Living on the Central Coast means being surrounded by wineries. In our case, that sometimes means right next door. That’s our youngest cow, Francesca, standing at the property line above a neighboring vineyard, keeping an eye on things.
I’d been visiting this region for years before we moved here and watched it evolve. When Rancho Los Venados first took shape, there were around 30 commercial wineries. The atmosphere was relaxed and unpretentious, far removed from Napa or Sonoma. You didn’t need a working knowledge of fermentation science to enjoy a tasting, and you could leave with a free glass and a few bold bottles of Cab or Zin at reasonable prices.
Today, with more than 300 labels in the area, some of that ease has given way to higher prices and more polished attitudes (including the occasional $95 white table wine). We still tend to favor the old-school version.
Penman Springs, tucked along the back roads east of Paso, has weathered more of this change than most.
Beth, the proprietor, has kept things refreshingly low-key for decades, producing quality wines at fair prices. There’s an upright piano in the tasting room for anyone to play, kittens roaming the back room, and no pressure to overthink the experience.
You’ll find a solid lineup of varietals from the vineyard, including Aglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Muscat Blanc, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, and their flagship Meritage—plus a white table wine that’s still sensibly priced.
If you’re ever in SLO County, it’s worth the detour. Mention “Twenty Nickels” for 20% off your wine purchases!
More local favorites to come.
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