Cambria Wine Tasting 2023: Top 6 Wineries to Visit

Cambria is a quaint seaside village in San Luis Obispo County and is home to a number of top-notch wineries. Its quiet, tranquil atmosphere and sandy beaches make for a memorable and peaceful retreat, even more so when sipping on the delicious wine it has to offer.

Looking for some fantastic wineries to visit in this village? Here are the best wineries in Cambria you need to check out during your stay.

What Wine Is Cambria Known For?

The entirety of the San Luis Obispo region is well-known for its fantastic wine and extensive collection of wineries, but the lesser-known Cambria village is equally as appealing for wine enthusiasts.

This sleepy seaside town is less busy and much quieter, making it a great place to visit for those looking for a more intimate and peaceful wine-drinking experience. Like most of the San Luis Obispo region, the most popular wines you’ll find in Cambria are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Viognier.

Alongside wine tasting, Cambria offers a range of attractions and activities, including the divine Moonstone Beach and a historic downtown area filled with unique stores, restaurants, and microbreweries. The stunning Hearst Castle is also a short drive away!

Top 6 Wineries in Cambria, CA

Stolo Vineyards & Winery: Beautiful Views

Stolo Vineyards & Winery 1
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @stolovineyards
Stolo Vineyards & Winery 2
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @stolovineyards
Stolo Vineyards & Winery 3
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @stolovineyards

Up first is Stolo Vineyards and Winery, surrounded by lush vineyards and vibrant green foliage. They specialize in Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Chardonnay wines, so if you have a taste for these types of wines, you’ve found the right place.

The modern and cozy tasting room is open daily for tastings, but make sure you reserve ahead of time. You can also sit outside or bring your own blankets/chairs to relax on their lawn.

If you’re feeling hungry, the winery offers charcuterie boards that pair wonderfully well with their wines. They host an assortment of events throughout the year, including a summer concert series, so be sure to check their event calendar closer to your trip!

Editor’s Note: If you enjoy citrusy wines, opt for the 2020 Gewürztraminer. It has a stunning pale straw color with aromas of star jasmine, Asian pear, lemon, sea salt, and mango. On the palate, it has notes of floral grapefruit, citrus, ginger, honeysuckle, and wet stone. Just a sip will have you dreaming of summer!

Moonstone Cellars: Award-winning Wines

Moonstone Cellars 1
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @moonstonecellars
Moonstone Cellars 2
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @moonstonecellars

Moonstone Cellars is another stellar winery in Cambria, boasting a welcoming tasting room and relaxing courtyard, both of which provide a wonderful wine tasting experience. The winery produces an assortment of wines, the majority of which have won awards, including Grenache, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Gewürztraminer.

All of their wines are made from Central Coast grapes and are crafted with care, passion, and a keen eye for detail. The tasting room is open daily for walk-ins, but groups of more than 6 people should call ahead of time to make a reservation.

Moonstone Cellars puts on an assortment of activities and events regularly, including open mic nights, so you can enjoy your wine with some music.

If you’re after comfortable accommodation to rest during your stay in Cambria, Moonstone Cellars has a luxurious Chateau located above their tasting room. It features one bedroom, a full kitchen, fireplace, living room, and one bath for the ultimate tranquil break.

The winery’s spacious lounge is also available to hire for private events and can seat up to 30 guests.

Editor’s Note: While any of the winery’s wines are excellent, the 2020 Viognier is particularly great.

Cutruzzola Vineyards: Remarkable Riesling and Pinot Noir

Cutruzzola Vineyards 1
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @cutruzzolawine
Cutruzzola Vineyards 2
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @cutruzzolawine
Cutruzzola Vineyards 3
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @cutruzzolawine

Cutruzzola Vineyards specialize in Riesling and Pinot Noir wines. The grapes are cultivated in their estate vineyard situated on steep hillsides in a cool climate, which is beneficial for growing these two varieties.

While their wine menu is limited, if you’re a fan of Pinot Noir and Riesling, Cutruzzola Vineyards is well worth checking out. The scenery at the winery is delightful, filled with small family-owned farms, artists’ studios, and an enchanting backdrop of coastal mountains and rolling hills.

The comfortable tasting room is open by appointment from Wednesday to Sunday, so make sure you reserve a spot to get a taste of some of the best Riesling and Pinot Noir in all of Cambria.

Editor’s Note: This winery offers as much delicious Pinot Noir as you can drink, so why not give their 2020 Rose of Pinot Noir a try? It’s sublime!

