easytraveler

Hi, I need some help on planning a Central Coast wine-tasting trip.

Is there a place somewhere that we could go and taste several local wines, somewhat like TASTE in San Luis Obispo?

We will also be driving around, but want to stop off at a "wine bar" to do several samplings before hitting the road.

Any of your favorite wineries in the area that you could recommend? We're not really into "Sideways", but would appreciate recommendations for great local wines.

Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated!

smartcookie

There are many wineries in SB. You can drive up to any one of them and taste 4-5 wines for $5 and keep the glass. Google for wineries.

easytraveler

smartcookie: Thanks for your response.

I was looking for a single winetasting room rather than a whole lot of wineries. I already have maps of Foxen Canyon and Los Olivos, but was hoping that on the first day of arrival, we could just stop off at a wine tasting room and get some feeling for the wines of the region.

Thanks again!

easytraveler

anyone?

smartcookie

hm, not that I've heard of. However, wineries are in clusters, close together within 3-5 minute drive of each other. it's kind of part of the appeal to hop them.

easytraveler

Hi, smartcookie!

thanks for your continuing interest!

Well, I did find one: Los Olivos Tasting Room and Wine Shop, which specializes in those small wineries that do not have tasting rooms of their own - which is exactly what we are looking for.

Thanks again and I'll let you know how the winetasting goes!

laurenzo

Hi easytraveler. I do believe the tasting room in Los Olivos is right next to the restaurant (well, attached), Los Olivos Cafe, which is yummy, so make sure to grab a bite there! If you don't have time for a meal, the grocery store in town is "gourmet" and you can pick up some good eats! Have fun!

laurenzo

I forgot to add, I love TASTE!!

easytraveler

laurenzo: Thanks so much for the suggestion! We'll definitely stop by the restaurant!

Getting excited about this trip since we haven't been back for about ten years. Things must be very different... so many wines, so little time!

CaliforniaRaisin

Good food at Los Olivos.Haven't tried the wine room tho.Beautiful area.

paula1470

ET-Remember I told you my daughter had done wine tasting in Solvang area with lots of help from laurenzo and moneygirl. Anyway, one of her favorite wines is Au Bon Climat which is from a very small winery that doesn't have it's own tasting room. The Los Olivos Tasting Room is the only place that carries the Au Bon Climat along with wines from other small wineries in the area.

My DD and her boyfriend went to the tasting room in the morning when no one else was there. I am not sure if it was the owner or an employee but the gentlemen there spent lots of time with them going over all the wines. It was the highlight of their trip although they did enjoy getting out into some of the wineries.

They also really enjoyed their dinner at The Hitching Post which BTW has their own wine.

easytraveler

Oh, Paula! Thanks for the wine and food suggestions! Now I can't wait to get down there!

We leave tomorrow. If you don't see another post from me, it's because I've fallen into a vat of wine in Santa Baba County! Cheers!

But I still want to see your one and only photo! LOL!

paula1470

Have lots of fun-I look forward to a report. Sorry didn't get the picture up tonight. My older daughter is here tonight and we've been chatting.