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California, Central Coast Visit

11 posts
  1. Joe Wachter
    Joe Wachter avatar
    5 posts
    1/6/2016 8:01 AM
    Pulling the string after GIS and finally taking trip from LA North to Central Coast area. Our biggest interest will be wine trips but will probably check out Hearst Castle etc. Planning to begin from LAX on Thursday picking up the bride, Santa Barbara area through Friday, then head up and stay in Paso Robles area. Thinking 2 days wine trips, and one day along the coast, Cambria probably incorporating the Hearst Castle in this day. I know I need to make the trip up to Big Sur but I think I'll save that for my Monterrey Visit in the future. With limited daylight and only a few days, don't want to spend all my time in a car.

    Zins, Cabs, Blends which are pretty popular, I like Pinots but the wifey no.

    Recommendations on wineries. A few I'm looking at. Any guidance would be appreciated. Justin, Tablas Creek, Daou, Eberle,Brecon Estate, Cass, Alta Colina, Opolo, Hope, Niner, Hammersky, Halter Ranch.

    Any go to places that you might recommend for eating or visiting.



  2. Steven Huffstutler
    Steven Huffstutler avatar
    11 posts
    1/6/2016 9:01 AM
    Bring your own water



  3. Peter Bowman
    Peter Bowman avatar
    11 posts
    1/6/2016 9:01 AM
    Joe,

    Regarding eating, you've got to stop in Nipomo for dinner on the way up the coast. North of Santa Barbara, south of San Luis Obispo. Best steaks ever at Jocko's in Nipomo. 125 N Thompson Ave, Nipomo, CA 93444

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iPXTVR5lf8

    No trip to the Central coast is complete without dinner at Jocko's. Don't waste stomach space with bland crackers, bread, or even the salads before your meal. Salad is quite bland. It's all about the steaks there.

    I'm not too familiar with Paso Robles wines. Better wines up my way in Lodi, if you've got the time.



  4. Corey Eastwood
    Corey Eastwood avatar
    82 posts
    1/6/2016 12:01 PM
    F. McLintocks just south of San Luis Obispo. World famous for it's Turkey Balls. Good steaks also. How did Pete miss that one.

    Corey Eastwood CGCS, Stockton Golf & CC, Retired

  5. Peter Bowman
    Peter Bowman avatar
    11 posts
    1/6/2016 12:01 PM
    I'm guessing Corey's never been to Jocko's.



  6. Sandy Clark
    Sandy Clark avatar
    0 posts
    1/6/2016 12:01 PM
    Joe, I don't think you can go wrong with any of those. I would suggest San Simeon Winery since you will be close. They grow some great grapes for Syrah and Petit Syrah. The Paso Robles area is really growing some great Cab grapes so you really can't go wrong. Just up the road Santa Ynez near Solvang. That area has quite the variety of grapes being grown. When you come back out and do the Monterey County trip, plan to visit wineries in that area since they are doing quite well producing wine. If you include Napa and on that trip, let me know. I know some good wineries.



  7. Joe Wachter
    Joe Wachter avatar
    5 posts
    1/6/2016 2:01 PM
    Thanks guys. like the syrah and petite syrah as well. Will look at those restaurants as well. Been following some of the Cali bloggers and wine folks for suggestions. I've always liked the Central Coast wines we've had back here in Stl. I've only done 1 day in Napa years ago so I've got to plan a week for Monterrey, Bay area and Napa area sometime in the next few years.



  8. Corey Eastwood
    Corey Eastwood avatar
    82 posts
    1/7/2016 11:01 AM
    Peter Bowman, CGCS said: I'm guessing Corey's never been to Jocko's.

    You never took me.

    Corey Eastwood CGCS, Stockton Golf & CC, Retired

  9. Dennis Ingram
    Dennis Ingram avatar
    5 posts
    1/7/2016 11:01 AM
    Two years ago did the same trip. The coast highway was under construction the entire way, maybe the local guys can comment if the work is complete?? Make sure you fill up the car when you can, great drive but not if the tank is low.



  10. Peter Bowman
    Peter Bowman avatar
    11 posts
    1/7/2016 1:01 PM
    Corey Eastwood, CGCS said:
    Peter Bowman, CGCS said: I'm guessing Corey's never been to Jocko's.

    You never took me.


    OK, next time.



  11. Gary Carls
    Gary Carls avatar
    20 posts
    1/8/2016 8:01 AM
    Hey Pete, Totally agree with you on Jockos as it was in the past. FYI, I heard rumors that it has become more of a biker hangout lately but haven't been there myself in about 5 years or so. Also like the original Hitching Post in Casmalia but it's a bit off the beaten path. Rock Springs Tavern (I think that's the name) up along the pass towards Lake Cachuma out of Santa Barbara (again a little out-of-the-way) is also a great place. Joe, as time allows as you head north you might want to check out downtown Los Olivos just north of Solvang off 101. Some very nice local wineries in the area as well as lots of great restaurants. Personally I like the Carhaart (sp?) tasting room in Los Olivos because the people are very friendly and they have a nice variety of wines. Lots of other places nearby and all around Solvang. Nice Mission in Solvang as well if you like that type of thing. Cambria is nice for shopping and antiques as well.

    Gary K. Carls, CGCS, President - Oakland Turfgrass Education Initiative

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