Wine Tasing Along The California Central Coast

Central Coast Wine Tastingare distinguished by the cool maritime influence.  The
Where else than the Central Coast can you strollsoils developed from marine deposits left millions of
along the beach in the morning, choose amongyears ago when the valleys were under water. This
dozens of wineries to visit during the day, be back towide range of warm and cool air and complex soils
the coast for a nap, and still take in the sunset andheightens the subtle characteristics of the fruit,
be ready for a night out?making it sought after by wine makers. The
For wine tasters, the Central Coast has a wonderfulvineyards in the area are best known for their
diversity of wine tasting experiences that are closerichly-flavored Pinot Noir and the complex and elegant
by, easy to find and offer first class award winningChardonnay. In addition Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier,
wines. From small family owned wineries near AvilaRiesling, Gewürztraminer, Syrah, and Merlot are
Beach to the large vineyards that blanket thealso grown.
picturesque Edna Valley, the Central Coast provides aFurther north, in the warmer climes of Paso Robles,
wine tour for every taste. Most wineries in the areayou find Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah,
are open daily, with some staying open through theTrempranillo and many Rhone varietals. In fact the
early evening. Check the online wine resources forexcellent reputation for Paso Robles fruit has
detailed tasting room information.expanded beyond just Cabernet and Zinfandel to
Wine growing in San Luis Obispo County goes backinclude the Rhone varieties of Rousanne, Mourvedre,
to the missionary days of California when the firstGrenache and Syrah.  In the Paso Robles and
grapevines were planted in the 1880s by FranciscanTempleton region there are over 180 wineries and
padres. Much has changed from those early years.one hundred and forty that open their doors to
Instead of the plump, thick skinned and tannicvisitors.
"mission grapes" growing within church fruit orchards,To the south in Santa Barbar County are the wine
we now find highly prized vineyards, sustainablytowns and vineyards of Santa Maria, Solvang, Santa
grown with selected clones of European grapeYnez and Los Olivos supporting over 80 wineries
varieties on specific root-stocks, matched to the soil,open for tasting. The rolling hills around Santa Maria,
climate and solar orientation.Los Alamos and Buellton have thousands of acres of
Within 10 miles of Pismo Beach there are more thanvineyards growing Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot
two dozen wineries open to the public with an arrayGris, Rousanne, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Syrah,
of facilities, ambiences and amenities. Some wineriesSangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Dozens
will let you sample their wine straight from the barrelof wineries can be discovered on back roads while
with the winemaker, while others offer an impressivestore-front tasting rooms can be found in the
tasting salon offering private tours, gourmet treatsdowntowns.
and gift shops.For specific winery information and touring options
The valleys locally have east-west orientations andvisit California Winery Advisor.