HANG YOUR WINE GLASS IN SAN LUIS OBISPO & ARROYO GRANDE
By Cori Solomon
ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Travel writers Cori Solomon and Mary Farah share their wine, food, and travel adventures in Central California and Northern Arizona. Cori focuses on the wine tasting experience in San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande region of California’s Central Coast, as outlined in her article below. Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Spreaker, PodBean, SoundCloud, or Facebook.
San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande lie about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, making each an ideal stop for a getaway. Both have agricultural roots that continue to define the towns. Today growing grapes tops the list of farming in the area. The wine scene is the most significant unifying factor, encompassing every aspect of San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande.
Tying the wine scene and the towns together is the new Appellation, SLO Coast AVA, also known as San Luis Obispo Coast AVA. San Luis Obispo was already known for its Edna Valley AVA and Arroyo Grande AVA. The winery and vineyard owners felt the area needed more recognition. As the vine acreage increased and the geographic terrain became descriptive of the area, the new AVA extends from San Simeon down to Nipomo along the coast and eastward to the Santa Lucia Mountains. The Edna Valley AVA and the Arroyo Grande AVA now lie within the SLO Coast AVA; therefore, they are sub-appellations. Thirty-two wineries make up this new AVA. They include Center of Effort, Stephen Ross, Talley, Timbre, Piedra Creek, Claiborne and Churchill, Chamisal Vineyards, Edna Valley, Filipponi Ranch, Laetitia Vineyard, Maidenstoen, Niner, Peloton, Sinor-LaVallee, and Croma Vera. Many of these wineries also reside in one of the sub-appellations.
San Luis Obispo
Many people think of San Luis Obispo as a college town since it is the home of Cal Poly. The University plays a vital role in the area’s activities. While Cal Poly has one of California’s leading enology and viticulture departments, San Luis Obispo is also home to many fabulous Central Coast wineries.
The city was named the happiest city in America, especially since the sense of a small big city prevails everywhere you venture. Its charm, architecture, art, scenic walk along the creek, cuisine, farmers’ market, and friendly atmosphere brings the past and present together.
Find downtown San Luis Obispo very walkable. Visiting San Luis Obispo, one must see the San Luis Museum, which reminds one of an intimate gallery. The art scene carries over to the murals found on the exterior museum walls and other city areas.
The charming historical buildings throughout San Luis Obispo and the Mission are evidence of the past. Arrive on a Thursday and partake in one of the best farmers’ markets. The restaurants are eclectic with lots of ethnicities. From Italian and Spanish to Peruvian, one enjoys the cuisine. Even some hotels exude history and ambiance, as reflected in a stay at the Apple Farm Inn.
SLO Coast AVA Vineyards - C Cori Solomon
Arroyo Grande
Hang your roost in the charmingly quaint town of Arroyo Grande with its tasting rooms, curio shops, and cafes. Check out the swinging bridge, the only one in California. One must meet the town’s mascots, the ever-present roosters who croon and often cause traffic as they walk across the main drag, Branch Street. The rooster population is a mystery even to the locals, but you will surely see one if you stroll along the creek behind Branch Street.
Cori Solomon, an award-winning writer/photographer, based in Los Angeles, often travels with her dogs in tow. Her blog, The Written Palette, features eclectic articles about her experiences traveling, dining, and discovering new wines, wineries, and wine regions, as well as topics including art, history, and pets. Cori’s background in real estate and art plays a role in her writing as she utilizes the art palette both visually and verbally. Cori often highlights the story behind the restaurant, chef, winery, winemaker, or artist. Cori Founded LA Wine Writers, a group of seasoned wine writers. She earned her WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits and received the NASA American Wine Specialist Certification and NASA Spanish Wine Specialist Certification.
