Santa Barbara/Pismo/Paso Robles

Linne Calodo (mostly reds, pretty pricy) and AmByth Estates (natural biodynamic wine and cider) were the wine highlights on my last trip up to the area. I think AmByth has opened a tasting room in Templeton. Field Recordings is always reliable and they have a tasting room in Tin City.

As someone else mentioned, BarrelHouse Brewing also has a spot in Tin City. Beer is fine but they have a great outdoor space. Firestone Walker is the main attraction.

 

Always take 101. And I can vouch for Silva circa 2014 or 15 having a nice spread of classic 2010 era west coast beer. Everything was very good and mr silva was chillin in the tiny tasting room with everyone and was a very nice dude.

The other place that I thought was worth getting a beer at was toro creek, if they're still open, the owner was also there and was a douche to a remarkable degree. But the bartender and the apparent regular at the bar were both extremely cool and the brewery was built around the output of one local farm. So they had one beer that was totally estate grown from grain up and q couple others that featured farm grown grain and fruit.

It was at least unique. Everything else besides Silva and FW. Was very forgettable. Wild Fields is top of my list to visit next time I'm down there. And a cidery in Atascadero whose name i don't remember was also very good.

 

Looks like Toro Creek is no longer in business.

 

That doesn't surprise me. The owner managed to turn me off, the only customer in the place who was really ready to enjoy the story and forgive a lot weaker beer than they even served.

The area is ripe for that model of brewery though. Enough grain to be able to include at least some estate grain in every batch and diverse fruits to flavor different batches. There's untapped potential in this state for very unique breweries

 

A shame the owner had that kind of attitude. Apparently you weren't alone in finding him to be a jerk and it cost him his business.

You're so right about the potential out there for unique breweries here. Hopefully when things return to normal (whenever that may be) there will be a few adventurous men and women out there who will start a brewery/brewpub along those lines.

 

I was down in Pismo Beach a couple months ago, a return trip, since it is just a day trip for me. Love it there, absolutely love it. No trip there does NOT include a stop at Firestone Walker on the way back to the Bay Area. It's a happening place, always full, great atmosphere and company.