California’s quirky wine country

Forget Napa Valley—San Luis Obispo is California’s “awesomest wine escape,” said Robin Soslow in The Dallas Morning News. The region, known as SLO, hugs the state’s central coast, “smack-dab between Los Angeles and San Francisco.” Its perfect climate yields grapes with “intensely concentrated, beautifully balanced flavors,” with chardonnay and pinot noir two area specialties. Most of SLO’s 30 wineries are within 5 miles of the beach—which may explain why the region is ranked among the world’s happiest places—and many of the producers’ tasting rooms have a laid-back charm. Essential sipping stops include Sextant, in a renovated Edna Valley stagecoach station, and Silver Horse, in a reclaimed one-room schoolhouse. On the weekends, drop by Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards above Avila Beach, where you can catch live music, drink delicious cider-wine blends, and snap photos of the 100 peacocks that roam the property.