Of course, being in part of the huge wine country in California, San Luis Obispo offers significant opportunities for oenophiles. What follows is by no means a complete list of wine hot spots in San Luis Obispo, but more of a starter’s guide to some fun and different places to grab a drink. So choose a place, make a contact, and get started!
Sample local vintages at the Monterey Street Wine Co. (www.montereystreetwines.com;). This is a great choice for a first date, because there will be plenty of conversation about the wines carried, and because as a retail/bar establishment, there’s no pressure for dinner—but be sure to order some of the fine cheeses available to accompany your wine selections.
Go straight to the source at the Tolosa Winery and Vineyard (www.tolosawinery.com;). The winery provides ample tasting and enjoying opportunities, as well as educational offerings in a relaxed yet sophisticated environment.
Taste (www.taste-slo.com;) has a unique approach to wine tasting. When you go in, you buy a “wine card,” similar to a gift card, then use it to buy one-ounce “tastes” at machines called Enomatics. The sips of wine can be enjoyed inside or out on the patio.
The Vinoteca Wine Bar (www.vinotecawinebar.com;) is a relaxed, cozy wine bar with an enormous granite bar as well as sofas and pub tables, and even a cozy back room just for couples. A limited food menu, primarily appetizers, makes a nice accompaniment to the extensive wine list.
The Wine Attic (www.thewineattic.com;) is first and foremost a wine retailer, but tastings are routine and there is a patio in the back where you can order a bottle for consumption on the premises. A menu of upscale munchies is available, and Saturday nights bring live music.
Of course, another option is to take tours of the wineries themselves. If you and
your Let’s Grab a Drink partner will enjoy each other’s company for a
day, hop in the car (with someone taking the designated driver role, or consider
hiring a limo) and take your time exploring these fine wineries (check ahead for
hours; most are open weekends, some are open weekdays):
Edna Valley Vineyard (www.ednavalleyvineyard.com)
Baileyana Winery (www.baileyana.com)
Cerro Caliente Cellars (www.cerrocalientecellars.com)
Salisbury Vineyards (www.salisburyvineyards.com)
Villicana Winery (www.villacanawinery.com)
Castoro Cellars (www.castorocellars.com)
Pretty-Smith Winery (www.prettysmith.com)
Harmony Cellars (www.harmonycellars.com)
Barnwood Vineyards (www.barnwoodwine.com)
These are just a few of the options available to lucky Let’s Grab a Drink members in the San Luis Obispo area. Try one, try all—with Let’s Grab a Drink providing you with company, you can’t go wrong.