Page 24 - SLO Visitors Guide Winter 2023

San Luis Obispo & South County Wine Tasting
Visit the Edna Valley, making fine wine since the 1800s
Wine-tasting adventures just minutes from Downtown SLO
Driving the back roads of San Luis Obispo County’s pictur- esque Edna Valley is spectacular any time of the year with its rolling hills and vineyards, panoramic views, and historic schoolhouses and rustic barns. A drive through the valley, stretching from San Luis Obispo to Arroyo Grande, is the opportunity to visit some of the top wineries in the area and experience the world-class wine produced in the Edna Valley AVA.
The charming coastal Edna Valley has a winemaking history dating back to the 1800s is one of the oldest grape-growing regions in San Luis Obispo County. In its
ancient past, the valley was the ocean floor and today benefits from the rich oceanic and volcanic soils. The gentle sunshine and moderate Pacific Ocean maritime climate combine with the fertile soil to create one of California’s longest grape-growing seasons. All of these conditions come together to pro- duce incredible world-class wines
Bring a camera and plan on
a day of adventure sipping great wine, sampling some apple brandy, having lunch and playing some bocce ball.
Wine, grappa, and apple brandy at Autry Cellars
Nestled in the heart of Edna Valley, overlooking rows of vine- yards and a 40-mile stretch of the Santa Lucia mountain range is Autry Cellars. Owner and artisan winemaker Steve Autry and his tasting room staff pour wine varietals, brandy, and grappa borne from some of the best grapes se- lected from across the region, along with his signature apple brandy.
Autry Cellars’ informal, the unpretentious tasting room is, “decorated in early American warehouse” style, jokes Autry. However, don’t be deceived by the modest décor. In this tasting room, visitors can experience superb wine varietals ranging from best-selling petite Sirah to malbec and viognier.
In addition, you can taste the gold medal best-in-class grappa and silver medal-winning American oak and Hungarian oak brandies, awarded by the California Mid- State Fair.
With over 18 years of winemak- ing experience, Autry became a commercial winemaker 10 years ago and a fully licensed brandy distiller in 2012. A visit to Autry Cellars is about discovery. He says people who visit his tasting room, “come for the wine and discover the brandy.” At Autry Cellars, visitors gain access to impressive wines
and brandies that are available exclusively in the tasting room. Every wine is unique, and each is produced only in small quantities.
Visit Autry Cellars tasting room at 5450-B Edna Road in San Luis Obispo; open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, autrycellars.com, (805) 546-8669.
Saucelito Canyon tasting room is the destination for the finest Zinfandel
Along with a selection of amaz- ing red and white wine blends, Saucelito Canyon Vineyard makes one of the finest Zinfandel wines from historic dry-farmed old vines. The Saucelito Canyon tasting room on Biddle Ranch Road is the perfect destination for tasting some of the vineyard’s top selections. The tast- ing room specializes in Zinfandels that express the natural qualities of our historic estate vineyard in the Arroyo Grande Valley.
A visit to the tasting room is
a great way to be introduced to Saucelito Canyon wines. Enjoy tast- ings, a bottle of wine and a choice of tapas boxes or picnic boxes while soaking up the beautiful Central Coast weather. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available.
Join the wine club for great discounts and special wine club member perks.
Saucelito Canyon Tasting Room is located at 3080 Biddle Ranch Road, San Luis Obispo. Tasting
Award Winning Wines Spacious Outdoor Seating Cheese & Charcuterie Plates
Open Daily 12pm - 5pm
claibornechurchill.com · 805-544-4066 2649 Carpenter Canyon Road · San Luis Obispo
24 WINTER 2023
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