Winery of the Week: Saucelito Canyon
San Luis Obispo, Edna Valley
The Saucelito Canyon story begins in 1880, when three acres of Zinfandel vines were planted in the rugged terrain of the upper Arroyo Grande Valley on California’s Central Coast. A new chapter was written a century later, when Bill Greenough painstakingly restored the abandoned old vineyard and began making what has become one of California’s most distinguished Zinfandels. “In our wines, you will discover flavors that are native only to our historic dry-farmed vineyard in the remote chaparral of Saucelito Canyon. This is a place that we call home, and a place that we are honored to share with you.”
Producing great wines is the passion of the Greenough family of Saucelito Canyon Winery. Tom Greenough took over the reins as head winemaker in 2009, and has maintained the excellence of the traditional Zinfandel and blends that have been a cornerstone of the Saucelito Canyon label. During the short time that he has been at the helm, Tom has introduced fresh new blends such as Dos Mas and Muchacho.
“Saucelito Canyon is a singular Zin, made way out in the middle of nowhere from a vineyard centered around three acres of ungrafted vines that were planted in 1880… It represents what can be great and what can be romantic about Zinfandel.” -Eric Asimov, New York Times wine writer
Saucelito Canyon Tasting Room is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, closed most holidays. 3080 Biddle Ranch Road, San Luis Obispo, California. Phone: (805) 543-2111. A typical tasting includes five wines, typically with a red wine focus, for a fee of $10. Tasting fee is generally waived with the purchase of a bottle. The friendly and knowledgeable tasting room staff will be delighted to serve you indoors at the bar, or plan to linger a while in the outdoor garden and patio. At Saucelito Canyon, everyone is treated like family.
Once you go out and visit Saucelito Canyon, please come back here and tell us about your experience.
