wine

Thirty years ago, the only Rhône grape most Americans knew about was Syrah. Then a French family and an American family together purchased some land west of Paso Robles, in the Adelaida wine district. They set out to import Rhône grape varieties to the Central Coast, with the aim to grow them using organic, dry farming and other sustainable methods. 

Spencer Johnston is the chef/owner of Danior Kitchen, a catering company in San Luis Obispo. He recently launched at pop-up dinner series called the Turntable Supper Club, an intimate and curated food and wine experience. Johnston stopped by the KCBX studios with fellow chef A.J. LaRosa of the wood-fired catering company, Bear and the Wren, and Lannon Rust, owner of Rust Wine Company and former wine director of Thomas Hill Organics in Paso Robles, to talk about the region's access to incredible food products, the challenges of opening a restaurant on the Central Coast, and how they are doing things a little differently to bring food—and wine—to local consumers.

On this week's Issues and Ideas: Monday marks the transition from Jerry Brown to Gavin Newsom as California's next governor; we'll hear stories about "Brownisms" and Newsom promises. Tyler Pratt reports on a new California prison integration program has inmates' families worried for their safety. And Greta Mart attends a recent public forum on offshore wind energy and reports on how state and federal officials are taking public comment on locations proposed for offshore wind energy development—two of which are off San Luis Obispo County's coast. 

There is no doubting the Spanish influence on California. The indelible imprint of Junipero Serra and his Spanish missionaries is everywhere, including much of our Spanish-native flora. Yet, our wine industry is dominated by French grape varietals. But that is changing here on the Central Coast. Come along with Father Ian as he discovers more about the Spanish grape varietals.

Lodi, California’s Mayor Mark Chandler talks about Lodi’s 150-year history as a premier grape growing region. Chandler shares insights on “Lodi Rules” pioneering sustainable grape growing practices that became a national model, his roots at Cal Poly, water conservation and re-use, and moderating development.

This week's heat wave hit during mid-harvest for many local wine-grape growers—one of the Central Coast's top crops.

Degher sold his recording studio in L.A. and retired in Paso Robles just after the turn of the millennium. By chance he made a batch of wine that turned out to be quite good. And his feel for winemaking comes from his musical instincts. He gives us an example in this interview.

Learn how variety makes the Central Coast the perfect place for a 31-year-old wine event. Marisa Waddell talks with Archie McLaren, founder and chairman of the Central Coast Wine Classic (Aug. 10-14, 2016), which raises thousands of dollars for area non-profits. The Wine Classic has recently expanded many of its events into Santa Barbara.

UPDATE: June 20, 2016

Sine we first published this story on Friday, June 17, 2016, additional restaurants have announced their plans to pull Justin wines from their menus. These include:

Controversy is growing over a vineyard-expansion project in the Paso Robles Wine Growing region.

The plan calls for the clear-cutting of an oak forest on land owned by Justin Vineyards. Much of the project has already been completed, but what remains currently on hold.

A new study shows San Luis Obispo County's wine industry helps generate $1.9 billion for the regional economy. 

Winemakers on the Central Coast say the 2015 harvest started and ended early with a low yield. 

New wineries in Santa Barbara County could face new rules if local leaders approve a list of proposed changes to the county's Winery Ordinance. 

California's agriculture sector is struggling as the state heads through a fourth year of drought. Water tables are shrinking and state water project allocations are at near record lows.

The Central Coast's two largest crops are strawberries and wine grapes. Vineyards do have the ability to go into survival mode during dry spells, but managing that period is a tricky and a scientific game.

ALSO: Are you using the original pronunciation of this popular California tourist destination? 

Step into the J Lohr Winery tasting room and there's a good chance you'll meet up with Willis Rieser, or Willy as he's called by most. He deals with tourists from around the world, all day long, and he tells them the "grapes are coming from Paso Robles (said ROH-buhlz), from J Lohr."

Santa Barbara's Funk Zone is a district just off of lower State Street between Highway 101 and the beach. It has gained attention in recent years because of its artsy mix of residents and businesses. However, some are worried that gentrification could ruin, the very essence that makes this neighborhood attractive. 

In August 2013, we aired a Funk Zone focus piece by KCBX reporter, Leslie Westbrook. This week she won a Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism award for the piece from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation.

This summer, KCBX News is interviewing the people who run farmers markets throughout the Central Coast to learn what challenges and issues they're facing, including the ongoing drought.

We are also interested in new state laws that effect direct marketing events, like farmers markets.

Finally, it gives us all a chance to learn what's fresh and in season at the various markets from Soledad to Carpinteria.

Not so long ago, the Paso Robles groundwater basin was thought to be practically limitless, at least by pro growth adherents. But times have changed, and this Central Coast wine growing region is now facing the most severe drought in recorded history. As might be expected, many are now looking for ways to protect the basin from further depletion, including a limit on further vineyard expansion.

The Central Coast is well known for its award-winning wines, and in recent years, the Paso Robles region has become a favorite of wine critics.  

The area also faces challenges from drought and rapid growth.

Randol White shares insight into the many aspects of our local wine industry during his latest interview.

Information on the 32nd Paso Robles Wine Festival can be found at PasoWine.com

Eco-friendly wines and winery events are featured this month as part of the Wine Institute's third-annual Down to Earth celebrations in California.

The month is aimed at bringing attention to the state's leadership in sustainable winegrowing and winemaking.

"Our California Sustainable Winegrowing Program leads the world in comprehensiveness and size with wineries and vineyards that produce nearly three-quarters of California’s wine grapes and wine participating,” said Bobby Koch, President and CEO of Wine Institute.