San Simeon History: The 1800s
1836: San Miguel Mission divided into three ranchos: Piedra Blanca, Santa Rosa and San Simeon1848: Gold discovered in California1850: California became the 31st state of the United States of America1852: Whaling station established at San Simeon Point1852: Mercantile built at Whaling Point1862: George Hearst, self-made millionaire, discovered part of the Comstock Lode, North Americas largest silver deposit1863: William Randolph Hearst, was born in San Francisco1865: Senator George Hearst bought 45,000 acres of the Piedra Blanca Rancho1875: Piedras Blancas Light Station completed by the U.S. Government1878: George Hearst built the San Simeon wharf for transportation of goods from his Rancho1878: Mercantile moved to present location1878: First class hotel built in San Simeon and Stage Line was established in Cambria1886: Hearsts increases holding of Piedra Blanca Rancho to 270,000 acres1893: Shore Whaling at San Simeon comes to an end
Hearst castle began construction in 1919 and took 28 years to complete.
Piedras Blancas Light Station
Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
About
Paso Robles Wine Country is a cooperative marketing alliance made up of Paso Robles Wine Country wineries, vineyards, and related businesses. Paso Wine is dedicated to the promotion and protection of Paso Robles Wine Country, and the continuous improvement of the quality of its wines, vineyards, and experiences.
Seaside Wineries Of San Simeon
When most visitors ask locals about San Simeon, its usually regarding Hearst Castle, elephant seals or beaches. Many are surprised to discover some of Californias best wineries are in and around this gorgeous coastal stretch.
Hearst Ranch Winery
At Hearst Ranch Winery, located in San Simeon, oenophiles of all stripes can taste and learn about their award winning wines, such as Chardonnay, Rosé, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
In addition to tastings and tours, Hearst Ranchs Sebastian Restaurant has an ocean-view deck a locals favorite. You can taste through the wine and indulge in one of the best burgers in the state, made from beef sourced from nearby Hearst Ranch.
Hearst Ranch Winery is never short on events, from parties to yoga classes and their signature Wine to Water Kayak Tour, both or which end with wine tastings.
But, theres so much more to uncork.
San Luis Obispo County
Within a short drive, wine lovers can explore more than 200 wineries and incredibly diverse wine trails in Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. Both regions known for Rhone and Bordeaux blends, and heritage, single-vineyard Zinfandel, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. These family owned and operated wineries offer an intimate tasting experience. Additionally, you can often meet and chat with the winemaker.
Cambria
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Wine Tasting At Hearst Ranch Winery On Californias Central Coast
If you cant get to Californias Central Coast, the links above will take you to the Hearst Ranch Winerys store. I dont get any money if you do it, but you will get some lovely wine.
If you can get up to the winery, you may want to make a reservation, particularly if you go on a weekend. We were there mid-week, and we just got lucky that a table opened up. You will want to be better planners. The address is 442 SLO San Simeon Road, San Simeon, CA 93452. Phone number is 805-927-4100. The tasting room is open from 11:00am to 4:00pm daily, and they were only doing wine tastings outside when we were there. That is subject to change depending on Covid restrictions. Sebastians is still closed, but there is a food truck that is there on the weekends. Otherwise, youll want to buy some goodies from their deli case for pairings.
Enjoy!
Hearst Castle Closed Due To Emergency Road Repairs
Due to significant storms that caused damage to the roadway leading up to the Historic Monument, Hearst Castle is temporarily closed. California State Parks is dedicated to making sure that all measures are taken to ensure visitor safety. We have activated an emergency contract process to expedite the necessary road repairs. The work is expected to take 6 to 9 months. Once completed, Hearst Castle will welcome back visitors. To learn more, please visit our News/Projects page.
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Our Wine Recommendations From The Tasting
Of course, the terrific wine is what keeps us coming back year after year. Partial to reds, I went with the Legacy red flight, and Andy ordered the Legacy white wine flight allowing us to sample a far greater number of wines. Ill start by saying that there was nothing that I wouldnt drink in the bunch. Thats rare for me because I get very picky, particularly about white wine.
Wine Tasting During Covid
Apparently, Sebastians was due for renovations even before the pandemic. But the winerys tasting room was still housed in the historic store. Desperately needing a new space, Hearst Ranch Winery moved into the historic warehouse, which is perched above the beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The atmosphere alone would make it one of the best places to go wine tasting in California. Knowing that it was relatively Covid safe makes it even better.
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Paso Robles Wine Country
Halfway between the two main California metropolises of Los Angeles and San Francisco is Paso Robles Wine Country. Located along Californias famed Central Coast, the Paso Robles winegrape growing regions climate is perfect for the production of award-winning premium wines. A long growing season of warm days and cool evenings give rise to vibrantly ripened fruit with dynamic flavor profiles that translate beautifully in your glass of Paso Robles wine.
