The Best of the SLO (San Luis Obispo) Coast in 2023

In 2023 we reported on the San Luis Obispo Coast AVA, California’s newest, coolest and most unique wine region, covering vineyards located close to the sea in San Luis Obispo County.  It produces excellent wines from grapes that love cool climates like Albariño, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, and Pinot Noir.  See our Report #96 The Wines of the SLO Coast for recommendations of individual wines.  We list below some of our favorite producers, by grape variety. In addition, look for Zinfandel at Saucelito Canyon; Riesling at Claiborne & Churchill; Grüner Veltliner at Maidenstoen; and Tempranillo at Verdad.  Read our articles on Talley, Niner, Stephen Ross, Dunites, Center of Effort, and Verdad.

Albariño: Brecon, Cadre, Niner, Stephen Ross, Verdad

Chardonnay: Center of Effort, Chamisal, Dunites, JP Wolff, Sawyer Lindquist, Niner, Talley, Testarossa, Tolosa

Pinot Noir:  Aequorea, Biddle Ranch, Center of Effort, Chamisal, Claiborne & Churchill, Dunites, Laetitia, Niner, Sinor-LaVallee, Pinot Noir, Talley, Testarossa, Tolosa

Syrah:  Biddle Ranch, Claiborne & Churchill, Derby, Dunites, Lindquist, Timbre