Central coast wineries

WINE TALK
21

Thanks! Will give them all a look :slight_smile:

22

+100.

23

A couple of thoughts…

If you do go to Jocko’s, keep in mind two things (I’ve only been there once, about 6-7 years ago, so things may have changed since then). The steaks are huge, so two could easily share one order. Frankly, I didn’t think the quality of the steak I had there was up to what I’ve had at either Hitching Post. And if you can, bring your own stemware - theirs is crap.

Went to a nice, very informal small plates / wine bar place in SLO a couple of months ago: Meze http://mezemarket.com/
Shoot, just saw that it’s closed on Sundays, so that will not work for your trip this time, but worth checking out next time you’re in the area.

And I visited a few Edna Valley wineries on that early March visit - here’s a report: Visits to Central Coast wineries - March 2012
Of the three we visited, I think that Claiborne & Churchill and Wolff would be worth a stop. Claiborne & Churchill has some excellent whites, though I didn’t think the reds were up to the same standard. Wolff’s wines were a bit hit and miss, as already noted here, but there were some good ones and it’s a beautiful spot with a great view. And you’ll have a very memorable visit if you have a chance to talk with Jean-Pierre Wolff there.

Hope that helps, and looking forward to hearing about your visit this weekend.

24

OK, BUT, we are only 30 minutes from SLO (OK, maybe 40 minutes from the airport), and our wineries are MUCH better than SLO, and we have fabulous restaurants. [wow.gif]

25

LA Times review of Jocko’s: The Review: Jocko's steakhouse in Nipomo

26

I can actually vouch for all these statements, although the “MUCH” depends on where you go… If you’re not looking for pinot/chard and don’t mind bigger, riper wines, there definitely are higher highs up there if you choose your visits carefully.

27

Also, if you go to Jocko’s, I would suggest bringing your own stems. And order your steak medium-rare, or rarer. Of the three times i’ve been there, my medium-rare has come out medium-rare twice, and medium once. Incredibly delicious every time, though. And do make a reservation, or be willing to wait awhile for a table.

28

Wow, tons of amazing wineries in the Edna Valley, some just across the street from the Airport! A few suggested stops: Autry cellars (head south on broad it’s a right turn out of the airport, on the left hand side) you will meet the winemaker Stephen Autry, he’s usually there. Next stop would be Tolosa, beautifully appointed tatsing room with some incredible Chard/Pinot, and you can take a tour of the production facility if it’s not too busy. There your journey can take you left on Biddle ranch road and hit Edna Valley (Pinot/Chard), Saucelito (try the ZIn there), Baileyana (they have several labels, must try the Gruner Veltliner if they have it open–follow the wine trail signs) Wolff (pinot/chard), Chamisal (pinot/chard)–all of these wineries are very much worth the 2 minute drive from one another.

Or you can stay on Broad and it will take you to Sextant winery (there’s a deli there too for a quick bite) and then off the Claiborne Churchill.

Enjoy your adventure in wine country and feel free to call if you have any questions!
SLO VINTNERS–805-541-5868
www.slowine.com

29

Just an update. As you all should know, anyone with a name that is five letters, begins with “L” and ends with “A” is always right, therefore I am heading up to Paso for wine tasting. However, I’ll be staying in San Luis Obispo all week so the restaurant recommendations are appreciated. :slight_smile:

30

Now if I can go to Jocko’s I will since my company’s location is only 10-11 blocks north and I know the location.

31

Make reservations.