Traversing the landscape you will find 40,000 vineyard acres, producing more than 40 winegrape varieties from Spanish to Italian, Bordeaux to Rhône, including the areas heritage variety Zinfandel. The styles of wine are diverse in this very distinct region.
Along your journey through Paso Robles Wine Country, take time to stroll the historic downtown to shop and dine. Boutique stores, wine country cuisine, and tasting rooms fill the blocks surrounding Paso Robles Downtown City Park. A scene right out of a Norman Rockwell painting, Paso Robles downtown completes the picture of Paso Robles Wine Country.
Neighboring Paso Robles along the coast are the towns of San Simeon, home to Hearst Castle on the north, and the fishing village of Morro Bay to the south. In between you will find Cambria, Harmony, and Cayucos. All are within a short drive and worthy of your exploration. Much like the marine air influence to the winegrapes, the coast is a perfect complement to your Paso Robles Wine Country experience.
San Simeon 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
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Baked cherry and red currant aromas meet with light caramel and crumpled carnation on the nose of this bottling. It’s medium bodied in feel, where a tense, chalky structure delivers bright flavors of strawberry and red plum. Matt Kettmann
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- Not rated yet
All tastings reported in the Buying Guide are performed blind. Typically, products are tasted in peer-group flights of from 5-8 samples. Reviewers may know general information about a flight to provide contextvintage, variety or appellationbut never the producer or retail price of any given selection. When possible, products considered flawed or uncustomary are retasted.
Ratings reflect what our editors felt about a particular product. Beyond the rating, we encourage you to read the accompanying tasting note to learn about a products special characteristics.
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Which Wine Regions Are In California
From North to South, the main regions are Mendocino, Lake, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Livermore Valley, Lodi, Sierra Foothills, Santa Cruz Mountains, Monterey, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara.
California is a vast region that consists of several smaller wine-producing areas. Although Napa Valley and Sonoma are what California is most known for, the states other regions produce equally outstanding wines.
Napa Valley and Paso Robles are renowned for the bold reds of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, as well as the scenic wine route which offers unique experiences to wine lovers. On the contrary, Santa Barbara and The Russian River Valley, with conditions more suited to delicate grapes, produce outstanding expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Each of these regions offers a unique take on the wines of California allowing for a greater expression and experience of what the Golden State can truly offer.
San Simeon History: The 2000s
2000: Friends of the Elephant Seal receive prestigious national Environmental Hero Award2001: Highway 1 from San Luis Obispo northward is designated as an All American Road by the Federal Highway Administration as part of the National Scenic Byway Program2001: Piedras Blancas Light Station transferred management from US Coast Guard to the Bureau of Land Management2003: San Simeon Earthquake most destructive earthquake to hit the U.S. since the Northridge quake of 19942005: Hearst Ranch Conservation Project transfers approximately 80,000 acres to the State of California2006: The Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay opened for visitors, providing information about the history and natural resources of the area2008: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary expanded to include Davidson Seamount2013: Historic 50 foot water tower2017: President Obama invokes the Antiquities Act of 1906 to expand the California Coastal National Monument to include Piedras Blancas
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Where In California Is The Wine Country
The Californian wine country is in the North San Francisco Bay area, with over 800 wineries located all along this scenic route. The Bay area encompasses some of the world’s most famous wine regions, including Napa Valley and Sonoma.
The success of these famous regions within the Bay area is largely to do with the sound soil composition and ideal climatic conditions. Each region is fortunate to have a wide range of temperatures and soil types, allowing the brilliant variety of grapes to thrive here.
San Simeon Cabernet Sauvignon
Fabulous and Highly Recommended! The San Simeon Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon.
95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot from the Pretty Penny, Spring Creek and Erickson vineyards in Paso Robles,California. The wine spends 24 months in 70% new French and American oak barrels including some barrels made from the oak of my home state, Minnesota.
Sample submitted for review. The San Simeon Cabernet Sauvignon from San Antonio Winery has an SRP of $25 and is available for as low as $17.
Located near the coastal town of San Simeon, our family’s estate vineyards are focused within the renowned Paso Robles appellation. San Simeon Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of several steep hillside vineyards. This artisan wine is hand-crafted in small lots. It gains spice and vanilla aromas from aging in primarily French oak barrels for at least 18 months. Ripe plum and wild berry notes pair well with grilled meats, firm cheeses, and chocolate.-Anthony Riboli & Arnaud Debons, Winemakers
14.5% Alcohol
See a listing of local retailers selling the San Simeon Cabernet Sauvignon here.
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What Is The Famous Wine Region Featured In The Movie Sideways
Thats Santa Barbara.
The greatest attribute of Sideways is that it promoted Pinot Noir, which became very popular because of the movie.
The region of Santa Barbara offers a great variety of unique tasting options with over 120 different wineries to choose from. This region is off-the-beaten-track, but should not be underestimated. Sideways drew much-needed attention to this region and all that it has to offer.
