1981, Lorraine started a statewide marketing company, bringing together regional distributors. She helped local wineries find statewide distributors that met their marketing needs. She coordinated the marketing of these distribution companies to better serve her clients. She met a young woman in Paso Robles, Jeanie Eberle, who had started her own business as a distributor for the Central Coast wines. The two women combined their efforts to create a locally owned and operated distribution company, J & L Wines. These were the first two women to own a distribution company and the first to own a local business that catered to Central Coast wines in SLO County and beyond. It is hard to overstate the impact Lorraine has had on the local wine trade. Lorraine is the premier distributor for many local companies in San Luis Obispo County. Her commitment to their individual local wines is unparalleled. Lorraine is celebrating her 44th year at J & L Wines. Her son joined her in the business in 2025.
4. Au Bon Climat – James Alexander Clendenen (1/11/1953 – 5/15/2021) Multi-Generational Farmers
Jim is affectionately known as “The Godfather of Santa Barbara County wine.” However, his vineyards were located in San Luis Obispo County, and he collaborated with many early winemakers in our county, including purchasing their grapes. Jim participated annually in the KCBX and Central Coast Wine Classics. After traveling around the world to participate in three harvests in one year, he founded his winery, Au Bon Climat, in 1982. Jim specialized in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. He mentored many local winemakers in San Luis Obispo County, including Brian Talley of Talley Vineyards. Jim was named winemaker of the year in 2001 by Food and Wine Magazine and Winemaker of the World by Wein Gourmet in 2005. He received the 2007 award from The James Beard Foundation. Jim died in his sleep at his home in Buellton, California at age 68 on May 15, 2021.
5. AVAs Established In South County
Edna Valley AVA was the first to be established in San Luis Obispo County on May 11, 1982. Jack Niven, founder of Paragon Vineyard Co., worked with Norman Goss of Chamisal Vineyards, Jim Lawrence of Lawrence Winery, and Andy MacGregor of MacGregor Vineyards to submit the petition for the Edna Valley AVA. The soils are rich in marine sediment deposited in the Edna Valley 18,000 years ago. The maritime influence is also powerful, more dominant than in any other region on the Pacific Coast. It has an extended growing season, which provides for a late harvest. The total AVA is approximately 22,400 acres. It became a sub-appellation of the newest appellation of the county, San Luis Obispo Coast (SLO Coast) viticultural area in April 2022.
The Arroyo Grande Valley AVA was the second to be established in South County. It was approved on January 3, 1990. It was the state’s 60th AVA based on the 1987 petition submitted by growers Don Talley of Talley Vineyards and William S. Greenough, owner of Saucelito Canyon Vineyard. Growers and winemakers also established a new marketing organization, the Edna Valley Arroyo Grande Valley Vintners and Growers Association. Winemaker Stephen Dooley was elected the first President of this organization.
The newest AVA, San Luis Obispo Coast, was approved on April 8, 2022. The expansive area overlaps the boundaries of the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley viticultural areas because they share common features. These two AVAs still have unique characteristics to retain their viticultural distinctions. The boundaries, the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains, border a corridor housing 78 vineyards with 3,942 acres planted to vines. The borders stretch from Santa Barbara County to Monterey County. There are 20 wineries in the SLO Coast Collective, which represents this AVA. It is the third AVA originating in the southern part of San Luis Obispo County.
6. Blake Printery – Richard Blake
Blake Printery was founded by Cal Poly Graphic Art student Emmons Blake in 1947. It became the largest print company on the Central Coast. Blake Printery split into two companies, Poor Richard’s Press and Blake Printing and Publishing, Richard Blake purchased Blake Printery from his father in 1972.
Richard Blake changed marketing history in the wine industry. His research showed that the wine label attracts the customer to make the first purchase of a particular wine 80% of the time. Richard developed the unique business of producing and printing custom-designed wine labels for the wine industry using a professional graphic design team and cutting-edge technology. This company has become one of the most famous and dynamic in the marketing world. The most significant impact on wine history is the research demonstrating that the label on the bottle is the least costly component of the wine package but the most important in terms of first-time sales. These custom California wine labels changed the marketing, purchasing and consumer appreciation for wine throughout California and subsequently across the United States and Eastern Europe. Richard sold Blake Printing to WS Packaging Company in 2001. Fifty-four years after Richard bought the company from his father, it is still famous around the world, not only for labels, but for unique packaging. And they are still located here in San Luis Obispo.
7. California Board Of State Viticultural Commissioners – 1880
This California Board of knowledgeable men and viticulturalists was organized in 1880 to promote grape-growing industries throughout the state. Most new residents and farmers did not know which varieties of grapes to plant in their vineyards. The board provided education for planning, pruning, fertilizing, fermenting, distilling, and treating the diseases of the vines. Publications from the board, newspaper columns, and journals provided articles on viticulture. The University of California planted an Experimental Garden in the area west of Paso Robles and maintained it from 1889 to 1904. Over 100 grape varieties were planted there. It was open to the public for educational purposes. The Board published the Directory of Grape Growers, Winemakers, and Distillers in 1888 and 1891.
8. California Central Coast Wine Growers Association (CCWGA) 1970s
Currently, the organization is known as CCWGA. It is based in Sacramento and represents over 200 wineries, vineyards, and industry-related businesses in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. It raises money to fund viticultural research and hosts seminars and educational discussions on industry issues.
An earlier version of the organization was located in Santa Maria at 1000 East Betteravia Road and was founded in the 1970s. This organization was known for their promotion and research on wineries located in the Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria Valley, Sisquoc, Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo, and North San Luis Obispo County. Photographer Larry Roberts and Carol Manning, with the help of Birtice Card, Lon Fletcher, Pat Mastan, and Jack Foott, created a small historical pamphlet describing the local wineries in 1981. The pamphlet, Vineyards on the Mission Trail – The Wineland of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, is their best-known publication. It was published at Blake Printery in San Luis Obispo.
9. California Polytechnic State University 1901
Cal Poly was founded in 1901 and has been well known for Agricultural education for decades. The Wine and Viticulture Program became an official department within the College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in 2013. Today, the Department is chaired by Beniot Lecat and is the leading school providing both hands-on viticultural and business education for students. The department has become the largest of its kind in the United States and is renowned for its interdisciplinary learning in three departments – Horticulture and Crop Science, Food Science and Nutrition, and Agribusiness. The graduates now work around the world, and many have settled in San Luis Obispo County, including Robin Babbett, Vicki Carroll, and Niels Udsen.
10. Carroll, Vicki – Director of Hospice du Rhône
Vicki has been an outstanding educator and innovator in the wine industry since the 1990s. She was the first director of the Edna Valley Vintners Association (now known as SLO Coast Wine); she organized the first public wine tasting in 1991 to introduce wineries, winemakers, and their unique wines located in the Edna Valley (the first AVA in the county) to local residents. Vicki is one of the first women to found her own consulting firm to promote the marketing of local wines. She founded the San Luis Obispo chapter of Women for Winesense and raised funds to establish an Endowment Fund to provide scholarships and resources for women seeking education and careers in the wine industry. She has served as the President and Executive Director of Hospice du Rhône for over 26 years.
