Page 30 - SLO Visitors Guide Spring 2024

San Luis Obispo & South County Wine Tasting
Enjoy fine wine just minutes from downtown SLO
Sip great wine, sample apple brandy and play some bocce ball
The picturesque drive between Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo is the opportunity to visit some top wineries and experience the world-class wine produced in the region’s AVAs.
The charming coastal Edna Val- ley has been producing wine since the first experimental vineyards were planted in 1968 and, in 1982, was the first AVA granted in San Luis Obispo County. The Arroyo Grande Valley AVA merges into the
Baileyana Tasting Room is housed in the historic Independence Schoolhouse.
Edna Valley AVA at the north end of the valley. The valley attracted attention in the early 1980s when
the California branch of the Cham- pagne house Deutz, acquired land in the area. Sparkling wine is still made in the AVA.
The gentle sunshine and moder- ate Pacific Ocean maritime climate combined with the fertile soil come together to produce incredible 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.
Laetitia Vineyard & Winery, exquisite wines from distinctive vineyards
Laetitia Vineyard & Winery has been crafting exquisite wines since 1982. Founded by an established French Champagne house, the La- etitia estate carries on the traditions of Burgundy and Champagne with a focus on small-lot Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.
The vineyard is distinct for the great diversity of soils and climate held in one small area. The wine from the estate-grown grapes is
the product of one artistic vision from vine to glass, championing the exceptional character of the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA.
“Everything done in the cel- lar starts with what we do in the vineyard," says head winemaker
Eric Hickey. “I stay eye-to-eye with our vineyard manager because the interplay between us is what deter- mines the wines' quality.”
Laetitia's approach to vineyard management and winemaking played a pivotal role in it becoming one of the pioneering SIP-certified vineyards on the Central Coast.
Enjoy a relaxing, outdoor tast- ing experience overlooking the vistas of vineyards and the Arroyo Grande Valley, play some bocce ball, take a stroll along the walking trail, or an ATV tour. Enjoy Wine and Music Weekends from April through October.
The winetasting experience of- fers the Estate Flight, the Sparkling Flight, or the Black Label Tasting, showcasing select Pinot Noir. Res- ervations are recommended.
Laetitia is located at 453 Laetitia Vineyard Drive, Arroyo Grande. The tasting room is temporarily closed. For more information visit laeti- tiawine.com or call (805) 481-1772.
Stephen Ross Cellars, 29 years on the Central Coast
Stephen Ross Dooley’s curiosity about wine started as a teen mak- ing rhubarb and apple wine in his family’s Minnesota basement, and after a degree at UC Davis and 17 years of making wine for others, he
30 SPRING 2024
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