Weekend Edits
Aug 27, 2025
SLO County is redefining California wine weekends.
There’s something undeniably dreamy and film-like about slipping into a sundress, tying your hair back with a silk scarf, and hitting the open road—cruising past rolling meadows filled with grazing horses and grapevines. And when you stumble upon a quaint wine tasting room tucked into a lush, vibrant garden? You absolutely must stop in for a glass of rosé and a farm-fresh charcuterie board.
We sipped and savored our way through an underrated California wine region we’re currently totally obsessed with: San Luis Obispo (SLO) County, which feels like the next Napa. Here’s how to spend the ideal weekend in this under-the-radar wine paradise.
Indulge in a Wine Pairing Lunch at Center of Effort
We kicked off our stay with a wine pairing lunch at Center of Effort that honestly deserves a Michelin star. After snapping pics of the wildflower gardens, we made our way to the most perfect viewing point: a hilltop patio with sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards. We didn’t mind when our server poured a welcome glass of rosé after our long flight, and we reveled in the peace and quiet of this breathtaking backdrop.
We then headed in for a three-course seasonal lunch and wine pairing. Chef and culinary manager Lindsey Carroll truly outdid herself, with each plate looking like a true work of art—almost too pretty to eat. Every dish highlights the very best ingredients of the Central Coast.
The first course featured thin-sliced yellowfin tuna with smoked coconut milk, kaffir lime leaf oil, kiwi, fried baby onion, and finger lime, paired with v.2022 Chardonnay, “Giallo Solare.” We also enjoyed brown butter Dungeness crab with vanilla-infused summer lemon and whipped avocado, paired with v.2023 Chardonnay, “Alba.”
The second course was equally delightful: chilled ginger-tomato broth with rice noodles, cucumber ribbons, Sungold tomatoes, Fresno chile, roasted peanut, black sesame, and cilantro, paired with v.2023 Pinot Noir, “Piccolo Rosso,” alongside caramelized corn and ricotta ravioli with orange glazed duck leg, Italian salsa verde, and shaved Parmesan, paired with v.2022 Pinot Noir “Arrivo.” The ravioli was truly to die for.
We closed out our meal with the most decadent estate red plum cobbler with vanilla-cardamom Chantilly cream, paired with v.2021 Brut Rosé, EFFORTvescence—decadence at its finest.
The seasonal lunch pairing is $85 for non-members; $65 for inside members, and we cannot recommend it enough. Center of Effort also serves Sunday Brunch—priced the same—complete with Estate Mimosas.
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Spend an Afternoon Sipping Rosé and Shopping Cute Boutique Finds at Sextant Wines
SLO’s Sextant Wines tasting room is tucked into a lush, vibrant garden, where shades of pink, purple, and yellow greet you upon arrival. This historic 1909 town site offers cozy outdoor seating, live music, charming vintage-farmhouse Airbnbs on property, and a boutique we could have spent hours in.
Sextant grows more than 27 varietals, and we sampled several while indulging in the most aesthetically pleasing charcuterie spread featuring “drunken goat”—a rind soaked in wine—and “tres leches ” cheeses. We sipped the X-Series Flight, described by the winery as “true to the spirit of experimentation—estate grown, small production, ever changing.” The tasting lineup included 2024 X-Series Verdejo, 2020 X-Series Caladoc, 2020 X-Series Marselan, 2021 X-Series Blend 497, and 2021 X-Series Blend 2207—each one as unique as it was refreshing in the warm California sun.
Before heading out, the boutique was calling. We snagged the sweetest hand-painted hydrangea mugs and “California Summers” candle, though we could have done some serious damage if our suitcases allowed it. The boutique looks like a Pinterest board come to life, color-coordinated by section. One corner overflows with vibrant blues and yellows, lemon-themed mugs and wreaths, and Amalfi Coast books, while another has the cabbage bowls taking over your Instagram feed RN and all the farmhouse-chic finds you could dream of.
Head Over to Sinor-LaVallee’s Shuck Shack for Oysters and Wine
If you love oysters, tinned fish, wine, and all-around good vibes, the Shuck Shack at Sinor-LaVallee’s Avila Beach location is a must-visit. The restaurant concept exudes coastal charm and celebrates owners Mike and Cheri Sinor’s love of oysters.
Take it from us: The back patio is the place to kick back and relax. Post up at the surfboard “bar” with an assortment of curated snacks like California caviar service with blinis and crème fraîche, a dozen Morro Bay oysters with homemade PeNat Mignonette, or a tinned fish spread with crackers and local hot sauce. Pair it all with a wine flight or a perfectly chilled glass.
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Wander Through the Wildflower Gardens and Chill With the Sweetest Farm Animals at Stolo Vineyards
Stolo Vineyards is one of those hidden gems you’ll be so excited to discover. The sprawling lawn feels like a countryside dream come true, sprinkled with picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, a family of chickens, goats, and pups, along with lush wildflower gardens. The tasting room and vineyard is the perfect place to unpack a picnic lunch and spend the entire day under the sun with a glass (or a few!) of quality wine.