11. Cellar Rats – Edna Valley Vineyard – 1981
The team working in the cellar of the newly constructed Edna Valley Vineyard winery in 1981 was inhabiting a space in a 25,000-case production facility, replicating the Chalone Winery in Monterey County. It was equipped with state-of-the-art winemaking technology, a scientific laboratory (the second in the county), a bottling room, and an underground cave built of concrete for aging barrels. The team of five included Gary Mosby, the winemaker; Tim Lloyd, a talented artist and sculptor; Clay Thompson, a former college professor and department chair at the University of Michigan; Bruno D’Alfonso, who continues to make wine in Santa Barbara County; and Frank Focha, who has retired on the Central Coast. Edna Valley Winery became the launching pad for remarkable winemakers who founded their own wineries and shaped local history, including Ken Volk, founder of Wild Horse; Clay Thompson, founder of Claiborne and Churchill; and Steve Dooley, founder of Stephen Ross Wine Cellars.
12. Central Coast And KCBX Wine Classic – Archie McLaren (1985 – 2017)
Archie McLaren is known as the person who created and expanded the top regional wine event in San Luis Obispo County for over three decades (1985 – 2017). This annual wine and food event attracted visitors from all over the world, brought world-class winemakers to collaborate with local winemakers, and raised millions of dollars to support the local NPR radio station, KCBX, the Healing Arts, the Performing Arts, and the Studio Arts in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. Archie was a master of marketing and building a network of relationships to educate and elevate the California lifestyle and promote California wines. Archie died in 2018.
13. Central Coast And KCBX Wine Classic – Larry Shupnick (1985 – 2017)
Larry Shupnick is a maven in the art of hospitality. He is a leader in hotel management and ownership. He has managed and owned fine restaurants. Since the 1970s, he has been a tireless promoter of local food and wine in San Luis Obispo County. He founded the San Luis Bay Food and Wine Society and introduced local winemakers to the finest winery owners and chefs in the world. He is co-founder of the Central Coast and KCBX Wine Classic. He was honored in 2018 as the recipient of the Robert Mondavi Food and Wine Award.
14. Central Coast Winegrape Growers Association – First Organization To Publicly Promote Wine Grapes In Edna Valley
In 1974, growers were aware that their grapes were making major contributions to the premium wine industry. Chardonnay became the star in the first harvests. Pinot Noir was the surprise that also thrived in this cool climate in the Edna Valley. At the time, there were substantial areas of vineyards but only eight wineries. In the 1970s, the young wine industry on the South Central Coast received worldwide recognition for a wide array of award-winning varietal wines.
The growers decided to form an association to gain recognition and acceptance of their grapes throughout California. They named the association the Central Coast Winegrape Growers Association. Their first major activity was the 1980 Central Coast Wine Competition. These tastings were organized each year, educating local and traveling guests about the vines and wines growing on the Central Coast.
15. Chalone Vineyards – Award-Winning California Chardonnay In Paris, 1976
Dick Graff and Phil Woodward founded Chalone Vineyards in Monterey County. Chalone’s 1974 Chardonnay made history in the blind tasting held in Paris in 1976. The demand for their Chardonnay required finding additional Chardonnay grapes. They began buying Chardonnay and Pinot grapes grown at Paragon Vineyards Company in the Edna Valley. This led to a business partnership in 1980 known as Edna Valley Winery, which produced California Chardonnay in a modern facility designed by Dick Graff, using grapes from Paragon Vineyard Company.
16. Chamisal Vineyard – Norman Goss – First To Plant Chardonnay In Edna Valley
Norman Goss was the first to plant a Chardonnay vineyard in 1972 on land he purchased in the Edna Valley. Norman’s career included owning a fine restaurant, the Stuft Shirt, located in Pasadena and later in Newport Beach. He became so interested in California wines that he auctioned off his European wine collection and focused on California wineries.
His Orange County restaurant was the first to present California wines only on the menu, listed and organized by variety. By the late 1960s, Norm noticed that his diners were favoring white wine over red. He started researching Chardonnay grapes and decided to transition from owning restaurants to growing grapes. He discovered the Edna Valley, consulted experts at Fresno State and UC Davis, and purchased 57 acres. He hired vineyardist Uriel Nielsen to plant 30,000 vines. Cabernet Sauvignon was planted on 10 acres and Chardonnay, the Wente clone, on 47 acres. The first vintage of Chardonnay grapes in 1976 was excellent and purchased by David Bruce Winery and Roudon-Smith of Santa Cruz. The Cabernet was not successful in the marine climate. The vineyard was named Chamisal, honoring the small white flowering plant that grows on the property.
17. Chaparral Label – The First Private Label For Wine Shops – 1977
Chalone Vineyards started a private label in 1977 known as Chaparral. The unusual name was selected by Judy Breitstein. Judy and her husband David owned the wine shop known as the Duke of Bourbon of Canoga Park. David was eager to purchase this private-label Chardonnay, made with the famous Edna Valley grapes. Chaparral Chardonnay was exclusively sold at wine shops and is known as the first private label developed by a Central Coast Winery.
18. Claiborne And Churchill – Clay, Fredericka And Elizabeth Thompson Multi-generational Farmers
The Edna Valley winemakers and growers come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Claiborne and Churchill was founded by two professors who taught at the University of Michigan. Clay was a professor of Old Norse studies, department chair, and published author. Fredericka taught German in the same department. They fell in love, traveled through the Alsace region of France, drove through the Central Coast, and tasted and toured the new Edna Valley Vineyard. Within weeks, they married, resigned from academia, and took the train from Michigan to the Central Coast. Clay got a job as a cellar rat at $6 per hour at age 41 at Edna Valley Vineyard, and Fredericka found work at the local bookstore. The next chapters led to founding their own winery in 1983, Claiborne and Churchill. They soon welcomed daughter Elizabeth to the family, bought land in the Edna Valley, and built the first straw (rice) bale winery in the United States. They decided to specialize in their favorite dry wines in the Alsatian style. They made their first vintages of Dry Riesling and Dry Gewurztraminer in the Edna Valley Vineyard cellar with grapes sourced from Niven’s Paragon Vineyard.
