San Luis Obispo County Wine: A World-Class History

Local viticulture originated with the Spanish Missions, but it blossomed with the influx of intrepid adventurers seeking their fortune in 19th century California. Many of them settled in San Luis Obispo County, drawn by the Mediterranean climate perfect for planting a familiar crop — grapevines. Growers and winemakers like Pierre Dallidet, an immigrant who helped save the French wine industry, and Henry Ditmus and James Anderson, who were the first to plant Zinfandel grapes, established vineyards and set about crafting award-winning wine in the fertile soil of Central California. Join the experts at the Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County as they share the unique stories of these legendary winemakers.