Central Coast

Central Coast

Tolsa Winery

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Cowboy dreams of owning a cattle ranch brought Robin Baggett to Edna Valley on the San Luis Obispo Coast. The cold Pacific wind and soils from ancient seabed to limestone made him realize he was on a frontier of a different sort: a microclimate ideal for ripening sensitive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.  

Robin began planting our home ranch in 1988.  In Edna Valley, much as the soil and the climate come together, the passions of vintner Robin Baggett have converged. The revelation of the valley as a remarkable place for Pinot Noir ignited his zeal to build complex, nuanced and balanced wines of distinction.  Over time, his quest has expanded to find other special pockets of terroir throughout California that offer an exceptional environment for these delicate grapes.  

A true believer in terroir and the deepest evocation of place, together with his winemaking team, his mission is to discover the best pockets of soil, and through the art of uniting the right sites, clones, rootstocks and farming practices, create exemplary Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that are the purest expressions of the place from whence they came. Tolosa is the expression of his commitment to spare no effort to craft nuanced and balanced Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of distinctive character to rival any in the world.
 

CRUSH Vineyard

Painting by Agata Zaborowski

After 30 years in the Fashion industry in New York City, Denise and Scott Schramm followed their hearts and daughters to California.  Denise and Scott are longtime wine enthusiasts and have always dreamed of owning a vineyard.  Traveling to Napa Valley since the early 90’s indulging their thirst for Cabernet Sauvignon this couple fell in love with California wines and the beauty of wine country. The Schramm's are also fortunate to have traveled to Europe and developed a fondness for the Italian Super Tuscans, Spanish Riojas, and France’s wines from the Bordeaux and Rhone regions. Nothing made them happier than gathering with friends and family sharing stories, good food, and great wine.    

The dream became reality when this couple purchased an established vineyard on the West Side of Paso Robles in the Adelaida District. The vineyard was known for growing award-winning Tannat and Tempranillo, two varietals that follow their “Road Less Traveled” philosophy in winemaking. At CRUSH Vineyard, the focus is on small-batch, hand-crafted red wines which are Estate grown on our family vineyard. Always sustainably farmed and handpicked.

The very first bottling, to commemorate the wedding of our oldest daughter Phoebe was a special blend of Tannat and GSM. This blend was named INCEPTION to mark the start of the new couple's life together, and the beginning of Denise and Scott's winemaking adventure. 

 

Kenneth Volk Vineyards

Grape cluster - art - Pixabay

Ken Volk has been making Santa Barbara and Central Coast wines for more than a quarter century. Perhaps best known as the founder of Wild Horse Winery, Ken has earned a reputation for crafting world-class wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Santa Maria Valley.

Barreto Cellars

winery's barrel room

Barreto Cellars, founded by Michael and Joey Barreto, Barreto Cellars was established with the idea of becoming the leader in California producing high quality wines featuring grape varieties native to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). Because of relatives who migrated to America from these regions there is an obvious connection and desire to learn more about and develop wines utilizing these varieties. Many of these are unheard of in California except for a few elite growers and select winemakers. Currently we are creating wines in the New World style while trying to capture the truly unique characteristics each variety possesses. Each lot of wine is carefully hand-crafted from vineyard to bottle to bring the true sense of the vineyard to your glass. In an attempt to represent both Spain and Portugal equally, a red variety noted for each country is being produced.

 

Bien Nacido Vineyards

Bien Nacido Vineyards Image

The Miller Family planted Bien Nacido Vineyards in 1970's. Togther with Winemaker Trey Fletcher this winery produces approx. 2,000 cases of wine a year. Wines produced are Chardonnay, Grenache, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vioner, Nebbiolo.

Foxen Vineyard

grape cluster - ai generated - Pixabay

The Foxen Boys (aka Bill Wathen and Dick Doré) have been making wine together since 1985, when they founded Foxen Winery & Vineyard at the historic Rancho Tinaquaic on Foxen Canyon Road.

Justin Vineyards and Winery

corks and wine glass

NOTHING but the best to report to about JUSTIN. The Vineyard and Wine Tasting Room are very nice, almost like being in another country. Peaceful and serene. The wine tasting room is relatively new, I believe we were told they opened about 6 months ago (from their prior location). The room was modern, tasteful, and chic. JUSTIN offers dinning in a beautiful dinning room that overlooks the vineyard. Of course, plan on making reservations ahead of time. The wine tasting was a success. We discovered their 2011 Right Angle and their 2011 Reserve Malbec. Both are AMAZING.

River Bench Vineyard & Winery

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

Riverbench Vineyard was established in 1973, when the first Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes were planted along the bank of the Sisquoc River, known as the Santa Maria Bench. For decades, some of the most renowned wineries have purchased its fruit for their wines. In 2006, Riverbench began producing its own wines in limited quantities, with many available exclusively through its wine club and tasting rooms in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara, California.

Brewer - Clifton

Chardonnay clusters - courtesy of photographer Randy Caparoso

Brewer-Clifton strive to be singular and true to the region, connected to the appellation and working diligently to display and celebrate it in the most honest way by means of their wines.

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