19. Dallidet, Pierre Hypolite Founded The First Bonded Winery In San Luis Obispo County – Multi-Generational Farmers
Pierre Dallidet is celebrated as the first licensed commercial winemaker in San Luis Obispo County; he also became the first licensed commercial distiller in the county in the 1880s. He purchased a copper still – the first in San Luis Obispo. Dallidet was born in France, served in the French Army in Tahiti, and joined the California Goldrush in Hangtown in 1851. As prejudice against foreigners grew, he migrated south toward Mexico in 1853. He recognized the Mediterranean climate in San Luis Obispo County and decided to settle here. He married and purchased 16 acres adjacent to the old Mission’s withered vineyards in 1859. He was knowledgeable about wine. Dallidet was the first to build a French Wine Cellar under his adobe home. He planted orchards and vineyards. He sold cuttings to local growers. His winery was constructed on his property by 1870 near his home. By 1883, his seventeen-acre vineyard was producing 3,300 gallons of wine per year from 7,200 vines. He planted hundreds of grape varieties and mentored other winemakers in the area. He contributed much time and effort to rescuing French grape varieties decimated by phylloxera. In 1886, Dallidet sold 635 gallons of Chardonnay and 2,717 gallons of Mission Wine – this is the first Chardonnay sale officially noted in the South County. Dallidet was known for his winemaking skills and was the first to make blended wines. He was also the first to age wines as long as twenty years. Most importantly, Dallidet was the first to recognize that mission grape stock was resistant to the yellow louse phylloxera. He communicated with French resources to learn and share winemaking practices, both in France and San Luis Obispo County.
20. Dana Adobe – Captain William Goodwin Dana – Multi-Generational Farmers
Don Guilllermo (William Goodwin) Dana and his family completed their two-story adobe home with 13 rooms and extensive outbuildings in 1839 during the Mexican Era. California was under Mexican rule from 1821, when Mexico achieved their independence from Spain, until 1848. The Mexican Land Grant, Rancho Nipomo, was given to Sea Captain Dana in 1837. It contained over 48,000 acres. This rancho became the center of trade and hospitality on the Central Coast. Captain Dana raised cattle, farmed grain, developed soap-making products, and manufactured furniture. As a former sea captain, he was known as a proficient trader. The Dana Adobe and Cultural Center is open to the public and continues to research the property and family. Volunteers are restoring vegetable gardens and planting orchards on the property. Volunteer viticulturist Jim Efird planted a heritage Mission Grape Vineyard surrounded by a traditional wall of local stone with ancient fossils with the support of the Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo. County. The property is open for tours, events, musical concerts, and Wine Down Wednesday Tastings featuring local wineries.
21. Domaine Alfred And the Chamisal Vineyard – Pinot Noir
Domaine Alfred Winery, founded by Terry Speizer in 1994, changed the history of winegrowing in the Edna Valley. Terry favored Pinot Noir, which is one of the most difficult wine grapes to grow. He researched the best clones in the area of Dijon, France, and planted them in the restored Chamisal vineyard. Terry’s leadership in assembling a team of the finest talent in the Edna Valley included viticulturists Jim Efird and George Donati, and winemakers Stephen Ross Dooley and Mike Sinor, who brought an amazing score of 96 points from Wine Spectator for the 2004 Califa Pinot Noir – the highest score of any Edna Valley Pinot Noir to date. Terry and his team replanted the historic Chamisal Vineyard with carefully selected French clones, including five Chardonnay and six Pinot Noir. They reintroduced the original Wente clone of Chardonnay first planned by founder Norman Goss. Terry and his team were also the first to introduce organic farming and biodynamic farming to the Edna Valley AVA. They were also the first to incorporate technology by consulting with Enologics to analyze the chemistry of Pinot Noir and improve the flavor and aromas of the wine produced at the Domaine Alfred Winery.
22. Edna Valley – The First Vineyards
Bob Schibelhut and Robin Baggett created a viticultural vision and partnership to buy land and plant vineyards to produce premium grapes. These law partners moved from the Bay Area to the San Luis Obispo area to enjoy a quieter life and develop their own personal interests in agriculture. Robin Baggett is a fifth-generation cattle farmer. Robin has recently been elected Wine Institute board chairman for the 2025-26 year. Robin is the managing partner of Alpha Omega Winery in St. Helena and Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obispo. Bob and Robin founded Tolosa Winery on the site of their earlier crush pad in 1998.
23. Edna Valley – The First Vineyards
This valley is surrounded by a coastal mountain range and rolling hills but open to the ocean breezes flowing through the Los Osos Valley and Morro Bay. This constant airflow moderates the temperatures and provides fog and humidity throughout the year. The alluvial soil is a mix of volcanic ash, clay, and sandstone. The valley has been farmed for centuries with Arabian horse breeding, lemon trees, chicken farms, garbanzo beans, and avocado groves.
Grapes were not planted until February, 1972, when Norman Goss, the first to plant the Chamisal Vineyard, was followed six weeks later by Jack and Catharine Niven, who developed the Paragon Vineyard Co. with the help of young viticulturist Jim Efird. The early trends in Edna Valley favored Burgundian wines and small premium wineries. The Edna Valley has limited water resources, and Jim Efird became known as an expert on irrigation after studying drip systems developed in Israel. In the first harvests, Chardonnay was the outstanding grape. White Riesling and Gewürztraminer were also exciting, but it was Pinot Noir that was the big surprise. There were no wineries to purchase these grapes in the Edna Valley, so the initial harvests at both vineyards were sold to small premium wineries such as Chalone, Roudon – Smith, David Bruce, Smothers, and HMR, among the most prominent. The first winery in the Edna Valley was built in 1979.
24. Edna Valley – The First Three Wineries 1979-1981
The first three wineries established in Edna Valley were built by growers who had successfully planted grapes but had not developed a market for their products at inception. Each decided to build their own winery and develop their own marketing plan and tasting room. Lawrence Winery was built in 1979 with a capacity to produce 260,000 cases of wine. Norman Goss, the owner of Chamisal Vineyards, established a small winery in 1980 with the capacity to produce 5,000 cases. The Edna Valley Vineyard, a partnership between Paragon Vineyard Company and Chalone Vineyards, built a 25,000-case facility in 1981 with state-of-the-art technology, a scientific lab, a bottling room, and a cellar for aging wine in barrels.
25. Efird, Jim – Vineyard Manager, Grapes, Soil, Irrigation And Marketing
Jim Efird studied agricultural economics at Fresno State. He graduated with a new generation of viticulturalists focused on science and the professional management of vineyards. He was hired by Jack Niven to plant and manage the Paragon Vineyard Co. Jim Efird studied irrigation in Israel and developed a system that worked on the rolling hills of the Edna Valley. He marketed the first Paragon Vineyard harvest of premium Chardonnay grapes to premium wineries outside the county. The quality of these grapes changed local wine history and led to the founding of Edna Valley Vineyards in partnership with Chalone Vineyards and the Niven family. Jack Niven and Jim Efird founded Pacific Vineyard Management. Jim’s generosity of spirit and knowledge continue to impact wine history in the county. Jim has worked with the Dana Adobe and Cultural Center, planting the Heritage Mission Vineyard and training volunteers to manage the vineyard. The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County is grateful for Jim’s support.
26. Foott, Jack – Agricultural Advisor And Experimental Vineyards
The first grapes planted in the Edna Valley were planted on the Righetti Avocado Ranch in the foothills north of Orcutt Road. Jack Foott, employed by UC Davis as the agricultural advisor to San Luis Obispo County, planted four varieties with the permission of the Righetti family. It was designated an Experimental Vineyard maintained and harvested by Jack Foott. Jack wanted to determine if the terroir was suitable for vineyards. The Spanish padres did not choose this area for grape growing. Jack planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir in four trellised rows of 12 vines each in 1968. Four years later, the grapes were harvested and driven immediately to Sacramento. Wine was made from each of these four grapevines under the supervision of UC Davis professors. Their research determined that Chardonnay and Pinot Noir would thrive in the cool climate of the Edna Valley. The Cabernet Sauvignon was not able to ripen sufficiently.
