Croma Vera, creating wines that respect nature and community
Winery honors Spanish wine heritage with Central Coast-grown varietals
—San Luis Obispo’s Croma Vera Wines marks its 10th anniversary this year, showcasing a continued commitment to bringing unique, Spanish-inspired wines to California’s Central Coast. Located in Duncan Alley, San Luis Obispo’s emerging urban beverage district, Croma Vera has carved out a niche with wines like albariño, tempranillo, graciano, and bold red blends sourced from sustainably farmed local vineyards.
Spanish-style wines on the Central Coast
In an interview, owner Mindy Oliver discussed the winery’s dedication to Spanish varietals, citing factors that influenced this direction. “Spanish wines like albariño and tempranillo are simply delicious, offering distinctive flavors that bring something unique,” Oliver said. A focus on Spanish-style wines differentiates the winery from the region’s many chardonnay and pinot noir producers, allowing Croma Vera to offer visitors a unique tasting experience.
Oliver explained that the Central Coast’s climate and soil are similar to Spain’s wine regions, providing a natural fit for these varietals. “If you trace a line of latitude from Ribera del Duero, you’ll land close to Paso Robles—a perfect parallel for these exceptional Spanish varietals,” she said, noting that this climate enhances the structure and richness of the winery’s tempranillo.
Edna Valley’s cool coastal climate draws out the crisp acidity and minerality in albariño, a varietal originally from the coast in Galicia in Spain. “This coastal influence gives our wines their distinct balance and freshness,” she said.
Owner, Mindy Oliver.
Celebrating 10 years
“Our goal is to introduce our wines in a casual and relaxed environment. We’re kid-friendly and dog-friendly” says Oliver.
Oliver said the winery’s proudest achievement has been building a strong sense of community among its followers. “Seeing our wine club grow and knowing that people genuinely enjoy our wines and look forward to each new release has been incredibly rewarding.”
To mark its 10th anniversary, Croma Vera has launched a project with The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County. The co-branded 2025 Rosé will contribute part of its proceeds to land conservation efforts.
“Choosing SIP-certified sustainable vineyards has always been a core principle, and as we reach this milestone, we wanted to give back to the land that nurtures our wines,” Oliver said. This partnership reflects Croma Vera’s commitment to sustainability and community-focused conservation.
Duncan Alley, SLO’s new beverage hotspot
Duncan Alley is a new hub for three wineries, a beer garden, a brewery, a coffee shop, a cidery, and food trucks, offering visitors an exciting urban space to enjoy a variety of local craft beverages.
Oliver highlighted the area’s unique charm as a unique attraction for guests, “Duncan Alley invites guests to explore a variety of locally crafted beverages in one convenient location, all while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere that’s unique in San Luis Obispo.”
Duncan Alley is a five-minute drive from downtown SLO, much closer than many of the wineries in the Edna Valley, which makes it a compelling choice for visitors who want to experience the diversity of wines available on the Central Coast all in one convenient spot.
Environmental stewardship
Environmental stewardship is central to Croma Vera’s approach. The winery sources grapes from SIP-certified vineyards, ensuring practices that protect the land and vineyard workers. SIP Certified (Sustainability in Practice) is a San Luis Obispo County certification that recognizes vineyards and wineries committed to environmentally responsible practices and worker well-being.
“We believe in creating wines that respect both nature and community,” Oliver said, adding that Croma Vera continually seeks ways to reduce its environmental footprint and give back to the area it calls home.
Conclusion
Discover the vibrant flavors and community spirit of Croma Vera Wines during your next visit to San Luis Obispo. Raise a glass to 10 years of dedication to Spanish varietals and sustainable winemaking on California’s Central Coast.
Croma Vera Wines is located at 3183 Duncan Road, Suite D, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Visit them Thursday through Sunday (and some Mondays) from 1 to 7 p.m. For more information, visit cromavera.com, or on Instagram at instagram.com/cromaverawines/, or call (805) 946-1685.
—Skye Pratt
