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Pismo Beach Visitor Guide
September 29 – October 2 : Sunset Savor the Central Coast
Sunset Savor the Central Coast celebrates the beauty and bounty of this coastal region in an incredible 4-day experience . The event showcases area winemakers, chefs, and artisanal food producers. Sunset magazine’s expert editors guide attendees through outdoor adventures and farm excursions, plus join guests at exclusive winemaker dinners and amazing culinary showcases by celebrity chefs.
Get out into wine country this month. Yes, this is the time to pack a lunch, grab a driver and head out and visit the central coast wineries. The vineyards are bright green and lay heavy with clusters of plumb, juicy wine grapes.
Wineries and growers have been preparing for the harvest and many will begin picking this month. This makes for lots of activity at the wineries as grapes are delivered, crushed and processed. Watch out for tractors on the roadways pulling gondolas brimming with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and a host of other varieties.
If you lucky you can tour a facility when the grapes are being crushed and de-stemmed and pressed into must, the pulpy precursor to wine. Mechanical presses, small and large, squeeze the fruit for its sweet and flavorful juice. The left-over skins, or pomace, is piled up and lends a sweet, fruity aroma to the air.
On September 29 & 30th head out to the Pismo Beach for Sunset Magazine’s Western Wine Awards and Gala. On Thursday night there will be an opening VIP Reception at Hearst Castle and on Friday come on out to the Pismo Pier for wine, music, food and the Western Wine Award presentation. Wine tasting, celebrity chefs, food, music and fun make for a perfect pairing in Pismo Beach. For tickets and information see www.savorcentralcoast.com
The latest video for the 2nd Annual Sunset Savor the Central Coast. Highlights include a schedule of the major events during the 4 day event. September 29 through October 2, 2011.
There is a new wine tasting room on the scene in Edna Valley offering a range of wines to taste including lesser-known varietals. Autry Cellars, which has been making wine since 2007, moved from their urban San Luis Obispo location to a new facility in the heart of Edna Valley at the intersection of Los Ranchos Road and Edna Valley Road.
Steve Autry made the move to the larger digs to offer visitors a more rural wine tasting experience and room to grow his small production. He makes only 800 cases annually, but offers a total of 11 wines, including some excellent less popular offerings, like Tempranillo, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah and a few more. He is open Friday through Sunday and for drop-ins during the week. 805.546.869
Laetitia Vineyard in southern Arroyo Grande has a popular sparkling wine demonstration this month where you can kick off your shoes and get in their wine press and stomp some grapes. (Also enjoy live music, light snacks and good wine.) Check with the winery for the actually date as Mother Nature will be setting the schedule. 888.809-VINE
Don’t forget to make plans for the Taste Of San Luis at Mission Plaza on September 14th. This is SLO’s annual premier gourmet dining event under the stars in beautiful Mission Plaza. Lots of wine, food, live music and folks dressed up their elegant attire. Tickets at: downtownslo.com
Its been reported that Edna Valley Vineyards will be purchased by E & J Gallo Winery in the next few weeks. Yes the Gallo who started making wine after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933 and grew to become the largest privately held wine company in the world.
The Niven family originally started Edna Valley Vineyards in 1974 when they planted the Paragon Vineyard and then in 1980 built the winery. They have been a big player in the Valley and in the community supporting a range of causes. The Niven’s maintain other winemaking facilities in the Valley and will continue to supply grapes to the winery from their Paragon Vineyard.
Gallo has been involved in the Central Coast wine industry for a number of years and has helped Cal Ploy’s viticulture and enology programs with funds and expertise. They planted a vineyard on the campus back in 1999. Like many large wine companies, Gallo has a broad portfolio of wine brands, including everything from Boones Farm to Barefoot Cellars to Gallo of Sonoma to Bridlewood in Los Olivos. The Edna Valley purchase will fill out their premium wine division and showcase the winery’s focus on Chardonnay.
For a dramatic panoramic view of Edna Valley and the volcanic peaks that dominant the area, plan a visit the Edna Valley Vineyards tasting room and experience the hospitality at our local wineries – large and small.
By Barrie Cleveland