27. Fund For Vineyard And Farm Workers – Established In 2004
This fund is managed by the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County to provide grants to organizations that assist San Luis Obispo County farm workers and their families. The fund was established by Brian Talley and his wife, Johnine, in 2004. In addition to donations from individuals and organizations, funds are raised by selling Mano Tinta wine. The label, Mano Tinta (Red Hand in Spanish), was chosen to signify the pride and the commitment of farm workers to their craft. Each fall harvest season, the grapes, supplies, and labor are donated by local farmers and winemakers to produce the Mano Tinta wine. Each year, there is a competition to design the Mano Tinta label. Children and artists compete!
28. Grape Varieties Growing In South County In 1981
Zinfandel – Upper Arroyo Grande Valley; Cabernet Sauvignon – Upper Arroyo Grande Valley; Chardonnay – Edna Valley; Pinot Noir – Edna Valley; White Riesling – Edna Valley and Gewürztraminer – Edna Valley
29. Harvest Celebration – November – 1991
The Harvest Celebration was founded by the Edna Valley Arroyo Grande Valley Vintners’ Association. The first event was November 9, 1991, from 1 to 5 in the afternoon. The scheduled events included Wine Tasting from grapes grown in the Edna Valley and the Arroyo Grande Valley, a Silent Auction showcasing Old Vintages, Large Bottles and Case Lots from Barrels, Barrel Tasting, Cellar and Vineyard Tours. The participating wineries were Au Bon Climat, Carmenet Vineyard, Chamisal Vineyard, Claiborne and Churchill Vintners, Corbett Canyon Vineyards, Cottonwood Canyon, Edna Valley Vineyard, Maison Deutz Winery, Meridian Vineyards, Morgan Winery, Mount Eden Vineyards, Piedra Creek Winery, Saucelito Canyon Vineyard, Talley Vineyards, Tiffany Hill, and Vita Nova.
30. Harvest Celebration – November – 1991
The first Harvest Fair was held in Arroyo Grande in 1885. This event was organized as a competition to select the best grapes, wines, and brandies. James L.L. Warren, founder of the California Agricultural Society, developed the Harvest Fair to provide information to growers of produce. He organized regional Harvest Fairs to bring communities together to share information, trade plants, sell produce, and develop nurseries. These competitions were soon organized at higher levels, as county fairs and later as annual State Fairs. The excellent climate both in the Upper Valley and the Lower Valley confirmed that Arroyo Grande was an excellent location for growing produce, flowers, and grapes.
31. Hasbrouck, Abram Bruyn (A.B.) Travels West To Become A Cowboy
The first winery in the Upper Arroyo Grande Valley was built by a man who grew up in a very wealthy family in upstate New York, but he longed for adventure. He wanted to be a cowboy, so he came west to the Central Coast in the 1860s and was hired by old friends of his father, brothers George and Edward Steele, owners of several large Ranchos. A.B. ran cattle and learned the dairy and cheese businesses. In 1883, A.B. purchased Ranchita Arroyo Grande from the Steele brothers. He named his ranch St. Remy. He built a beautiful home, planted vineyards with many wine grape varieties, and built a winery on his property, a total of 9,000 acres. He excelled in agriculture and winemaking. In 1896, St. Remy wines won First Prize at the California State Fair.
32. Judgment Of Paris 1976 – Blind Tastings In France
The Paris Tasting, also known as the Judgment of Paris, was a wine competition organized by a British Wine Merchant, Steven Spurrier, and his American colleague, Patricia Gallagher, to celebrate the United States’ Bicentennial. Two blind tastings of French and American wines focused on California Chardonnay vs Burgundy Chardonnay and California Cabernet Sauvignon vs Bordeaux wines. Three California Chardonnays placed in the first four winners, including Chalone Vineyard’s 1974 Chardonnay. Two California Cabernets placed in the top five winners, Stag’s Leap and Ridge Vineyards. The Paris Tasting had a revolutionary impact on California wines that changed their value and position in the world wine industry. The wars between the quality of French wines vs American Wines reached new heights.
33. Judgment Of 1982 – Blind Tastings In San Francisco, Houston And Dallas
These blind tastings were the result of the famed blind wine tastings in Paris in 1976. By the early 1980s, Paragon Vineyards, owned by Jack and Catharine Niven and managed by Jim Efrid, received much attention for the quality of their Chardonnay grapes. The California vs French rivalry pitted California wines against French wines in all three cities. Out of the eight Chardonnays tasted in the blind flight, the judges declared a tie; the top two were California wines. The 1980 Chardonnay produced by Edna Valley Vineyards with grapes sourced from Paragon Vineyard tied with the 1979 Trefethen from Napa. Both Steven Spurrier and wine writer Robert Finigan rated the Edna Valley Chardonnay as the top wine.
34. Judgment Of Paris 2006 – The 30th Anniversary
Simultaneous blind tastings were held in Napa Valley, California, and London, England. Arroyo Grande producer Talley Vineyards won the top honor among all California Chardonnay wines with its 2002 Rosemary’s Vineyard Chardonnay. Chardonnay became the Star of the Edna Valley and the Arroyo Grande Valley.
35. Lawrence Winery – Opened In Late 1979 – “Quickest To Become The Largest”
The Lawrence Winery was an unusual experiment. It was the third winery to be built in the Edna Valley. The partners Herman Dryer, Don Burns, and Winemaker Jim Lawrence planned an ambitious winery that could produce over 250,000 cases per year plus a quantity of bulk wine. The architectural design was California Mission Style. The Mission architectural style was a link to the past, to the time when their Corbett Canyon property was part of the original Pedro de Corallas land grant created during the Mexican era. Winemaker Jim Lawrence had worked previously at the Giumarra Vineyards in the Central Valley (Bakersfield). He was well known for producing large numbers of table wines. Jim continued to make wine in the same style at Lawrence Winery with over 20 wines to market at the first vintage. All grapes were purchased in the Central Valley. Jim described all of his wines as having won awards in international competitions. To quote Jim, “Every wine we have produced has won an award. We set industry records of winning more awards than any other winery in dry table wines last year.” Among the most interesting innovations are a Gewurztraminer Rosé and Chardonnay “Nouveau.”
36. Lynch, Kermit – San Luis Obispo Native – Wine Shop Owner – 1972
Kermit Lynch grew up in San Luis Obispo. He became a writer and musician, but he is best known for his love of French and Italian wines. He borrowed $5,000 from a friend to open his wine shop, Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, in Berkeley with 35 cases of wine stacked on the floor in 1972. Many local winemakers such as Gary Eberle learned about the Old World wine cultures of Europe and Rhône varieties from Kermit. He became a retailer, distributor, and national importer of authentic wines, focusing on small artisan producers that express their terroir. He has won numerous James Beard awards, published three books, and recorded four CDs. Music and wine are paired in his heart.