Cayucos Cellars: Great Wines and Hospitality

Cayucos Cellars 1
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @cayucoscellars
Cayucos Cellars 2
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @cayucoscellars
Cayucos Cellars 3
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @cayucoscellars

Another great winery in Cambria is Cayucos Cellars, a small family-run estate that delivers world-class hospitality and wines. They’re open Thursday to Monday for outdoor and indoor seated wine tastings, but they also serve wine by the glass and bottle.

All of the wines crafted at Cayucos Cellars are made with grapes grown in small Paso Robles and Templeton vineyards, which are then de-stemmed and fermented at the winery in small lots. The grapes are pressed in neutral oak barrels and sent to repose in the winery’s cellar for between 1 to 2 years.

Resting in the oak barrels, the wine isn’t bottled for up to 3 years. Once bottled, it’s aged for a minimum of 9 months before being ready for consumption. The end result of this winemaking process is flavorful, exquisite wine that will leave you wanting more and more!

Editor’s Note: Not sure what wine to choose at this winery? We recommend the 2014 Zinfandel. It’s rich, luxurious, and even better when shared with good company!

Black Hand Cellars: Sumptuous Syrah

Black Hand Cellars 1
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @black_hand_cellars
Black Hand Cellars 2
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @black_hand_cellars
Black Hand Cellars 3
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @black_hand_cellars

Black Cellars is a striking winery located in Cambria, specializing in French clones of Syrah. Their vineyard is situated on the west side of San Miguel and has almost 3 acres planted in the Estrella River and French clones of Syrah.

The vineyard is farmed by hand to ensure high-quality and flavorful wine. Black Hand Cellars offer tastings at their inviting tasting room so you can see the quality of their Syrah wines yourself. They also stock an assortment of hard ciders and other wines, including Merlot and Grenache.

Tastings cost $15, but this fee is waived with a 2-bottle purchase. Each tasting comes with a complimentary tumbler that you can take home with you.

Editor’s Note: Why not try the winery’s 2017 Merlot? It’s packed with cherry and pipe tobacco flavors, with a lingering spicy finish.

Bassetti Vineyards: Fantastic Syrah, Grenache, and Rhone Blends

Bassetti Vineyards 1
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @bassettivineyards
Bassetti Vineyards 2
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @bassettivineyards
Bassetti Vineyards 3
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @bassettivineyards
  • Address: 1191 North Green Valley Road, Cambria, California 93428, United States
  • Website: https://bassettivineyards.com/
  • Contact Number: (+1) 805-927-1925

If you enjoy Syrah, Grenache, and Rhone blends, then Bassetti Vineyards is the right winery for you. Their first bottling was in 2000, so they have plenty of experience in producing top-quality wines.

All of the vineyard’s wines are crafted by their outstanding winemaker, Anthony Yount, who ensures all of the wines are produced to meet a high standard. Bassetti Vineyards is available for tastings by appointment, so make sure you make a reservation before you head down.

Editor’s Note: The 2019 Estate Grenache Rose is phenomenal all year round and is a wine club favorite. It has tempting aromas of berries, rose petals, and lemon zest, leading into flavors of strawberries, hibiscus, and spice. It pairs well with most foods, but especially cheese, oyster, and grilled dishes!

Related Read: Best Wineries of Central Coast California

Wine Tasting in Wine Bar

Fermentations: Casual Atmosphere

Fermentations
Coastal Wine Trail Credit: @joseluis0072

Located in the East Village of Cambria is the fantastic Fermentations, a sophisticated wine bar that offers wine tastings, gourmet food, and plenty of unique gifts and souvenirs for wine lovers.

They first opened their doors in 1995 and have been a staple in Cambria’s wine scene ever since. The tasting room is small but stylish, making it the ideal venue for drinking and chatting the night away with friends and family.

If you’re looking for a casual wine tasting experience, Fermentations is definitely worth checking out. Their friendly and welcoming staff will make you and your guests feel right at home.

Editor’s Note: The winery stocks a variety of great wines, but the Pinot Noir Sparkling – Aria is particularly good!

Final Thoughts

Although small and quiet, Cambria is an excellent area to visit if you’re looking for top-notch wineries and plenty of delicious wine.

All of the wineries above are worth checking out during your stay, boasting comfortable seating, a welcoming atmosphere, and as much sumptuous wine you can drink!

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