Celebrate National Wine Month in San Luis Obispo: Must-Visit San Luis Obispo Wineries and Events to Attend
It’s Wine Month in California, which means tastings, wine tours, festivals, and special offers. There’s no better time to see your favorite wines made from scratch – from grape picking to sorting, crushing, and of course, drinking!
Tour the best San Luis Obispo wineries and vineyards, stroll the coastal areas, or catch up with your reading with a glass of wine in the comforts of your hotel room. It’s the perfect summer for wine and beach lovers!
Take your pick from these amazing wineries in SLO:
Edna Valley Vineyard
Swirl, sip, and savor exquisitely coastal-crafted wines with varietals that range from reds like Pinot Noir and Syrah to whites like Chardonnay, Viognier, and Gewürztraminer. Edna Valley Vineyard is a pioneer among San Luis Obispo wineries offering charming panoramic views of Edna Valley’s rolling hills and vineyards. Although people flock to the valley, the area remains intimate, perfect for a romantic or fun weekend getaway.
At the tasting bar, you can taste Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with pairings that include local artisanal cheeses, meats, and bread. Coming with a group? You can also reserve a space for a small group tasting in the Cask Room—a cozy space that was once used to age wine.
Biddle Ranch
Enjoy a glass of homegrown Chardonnay while marveling at panoramic views of rolling hills and idyllic sunset. Biddle Ranch is among the wineries near San Luis Obispo, with a tasting room that gives off a luxurious, modern farmhouse vibe highlighting old-school-style wineries. Its experienced winemaker, Ryan Deovlet, can guide you on your wine tour – from grape to glass. Choose from their wide selection of Central Coast varietals and blends by the flight, glass, or bottle on their outdoor patio.
Autry Cellars
For true-blooded wine lovers who are more into the taste of wine rather than the glitz and glamor of tasting rooms, Autry Cellars is for you. Autry Cellars has an unassuming tasting room to highlight just the joys of wine tasting. Autry Cellars begins with grapes grown in Paso Robles and Edna Valley appellations along California’s picturesque Central Coast. Wine tasting in San Luis Obispo at Autry Cellars is a sensory and educational journey.
You don’t have to be a sommelier to enjoy their award-winning wines. The process is simple whether you’re a novice or a devoted wine connoisseur. Look, Swirl, Smell, and Taste. It’s best to taste their whites before the reds and their reds before the sweet wines. Visit their website to schedule a wine tour.
Sextant Wines
Sextant Wines is ideal for sommeliers and beginners with a discriminating taste. The winery aims to create unmatchable wines—bold blends sure to please even the most discerning palates. They have pristine tasting rooms where you’ll find accommodating, knowledgeable staff to guide you along your wine tasting journey.
With wines being offered from vineyards stretching from Monterey to Paso Robles and Edna Valley, you won’t be disappointed. Sextant has two distinct locations: the Estate Winery sits on 46 West, in a picturesque location overlooking the countryside. The Tasting Room and Gourmet Deli are in San Luis Obispo, where they occupy the historic Old Edna town site. Sip the award-winning Zinfandels and smooth Bordeaux blends or visit the ‘Gourmet Deli at Old Edna’ and fill your picnic basket with delicious snacks and tasty delights.
Laetitia Vineyard & Winery
If you love sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, you will enjoy Laetitia Vineyard & Winery. The estate vineyard in the Arroyo Grande Valley has created elegant wines that champion the exceptional character of its terroir. Originally founded by an established French Champagne house, the Laetitia estate carries on the longstanding traditions of Burgundy and Champagne with a focus on small-lot Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.
Sip a glass of red wine while basking in the panoramic beach views. Located on a hilltop, surrounded by Laetitia vineyards, with picnic areas, bocce ball courts, and a walking trail, their Tasting Room’s breathtaking ocean views give you peace and quiet.
Sparkling Wine Trail
Get ready to pop the cork all around the coast. San Luis Obispo is home to several sparkling wine producers, thanks to extended hang time and coastal climate. Taste sparkling wine at five must-try wineries in California’s wine country. Explore Paso Robles wine country and the SLO Coast, home to over 80 sparkling wine producers. Sip your way through San Luis Obispo County, from Paso Robles wine country to the wine trail right around San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay.
You will find many fun grape varieties in sparkling wines, including Marsanne, Grenache, and Syrah! Many San Luis Obispo wineries do not make enough quantity to have bubbles on a regular tasting list. Still, you can always ask at the winery. They’ll love to share this list with you. Few of the wineries you need to check for your Sparking Wine Trail include Niner Wine Estates, Cutruzzola Vineyards, Stephen Ross Wine Cellars, Baileyana, Center of Effort, and Piedra Creek.
Wine Tours and Dinners to join this Wine Month in SLO:
Art & Wine Tour – September 9
Grab your friends and join the annual Art & Wine Tour, which features outstanding local wines and food from 15 downtown businesses. Earlybird tickets are $20 through September 4, and general admission tickets are $25 from September 5-8. Every ticket comes with a complimentary souvenir wine glass.
You can also score tickets for the annual sun-splashed wine tasting festival, Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival. Held in the foothills of the San Luis Obispo County region, the festival celebrates fine wines from all over California. It features an eclectic array of craft beer, ciders, spirits, and food options. For $65, you can get your hands on an Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival Passport. This lets you taste at 28 wineries, 4 breweries, 2 distilleries, and 2 cideries over 12 months (and there will be plenty of local discounts as well). Get your tickets here.
Dine in the Vines – Winemaker Dinner, September 17
Sample wines and dine under the stars at an exclusive event in the heart of ONX Wines vineyards on September 17. The evening will begin with hors d’oeuvres and a seated dinner with wine-paired courses, followed by a tour of the winery and vineyards.
If you can’t make it to the Dine in the Vines, you can still drop by ONX Wines and sample their blends and collections. ONX Wines takes great pride in nurturing the traditions of making wines while simultaneously experimenting with new and exciting blends. Enjoy wine with gourmet charcuterie or cheese only upon making a reservation or during your tasting.
ONX Wines also offers wine tasting in the comfort of your home. Drink solo while you catch up on your favorite series, or host a private wine tasting with an ONX Wine expert who will virtually guide you through a flight of 5 wines. Learn more about the Dine in the Vines here.
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If you’d rather enjoy a glass of bubbles or reds in the comfort of a luxurious room, Sands Inn & Suites welcomes you to our Spanish-inspired hotel. We are conveniently located near the best wineries in SLO, making it a great starting point for your San Luis Obispo wine tours. Unwind between your tours in our jacuzzi, or enjoy your glass of Chardonnay in one of our pristine guest rooms. Sands Inn & Suites is pet-friendly, so you can take your furry friends too.