37. MacGregor, Andy – Old Vine Chardonnay – Third Grower In Edna Valley Multi-Generational Farmers
Andy was the third important grower in the Edna Valley. He bought 25 acres and planted Pinot Noir grapevines. He was well-known as a researcher. He studied the clones, weather, soils, and grape varieties. He worked on the petition for the Edna Valley AVA, conversed with Jack Foott, the agricultural advisor, and became very knowledgeable about climate and growing conditions. Within a few years, he grafted his vines over to the historical Wente Clone.
Today the property is one of the oldest commercial vineyards in the Edna Valley. The old vine Chardonnay provides intense, concentrated flavors due to its small yield and deep root system. It is now owned and managed by Wolff Vineyards. Andy retired from the Aerospace Industry in 1972. He was an engineer and a member of the jet propulsion pump team that designed jet and rocket engines for the Mercury and Apollo Missions to the moon.
38. Meridian Vineyards – Chuck Ortman Is Known As “Mr. Chardonnay” Multi-Generational Farmer
Chuck Ortman left his career in graphic design to learn the craft of winemaking in 1968. He first worked as a cellar rat for winemaker Joe Heitz in Napa Valley, moving on to Spring Mountain Vineyard, Far Niente, Shafer, and St. Clement. He focused on Chardonnay, experimenting and innovating. He was the first winemaker to develop the process of barrel – fermented Chardonnay, which became the Chardonnay of choice for the American consumer. He founded his own enology firm and purchased grapes from Edna Valley; his 1979 Chardonnay was highly praised. He founded Meridian Wine Cellars in 1984. Meridian means “the point or period of highest development” in the sailing world. In 1998, Beringer Vineyards acquired Meridian. Chuck continued to work at Meridian at the new location in the former Estrella River Winery in Paso Robles. Chuck grew the production to over one million cases per year. He retired in 2013. Chuck and his son Matt founded their own business – Ortman Family Wines – in the Edna Valley.
39. Mission San Luis Obispo – Founded September 1, 1772
Father Junipero Serra y Ferrer, assisted by Father José Caballar, selected the site to build the Mission in 1772. Father Serra served as President of the Spanish Missions; he was the official assigned to select the site of each mission to be built in Alta California. He conducted a thorough examination of the surrounding area, including the soil, water sources, climate, and proximity to ocean bays and harbors. The missions are among the oldest surviving buildings in California. Father Serra and Father Caballar blessed the mission site in 1772 at the edge of San Luis Creek. They placed a holy cross at the site and hung a bell from the nearest Sycamore tree. The bell was rung multiple times to encourage people to come and view the ceremony. Mass was then sung for those in attendance. The historical importance is that the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Mission became the place where the church was constructed beside living quarters and rooms for commercial trade, winemaking, storing crops, manufacturing leather goods, storing feed, dining, enjoying music, furniture making, and supplies. The agricultural traditions and techniques, trees and plants were selected from Spanish culture and traditions. Orders were placed for grapevines, seeds, trees and plants to be shipped directly to the Mission by sea from Mexico and Spain. The vineyards, flowers, herbs, and vegetable gardens were planted adjacent to the Mission. Cattle, grains and other crops were raised further away, in what is now known as the Edna Valley.
40. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa – Vineyards
M. Hartnel, working for the Mexican government as an inspector of the missions, issued his report in 1837. He determined that Mission San Luis Obispo had the second-largest mission grape vineyard in Alta California. Mission San Gabriel is the largest. The two missions enjoyed a rivalry in production of Mission Wines and Brandies. Father Luis Martinez was in charge of the San Luis Obispo Mission. At the time of secularization, Rev. Walter Colton (who was appointed Alcalde of Monterey) published a book entitled “Three Years in California,” which stated that “the mission of San Luis Obispo, when under the charge of Father Luis Martinez, had 87,000 cattle, 2,000 tame horses, 3,500 mares, 3,700 mules, and 72,000 sheep. The crops included wheat, corn, beans, and barley.
41. Robert Mondavi Plants A Vineyard At The Santa Margarita Ranch
Robert Mondavi leased land located on the Ancient Peaks Ranch for six years starting in 1999. He developed and planted what is now known as the Margarita Vineyard. The Robert Mondavi family recognized the land as part of an ancient seabed. He saw the enormous potential in the rich soil and predicted that the grapevines planted in the marine-influenced climate would produce remarkable wines. The Santa Margarita Ranch is the longest-running active ranch in California history. It is thought that the Franciscan missionaries planted grapes on the ranch as early as 1780. The ranch became part of the Mission Trail established by Father Junipero Serra. It culminated in the establishment of Santa Margarita de Cortona, a sub-mission of the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa in 1787. The structure is known as the Asistencia and is the centerpiece of the ranch.
42. Heather Muran – Co-Author of San Luis Obispo County Wine, A World-Class History
As executive director of the SLO Coast Wine Collective for seven years, Heather led a comprehensive rebranding effort, helped to secure grant funding to support local growers and vintners, and played a key role in the creation and promotion of the SLO Coast AVA. Heather worked with the Wine History Project founded by Libbie Agran from 2019 to 2021. She is a co-author with Libbie Agran of the book San Luis Obispo County Wine – A World Class History. This is the first book written about the local wine history spanning the centuries from 1772 to 2021.
43. Murray, Walter – Founder Of The Tribune Newspaper – 1869
Walter Murray founded the weekly newspaper, The Tribune, in San Luis Obispo in August 1869. The business name listed the owner as H.S. Rembaugh. The newspaper was hand-printed in English and Spanish in his adobe located across from Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. The cost was $5 per year. The paper published a variety of news and articles on agriculture, including how to plant a vineyard. The 1870 census states that the population of San Luis Obispo County was 4,772. In 1870, four grape growers were named as active in San Luis Obispo County.
44. Mr. D.F. Newsom – Nursery Plants And Grape Varieties In Sulfur Springs, Arroyo Grande
Mr. Newsom was very active in viticulture in the Arroyo Grande area. He planted a large vineyard, grew produce, and entered a number of agricultural competitions. He mentored other growers and sold them plants, including grapevines, but we are not certain if he had a Nursery Business or if he used his own property as a commercial nursery. He and his wife had 12 children. He wrote columns for local newspapers and journals.
45. Nielson, Uriel – Vineyardist 1960 And 1970s
Uriel is the first vineyardist to establish grapevines in both the Edna Valley and the Santa Maria Valley. Uriel is the vineyardist credited with starting a new surge of planting grapevines in the Santa Maria area in the 1960s. He selected a specific area to plant in Northern Santa Barbara County. This area continues to produce premium grapes 65 years later. The Central Coast, stretching from the southern tip of Santa Barbara County to the northern tip of San Luis Obispo County, almost 100 miles in length, was seen in the early 1960s as an area with huge potential. In 1964, Uriel planted one hundred acres of White Riesling, Cabernet, and Chardonnay grapes near Sisquoc River and Tepusquet Creek in Santa Barbara County. They thrived. His grower friends in the San Maria Club told the LA Times, “He definitely is the pioneer. He wandered over here from the Central Valley and after studying the situation awhile, planted grapes. We all watched to see if he could make it. I guess if he had failed, we all would be doing something else besides wine.”
