From the beach to the vineyard, unique wine tasting experiences abound along Highway 1. With diverse wine trails and charming tasting rooms, you’ll find tasty pairings, vibrant events and stunning views (plus, more than a few surprises along the way).
1) The Stunning scenery
San Simeon Scenic Route: Take in spectacular cliffside vistas along Highway 1 in San Simeon, a nationally recognized scenic byway. While it’s easy to enjoy the view from a distance, you’ll want to stop and savor premium cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay at Hearst Ranch Winery, an open air tasting room set among eucalyptus trees and overlooking stunning San Simeon Bay.
2) So many microclimates
Points North Trail: Discover unique microclimates along the Points North Trail which begins in coastal Cambria and ends in rural farmland. Sip sumptuous Bordeaux varietals at Madeline’s on Moonstone in Cambria (home to a gourmet lunch and dinner menu and oceanfront views) or spread out at Stolo Vineyards, where you can groove to live music while savoring floral whites in a lush meadow.
3) Elevated Experiences
Edna Valley Backroads/Core of the Coast: The most concentrated vineyard planting along Highway 1, explore scenic vineyards flanking the Edna Valley Backroads Trail or cruise from Edna Valley to the beach with the Core of the Coast Trail. Along the way, say hello to the peacocks on display at Kelsey See Canyon Winery, enjoy a seated flight at Claiborne & Churchill Vintners or enjoy Friday night tunes and bocce ball at Baileyana. Rosé lovers will adore Malene, with its converted Airstream trailer dedicated to drinking pink!
4) Country Charm
Arroyo Grande Valley Southern Charm Trail: Countryside meets sophistication along Arroyo Grande’s Southern Charm Trail, featuring a patchwork of rolling hills and farmland as well as a charming downtown village. Cozy up to a seat on the sunny tasting patio at Talley Vineyards, known for exceptional pinot noir, chardonnay and farmer’s market produce, all grown onsite.
5) The Beach
Avila Beach Wine Trail: Can’t decide between the vineyard or the ocean? Hit both on the Avila Beach Wine trail, where sandy sunsets and swirling glasses collide. Located a stone’s throw from the surf, Peloton Cellars offers up Spanish whites to Rhône reds all in close proximity to beachy fun. Nearby at Sinor-LaVallee, savor fresh sparklings or petite sirah sourced from grapes planted just 1.2 miles from the Pacific.
6) Surprises Abound
Cayucos and Harmony: Overlooking the hamlet of Harmony (population 18 if you count the cows), Cayucos’ Harmony Cellars offers up a breezy hilltop tasting room that welcomes your four legged friend. Or, take your wine experience anywhere: Glam up your coastal Cayucos picnic with a custom experience courtesy of Cayucos Picnic Co., where shaded canopies and plush cushions appear like magic at your preferred beach locale.
Taste our terroir: From the crash of ocean waves to vast expanses of rolling vineyards and scenic farmland, you’ll find an unforgettable wine tasting experience along Highway 1 in SLO CAL. With cool climate chardonnay and pinot noir grown near the coast and robust cabernet sauvignon ripening in sun-drenched soil, each sip brings you closer to what makes this land so special. Stay a week, a weekend or an afternoon: our diverse tasting rooms and friendly wine country stays are ready to welcome you with a glass of something great.