Lone Tree Cabernet Franc
I surprised myself by falling for the 2018 Lone Tree Cabernet Franc. Cab Franc is often too big for me, but this was delightfully smooth. Judging by the fact that it has awarded 92 points by Vinous, I wasnt alone in my enjoyment of it. Apparently, this ages particularly well, but they recommend trying it with your favorite cheese if you want to taste it now. So, we bought some goat cheese and salami in the handy Hearst grocery section and indulged. Their description: The mid-palate has elegant flavors, combining notes of coffee, pipe tobacco, and graphite shavings. Ill say that I recognized the coffee notes, but I feel like I also got some pepper and red fruit off of it. It had a medium-high acidity, which is probably one reason I liked it so much. This bottle sold for $45 at the winery, and we look forward to trying it with friends when it gets less complicated and scary to be inside drinking red wine with other people.
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Proprietors Res The Point
For fun, and because it was Andys birthday, we decided to add a special wine to our tasting: the 2016 Proprietors Res. The Point. At $75 a bottle, it is a little bit of a splurge wine, but we loved it. Wine Enthusiast gave it 93 points, and we gave it a yes, well take a bottle home. This is how they describe it : The initial aromatic notes are rich and warm with hints of malted chocolate. As you continue to inhale, beautiful, dark fruit notes intertwined with those of medium toasted French Oak fill your senses. This wine is juicy and supple on the mid-palate with a finely grained tannin structure bolstering the presentation through a graceful finish. We are going to save this one for a little while, although it drinks beautifully right now.
San Simeon History: The 1900s
1914: Manual Sebastian purchases the old mercantile and names it Sebastians General Store1919: Construction on Hearst Castle begins originally named La Cuesta Encantada The Enchanted Hill1932: San Simeon State Beach opened as a day use facility1937: California Highway 1 completed, providing highway access between San Simeon and Monterey1938: Davidson Seamount recognized and is one of the largest know seamounts in U.S. waters1941: On December 23, the Montebello was attacked by a Japanese submarine and sunk approximately 6 miles off the coast of San Simeon1947: Construction of Hearst Castle stopped1948: A magnitude 4.6 earthquake strikes lighthouse and it is declared structurally unsound1949: The first order Fresnel lens was loaned to the Cambria Lions Club1951: William Randolph Hearst passes away1951: The Hearst Corporation creates, William Randolph Hearst Memorial Park
San Simeon Pier was constructed in 1957.
Friends of the Elephant Seal volunteers are at the rookery, daily.
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A Museum Like No Other
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William Randolph Hearst started to build a fabulous estate on his ranchland overlooking the village of San Simeon in 1919. He called the estate “La Cuesta Encantada” – Spanish for The Enchanted Hill. By 1947, the hilltop complex included a twin-towered main building, three sumptuous guesthouses, and 127 acres of terraced gardens, fountains, and pools.
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Geotechnical engineering studies have confirmed critical safety concerns exist from storm damage on the road leading to the Historic Monument.
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The fanciful Gothic Study is the centerpiece of Hearst’s private suite on the third floor of “Casa Grande” – the main building of the hilltop estate at San Simeon. He previewed his newspapers every night here before printing. The concrete arches were decorated by Camille Solon in 1934-35, but the historic Spanish ceiling dates from the early 1400s.
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The world-famous outdoor swimming pool at Hearst Castle was refilled in August 2018 after two years of restoration and repair. With water that refracts light to create a brilliant turquoise hue, the Neptune Pool is a photographers delight.
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Grand Rooms Tour
Grand Rooms Tour
Travel back in time and experience what it was like to be a guest at The Enchanted Hill.
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Cottages & Kitchen Tour
Cottages & Kitchen Tour
Tour some of the most personal rooms of the property and some of its most practical ones.
San Simeon Tasting Room
Overlooking a breathtaking bay, beside Highway 1 and across from the iconic Hearst Castle, our San Simeon tasting room is a must-visit destination.
For over 150 years, people have flocked to San Simeon Bay some in pursuit of Californias gold, some as a stopping point before heading up or down the coast. In the late 1800s, the little bay village hosted a stage depot, a telegraph line, and the Bay View Hotela first-class accommodation that counted Thomas Edison, Winston Churchill, Calvin Coolidge and Cary Grant among its guests.
The gold is gone from the hills and theres no longer a need to stop and change horses before continuing along Highway 1 but visitors still enjoy a day at the beach, a walk through the historic village, or glimpse of the unusually turquoise waters before heading up the hill to Hearst Castle.
While the historic Sebastians General Store undergoes an extended restoration, our San Simeon tasting room has been relocated to a larger, cliffside building across the street. With soaring ceilings, plentiful seating, and an accompanying cafe, our new tasting room is the perfect place to stop on your way along the Pacific Coast Highway. Enjoy excellent wine and a bite to eat inside or at our dog-friendly outdoor tables with sweeping views of the bay.
Were open daily from 11am to 4pm , with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Reservations are required. Please use the scheduling system below to make a reservation.
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