Norman Goss hired Uriel Nielson in February 1973 as the vineyardist of his newly purchased land in the Edna Valley. He named it Chamisal Vineyard after the small white flowers blooming there. Uriel planted thirty thousand vines of Cabernet and Chardonnay on 47 acres owned by Norman and Caroline Goss. It was the first vineyard to be planted with Chardonnay (on 37 acres) and Cabernet Sauvignon (on 10 acres).
46. Niven, Catharine – First Woman To Plant Her Own Vineyard And Make Wines In Edna Valley
Catharine Niven was the first woman to plant her own vineyard in the Edna Valley. She watched the Edna Valley Chardonnay grapes become world famous in the 1970s. Catharine Niven was well known personally in the grocery industry and in the restaurant world. The vineyard was her first business decision; making her own Burgundian-style wine was the second. Her first wine, a Chardonnay released in 1984, bore the label Tiffany Hill. Catharine developed a marketing strategy to sell her wine directly to restaurants in Honolulu, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. However, a cease-and-desist order from Tiffany & Company changed her plans. The family decided to make a range of wines under the new label Baileyanna starting in 1989. Catharine continued to market the wine.
47. Old Edna – A Township Established In The Early 1800s – Date Unknown
The name Edna was derived from the old township that was established in the early 1800s. The original records are missing, so the date of the founding is unknown. The township has a history that can be traced to the 1840s. It was part of a Mexican Land Grant made during the Mexican Era before California became a state. The Mexican Land Grant was awarded to Jose Maria Villavicesencia.
48. Othman, Don And Gwen – The Bull Dog Pup – Multigenerational Farmers
Don Othman is an expert on exotic metals; he worked fabricating and welding high-tech metals. He chose between pursuing a career in the space industry or moving to rural San Luis Obispo with his wife Gwen in 1975. They arrived as the California wine revolution was growing, using new materials and equipment such as stainless steel tanks. Don and Gwen saw an opportunity for Don to start a new business to help winemakers install and integrate new equipment into their wineries. They started Bulldog Welding and Manufacturing to supply all the stainless steel materials and the valves, tools, and fittings needed in the new construction and custom work for wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
His greatest contribution has been embraced worldwide. He discovered that winemakers faced a serious challenge when transferring Pinot Noir from the barrel to the bottling tank. Many desirable characteristics, including aromas and flavors, were lost because of agitation and oxidation caused by the pumping process. To solve the issue, Don invented a gas-pressure-racking device to gently move Pinot Noir out of the barrel using an inert gas, which protected the wine from agitation and oxidation. The first racking device was tested in 1985 at Edna Valley Vineyard. It worked – it retained the quality of the wine from barrel to bottle. Don named it the Bull Dog Pump. It has become the standard worldwide and revolutionized how craft beer, wine, and spirits are moved in the cellar.
49. Pacific Vineyard Management Is Professional Management – 1988
Jack Niven founded Paragon Vineyard Co to manage the Niven family vineyards planted in the Edna Valley in 1973. His viticulturist and vineyard manager was Jim Efird, a recent graduate of Fresno State. There were many challenges, and Jack provided the resources Jim needed to find the solutions. For example, the rolling landscapes in the vineyards required research on successful irrigation systems. Water in the Edna Valley is not plentiful. Jim traveled abroad to study irrigation and was able to determine and install the best technology available in the vineyard. The partnership with Chalone built a new production facility, Edna Valley Winery, and increased the demand for Chardonnay grapes. Jack and Jim decided to restructure the management of the vineyards and create a new company in 1988, staffed with professionals. They named it Pacific Vineyard Management, and it is still growing in 2025. George Donati joined the staff in 1995 and became head of the company when Jim Efird retired in 2004. George also recently retired.
50. Paragon Vineyard Company – The Niven Family – Multi-Generational Farmers
John Niven, the father of Jack Niven, who married Catharine Headly, founded a unique chain of grocery stores at 180 locations in Northern California. This chain, Purity Markets, was founded in 1929, and each spacious store had its own design. The Nivens wrote a new history chapter in the art of wine distribution and sales. They were among the first to offer California wines at their markets, featuring Gallo and Sebastiani among others. Wines were suddenly within reach, next to the produce and meats, so they became part of the everyday dining experience. In the late 1960s, the grocery business changed as the large retailers created market chains located in shopping centers, which became the destination for shoppers. John Niven sold his stores one by one while Jack and Catharine looked for the next business opportunity in the wine industry. After hiring consultants and doing extensive research, they purchased 542 acres in the Edna Valley and hired Jim Efird to supervise and plant their vineyard. Over half the varieties planted were white varieties, including Chardonnay, White Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Chenin Blanc. 160 acres were planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Gamay and Merlot. The quality of their grapes changed the history of agriculture in the Edna Valley.
51. Phylloxera
The small insect, known as grape phylloxera, originated in North America. It is known for causing The Great French Wine Blight in the mid-1800s, which destroyed many historic vineyards in France. Phylloxera first arrived in Languedoc in 1863; 40% or more of French grapes and vineyards were devastated over a 15-year period from the late 1850s to the mid 1870s. The French government reached out to vintners of French descent in America to help save premium French Grape varietals. Pierre Dallidet was famous for assisting the French government in saving the premium French grape varieties. Dallidet grafted cuttings of premium French varieties onto his own disease-resistant rootstock.
Phylloxera was not common in San Luis Obispo County. However, it did strike the vineyards of Abram Bruyn Hasbrouck in the Upper Arroyo Grande Valley in 1915, the same year that he died.
52. Piedra Creek Winery
Piedra Creek was founded by the late aerospace engineer Romeo (Meo) Zuech and his wife Margaret in 1984. Meo emigrated to the United States from Italy after World War II. He met Margaret in Chicago; they married and headed for California to start a new life. During his career in California, Meo met other engineers who were making their own wines from grapes purchased in SLO County. Meo transitioned from home winemaking to professional when he retired to SLO County. He was familiar with Italian varieties that had not yet been grown in the United States. Meo is remembered for pioneering the cultivation of Lagrein in the United States; it is a rare red grape from Italy’s Alto Adige region. When he retired, Meo started the smallest bonded winery in the Edna Valley, first making Chardonnay from the finest grapes available. He worked and sourced his grapes from the MacGregor vineyard in Edna Valley. Meo and Margaret moved to the estate San Floriano vineyard in the Edna Valley in 1999. Piedra Creek Winery is known for hand harvesting of specific grape clones, specializing in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Lagrein. Grandson T.J. de Jony was trained in viticulture and winemaking from childhood by Meo. After Meo’s death, T.J. became the winemaker. The wines are sourced exclusively from the San Floriano Vineyard. T.J. wrote this lovely poem as a child – a tribute to Andrew MacGregor.
