San Luis Obispo Wine Tasting

Nestled along California’s Central Coast, Avila Beach is more than a serene seaside escape—it’s a paradise for wine and craft beer lovers. Just minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, this vibrant coastal town places you in the heart of a world-class wine region, rich with scenic vineyards, ocean-view tasting rooms, and inventive local breweries. Whether you’re a pinot noir enthusiast or a pale ale fan, there’s a perfect pour waiting nearby.

From boutique wineries to laid-back taprooms, here are the top wineries near Avila Beach and breweries to explore—plus a special spotlight on a guest favorite: Alapay Cellars.

A Day of Tasting: Sample Itinerary for Wine & Beer Lovers

Morning

Start with a light coastal breakfast at Kraken Coffee or Big Al’s in downtown Avila.

Late Morning: Alapay Cellars

Walk a few blocks to Alapay Cellars and enjoy a tasting of their signature whites and bold reds. It’s intimate, welcoming, and perfectly situated near the beach—an easy start to your tasting day.

Midday: Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards

Hop in the car and drive ~5 minutes inland to the shaded oasis of Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards. Sip chilled apple wine or chardonnay while listening to live acoustic music under the trees.

Lunch Break

Stop by Mersea’s on the Harford Pier for fresh seafood with panoramic ocean views—it pairs beautifully with a crisp sauvignon blanc.

Afternoon: Sinor-LaVallee + Peloton Cellars

Return to downtown Avila and try Sinor-LaVallee’s earthy pinots and Peloton’s cycling-inspired blends. Great options for relaxing and people-watching.

Evening: SLO Brew or Central Coast Brewing

Wrap up your day with a short ride to San Luis Obispo and enjoy small-batch beers and laid-back energy. Central Coast Brewing offers outdoor seating and dog-friendly patios—perfect for sunset sips.

Top Avila Beach Wineries

Alapay Cellars – A Guest Favorite

• Location: Downtown Avila Beach
• Vibe: Cozy, nautical, approachable
• Specialties: Viognier, Syrah, Zinfandel, Chardonnay This beloved tasting room is known for its intimate atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and variety of tasting flights. Alapay emphasizes full-bodied, fruit-forward wines that showcase Central Coast terroir. The space feels like a hidden wine cave tucked by the sea, and the beachfront location can’t be beat. Mention your stay at Flying Flags for special perks.

Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards

• Location: See Canyon Road (5 min from Avila Beach)
• Vibe: Rustic, dog-friendly, shaded retreat
• Specialties: Apple Chardonnay, Rosé, Live Music Events Surrounded by orchards and wild peacocks, this laid-back winery is ideal for guests looking to unwind. It has a picnic-friendly lawn, live music on weekends, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for sipping on apple-based blends and crisp whites.

Peloton Cellars

• Location: Downtown Avila
• Vibe: Sleek, modern, cycling-themed
• Specialties: Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé Run by cycling enthusiasts, Peloton is a tasting room designed for casual, urban wine lovers. Their small-batch releases celebrate California varietals, and their knowledgeable team keeps tastings fun, informative, and upbeat.

Sinor-LaVallee

• Location: Avila Beach Drive
• Vibe: Boutique, focused, minimal
• Specialties: Pinot Noir, Albariño, Syrah Sinor-LaVallee is known for single-vineyard wines and a hands-on approach to winemaking. Their small but stylish space offers a more refined tasting experience for those who appreciate depth and nuance in their wine. Ask about their amphora-aged selections.

Deovlet Wines

• Location: San Luis Obispo
• Vibe: Appointment-only, cellar-focused, intimate
• Specialties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah For serious wine aficionados, Deovlet offers one-on-one tastings that explore Central Coast terroir in depth. Their minimalist style and focus on purity of expression make them a standout in the San Luis Obispo wine tasting scene.

Breweries Worth a Pour

Central Coast Brewing – SLO

• Location: San Luis Obispo (Higuera St.)
• Vibe: Outdoor patio, dog-friendly, casual
• Known For: Monterey Street Pale Ale, Bearbeerie Blonde With both indoor and outdoor seating, this brewery is perfect for a post-hike hangout or early evening stop. They frequently rotate experimental taps and seasonal beers. Food trucks often park out front on weekends.

SLO Brew Rock

• Location: Off Broad St., San Luis Obispo
• Vibe: Spacious, social, event-friendly
• Known For: Cali-Squeeze, Reggae Red, live music More than just a brewery, SLO Brew includes a restaurant, stage, and event space. You can grab a full meal, catch a band, and enjoy hazy IPAs or refreshing wheat beers brewed on site.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing – Arroyo Grande

• Location: Arroyo Grande
• