February 23, 2015

San Luis Obispo, California: Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards; things to do

Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards  

1947 See Canyon Rd., San Luis Obispo, (805) 595-9700.  Tasting daily; tour sometimes available by request.

Located on a scenic back road just a few miles from Avila Beach, the small Kelsey See Canyon Winery is a charmer.  More than 100 wild peacocks roam the land, and an inviting picnic area with a creek and rows of grapevines is just off the informal tasting room.

peacock at Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards in San Luis Obispo, California
peacock at Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards in San Luis Obispo, California


It is a family operation, started by a tugboat captain to get the family back together.  The owner’s nephew sometimes leads an informal tour, and art by the owner’s niece decorates the tasting room walls and some of the wine bottle labels.  

tasting room at Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards in San Luis Obispo, California
tasting room at Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards in San Luis Obispo, California


They only produce 5,000 cases per year, and it sells out fast to locals and wine club members.  Tasting standouts included a crisp 2013 Albarino with pineapple and grapefruit notes, the gold medal-winning 2013 Golden Delicious--a sweet 50 percent blend of apple cider and Chardonnay—and a nice, smooth 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon.  The unusual 2013 Estate “In-a-gadda-da-vino” Chardonnay, described as the “Iron Butterfly of Chardonnay,” is a trip and has a tie-dyed label to match.  The winery also makes a sweet end-of-season effervescent hard apple cider wine.  Owner Keith Kelsey says, “We’re an adventure.”  Live music with food and crafts stalls is scheduled on summer weekends.

wine bottles at Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards in San Luis Obispo, California
wine bottles at Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards in San Luis Obispo, California




More things to do in San Luis Obispo.

For more area wine adventures, see Avila Wine Trail.

More things to do in Avila Beach.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


1 comment:

  1. Now this is something I could get David to do without any hassle. He loves wine and wineries.

    ReplyDelete

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