53. Rhône Grape Varieties And Rhône Growers
Rhône varieties were grown in San Luis Obispo County in the 1880s. These included the red varieties Grenache, Mataro, Cinsaut, and Carignane, and the white varieties Marsanne and Rousanne. In the 20th century, Rhône varieties were grown in the Central Valley and used by producers for blending. However, the traditional Rhône grapes – Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Viognier planted in earlier decades were dying out. Growers were looking at new varieties to capitalize on the classics such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
In North County, Gary Eberle and Ken Volk were early Rhône enthusiasts. Gary Eberle focused on the Rhône varieties in the mid 1970s. He attended UC Davis and then moved to Paso Robles to work as the winemaker at Estrella River Winery. He planted the first Syrah in the county and produced an award-winning 100-percent Syrah varietal. There was no market for this wine in spite of the award, so Gary stopped making it. But he did have a Syrah clone that he originally obtained from a UC Davis Test Vineyard. He sold the Syrah cuttings to Bob Lindquist and other local growers who were interested in reviving Rhône varieties. Bob became well known for his biodynamic farming techniques; he became famous for his Syrah under the Qupé label.
John Alban is one of the most influential Rhône producers. He spent four years studying the Rhône varieties in the area of Condrieu, France, which is famous for its Rhône vineyards. John realized that none of the areas producing Rhône wines in the world had the critical mass or resources that were needed to successfully market their Rhône wines in the 1980s. He began sharing this knowledge as a consultant in 1985. His name, Johnny Appleseed, stuck.
John Alban established a nursery of cuttings of Rhône varieties that he sold to his clients, California winemakers. In 1989, John purchased a 300-acre property in the Edna Valley. John founded the first American winery and vineyard established exclusively for Rhône varieties. Sixty acres were perfectly positioned to grow Syrah, Viognier, and Roussanne. His first concern was the small number of Viognier vines in France; the variety was close to extinction. John is a pioneer in promoting Viognier. John planted a thirty-two-acre block of Viognier in 1989, saying, “ I almost single-handedly doubled the world’s acreage.
54. St. Remy Winery – First Winery In The Upper Arroyo Grande Valley
The first winery built in the Upper Arroyo Grande Valley was built by a man who grew up in a wealthy family in Upstate New York but longed for adventure. A.B Hasbrouck came to San Luis Obispo County to be a cowboy and was hired by the famous Steele brothers to work in their cattle operation. He loved his career and later founded his own dairy and became famous as a cheesemaker. His style and grace made him a legend in hospitality on the Central Coast. He purchased the Ranchita Arroyo Grande from the Steeles for $23,000 in 1883. He planted 30 acres of vineyards starting with the grape known as Rose of Peru in 1885. He experimented with many grape varieties. He purchased mission rootstock from Pierre Dallidet. In 1886, he built the St. Remy Winery, sourcing his grapes from the Saucelito Canyon Vineyard owned by his neighbor Henry Ditmas.
55. Saucelito Canyon Vineyard – Bill Greenough – Multi-Generational Farmers
In 1974, William (Bill) Greenough rediscovered the Saucelito Canyon Vineyard of Rosa and Henry Ditmas in the Upper Arroyo Grande Valley. It has rested in peace since around 1915, allowing the old Zinfandel vines to grow deep roots in their struggle for survival. Bill purchased this land from the descendants of the Ditmas family, and he spent the rest of the decade bringing the vines back to life with his pick and shovel and amazing tenacity.
As the vineyard of ancient gnarled vines revived, Bill had pruned the dry-farmed vines and looked forward to his first harvest. He established Saucelito Canyon Winery in 1982. Bill’s first vintages were Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. He described his vineyard as having a lot of strength and character, a vineyard whose roots reach deep into the Arroyo Grande soil and history. Two generations continue to manage the vineyard and make wines, now over nineteen varietals.
56. Saucelito Canyon Vineyard – Henry Ditmas – First To Plant Zinfandel
Henry Ditmas was the first to plant and dry-farm Zinfandel grapes on a three-acre block in the Upper Arroyo Grande Valley. Ditmas was an Englishman who spoke many languages and had served in the British Army on assignment in British East Africa, working as a civil engineer. He contracted malaria and returned to England for treatment. In 1871, Henry, joined by his cousin, came by ship to seek his fortune in California. He started in the sheep and wool business in the Los Osos Valley and later owned a grocery store in Avila before returning to England to marry his English sweetheart Rosa. Henry and Rosa traveled back to the USA through Panama. He filed a government claim to 560 acres of property located in the Upper Arroyo Valley in 1878. Ditmas cleared the land and named it Saucelito Canyon. The following year, 1880, he planted both Zinfandel and Muscat grapevines. Some of the vines were sent from Europe, and others were purchased locally.
Ditmas was friendly with winemaker Pierre Dallidet and local farmers in the Arroyo Grande Valley and in San Luis Obispo. Abram Bruyn Hasbrouck founded the first winery in the Arroyo Grande Valley a few miles down the road from Ditmas in 1875. Ditmas sold his Zinfandel grapes to Hasbrouck, who made highly successful wines. Ditmas’ legacy to San Luis Obispo County is a remarkable vineyard with old vines still producing 145 years later.
The story continues with a remarkable new chapter with new owner Bill Greenough in 1974. Henry and Rosa were divorced after the birth of their son. The Ditmas family owned Saucelito Canyon Vineyard until 1974. Henry Ditmas died at age 47 in Boston. He is fondly remembered as an artist, a photographer, a world traveler, a civil engineer, a military officer, a businessman, and an extraordinary winegrower.
57. Sinor, Mike – The Winemaker’s Winemaker
Mike Sinor is affectionately known as The Winemaker’s Winemaker. This title has many meanings. When Mike arrived in San Luis Obispo to attend Cal Poly to study Industrial Technology, he had made an intellectual choice. When he looked for jobs and found ways to pay for his education, he started a fascinating journey of self-discovery that we have all witnessed and been a part of over the last 35 years. He started working for local winemakers; he became part of each family. Nancy Greenough describes Mike “as a joyful worker.” Everyone likes him, and he brings out the best in everyone. Mike started in the cellar and realized that “whom you work for is very important. The people you work for are crucial. I looked around here with an eye toward working with the best of the best.” Mike became the best of the best, working first for winemakers Bill Greenough and Clay Thompson, John Clark at Corbett Canyon, the iconic Ken Brown at Byron and Robert Mondavi. He also fell in love his first year in college and married Cheri. They created their own label Sinor – La Valle. Mike’s family heritage is Spanish, and Cher’s is French.
Mike realized that he had to keep moving on in search of new experiences. He left Byron in November of 2000 when offered his first winemaker’s position at Domaine Alfred/Chamisal Vineyard in Edna Valley. Mike describes the moment he realized he needed a change. He knew that his own personal growth had come from being uncomfortable. He took that step, asking owner Terry Speizer to give him control over 80 acres of vines and winemaking. Terry agreed. They worked on the vineyards for over five years, bringing them to perfection. Wine Spectator agreed, too. They rated the 2004 Alfred- Domaine Pinot Noir a score of 96 points, the highest ever given to a Central Coast Pinot Noir. Mike’s mantra – “Wine done well will transmit its environment. The message is the place, the messenger is the wine.” Mike left in November of 2005.
Again, Mike was looking for change, but he was not certain what it could be. He had many offers, and he consulted with winemakers, mentoring many. He spent 10 years on the Board of a new organization, The World of Pinot Noir. In 2012, Mike was named Winemaker of the Year in San Luis Obispo County. We all watched him and were inspired by him. Mike did find the next level of winemaking as a partner at Ancient Peaks Winery on the Santa Margarita Ranch. They met in 2006; Mike describes the meeting: “I had never met these guys from Santa Margarita Ranch, but from the start, it was a convergence of energies and focus. We became business partners. I wanted control over the wine making process and they were comfortable with that.” So I said “let’s start dating and we have been together ever since.” The journey continues, like a fine film, full of emotion, challenges, and inspiration.
58. Stephen Ross Dooley – Grower, Winemaker – High-Quality Fruit Is Key To Winemaking
Stephen’s relationship with growers and winemakers has shaped wine history in South County. He has made wine for many growers under their own labels. In 1987, Edna Valley Vineyards hired Stephen to produce a barrel-fermented Chardonnay that was clean and clear, with the fruit flavor highlighting the grapes produced at Paragon Vineyard Co. His efforts were rewarded with 91 points from Wine Spectator. He founded his own Stephen Ross Wine Cellar in 1994 and, after researching Pinot Noir grapes grown in a variety of Central Coast vineyards, determined that three Dijon clones and one Wadenswil clone produce grapes in the Edna Valley for world-class Pinot Noir.
59. Talley Family Vineyards – Brian Talley And Don Talley – Multi-Generational Farmers
The Talley family established Talley Farms and Talley Vineyards in 1948 and has farmed them for four generations, providing premium-quality vegetables to thousands of local customers, produce markets, and restaurants for over 75 years. The second generation, Don and Rosemary, planted the first grapes and established the first winery in the Lower Arroyo Grande Valley on historic ranch land. Their estate wines, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, have received extraordinary recognition from the White House and at the Judgment of Paris Tasting in 2006. Brian and Johnine Talley, the third generation, established the Fund for Vineyard and Farm Workers and have raised thousands of dollars to support local farm workers, the first philanthropy of its kind in San Luis Obispo County. Brian is the co-founder of the World of Pinot. He is also the first to say that multi-generational farmers created civilization. And we agree!
60. Tchelistcheff, André Letter To Jack Niven In Support Of The Edna Valley AVA
Andre Tchelistcheff is remembered as the man who shaped the rise of the California premium wine industry after the repeal of Prohibition. His knowledge and leadership raised the standards of grape growing and winemaking in California to a level of excellence never before seen in our region’s wine history. In 1973, Andre established his own consulting business and worked with growers and winemakers in San Luis Obispo County. Jack Niven consulted with Andre about establishing the Edna Valley AVA. Andre wrote the following words to Jack in support of the Edna Valley AVA: In my long-lasting career as a consulting enologist… I have had the opportunity to observe and study the performance of the Edna Valley vineyards during the last several years, from 1975 to 1980. The ecological complex of the valley soil, micro-climate the productivity is directly and strongly reflected in the individual qualitative structure of the wines produced exclusively from the grapes grown within the boundaries of this specific viticultural area.
61. Warren, James L.L. – Father of California Agriculture – First Harvest Fair
In 1854, James L.L. Warren established the California State Agricultural Society to promote the kind of systematic and intelligent agriculture that he had known in New England. By 1855, Warren promoted viticulture and wine growing in Northern California. He started a newspaper called the California Farmer, calling all farmers with headlines like “Cultivators of California! Plant our vineyards! Begin now. No better investment can be made.” This spread to SLO County during the next 10 years.
Warren’s major impact on San Luis Obispo County is that he helped local growers organize regional and county fairs where prizes were awarded in a broad range of categories. Eventually, he organized a series of districts whose competitions led to County and State Fairs. These fairs brought communities together to share information, trade plants, sell produce, and develop nurseries. The fairs held competitions for the best grapes, wines, and brandies. The first harvest fair was held in Arroyo Grande in 1885. Henry Ditmas, founder of the Saucelito Canyon Vineyard, participated and sold table grapes and raisins to his neighbors and other locals in Avila and Arroyo Grande. Soon the Upper and Lower Arroyo Grande Valleys were producing the best vegetables in San Luis Obispo County.
62. World Of Pinot – Archie McLaren And Brian Talley
International Wine Cellar hosted several of New York’s finest restaurant directors to taste the wines in front of a large television screen. At the same time, Brian was hosting a panel of winemakers and a live audience in Arroyo Grande, California. Both of the groups tasted Pinot Noir in an effort to identify differences in terroir among the Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria, and Santa Ynez AVAs. All four AVAs are located on the Central Coast of California. Wine enthusiast Archie McLaren attended the dual tasting and was inspired to create an annual world-class event in San Luis Obispo County designed to build awareness of Pinot Noir. The inaugural event was organized by Brian Talley and Archie McLaren in the year 2000 at the Cliff Hotel in Pismo Beach to attract visitors to the Central Coast to taste wines made by local Pinot producers. The audience included members of the wine trade, media, and customers interested in the high-quality wines being produced on the Central Coast. Top Burgundy producers, Domaine Leroy and Domaine d’Auvenay, were invited from France. The event continues to educate all who attend and includes producers of Pinot Noir from around the world.
63. Zuech – Margaret And Meo – Rare Italian Varieties Multi-Generational Farmers
Romeo (Meo) Zuech was a brilliant observer of nature, science, food, and wine. He was born in Italy, fought in World War II with dangerous assignments, and worked with important metals in the car industry prior to his move to the United States. He met his lovely wife, Margaret, in Chicago. He taught her to sing in exchange for her teaching him English. They married and drove to Southern California, where Meo found a job in the Aerospace Industry. He met Andy MacGregor and found they shared a love of wine and science. Their friendship led to many scientific experiments with grapevines and a decision to retire from their jobs and move to the Edna Valley on the Central Coast to grow grapes. Andy MacGregor grew Pinot Noir grapes. Meo bought some to make wine. He shared a bottle of his Pinot Noir with the famous Ann Noble at UC Davis. She told him it was the best wine she had ever tasted. Meo decided to retire in 1978 and become a winemaker in the Edna Valley. He lived on the MacGregor vineyard with Margaret until it was sold. He bought land and planted in his own vineyard, Piedra Creek, in the Edna Valley. His most important contribution to SLO Wine history was his decision to work with UC Davis to bring two grape varieties grown in the Alto Adige region of Italy, in partnership with UC Davis, to the United States. The two varieties are Lagrein and Teroldego. They were both grafted onto vines with the help of Andy MacGregor. Today, the Edna Valley is home to the largest Lagrein Vineyard in California.
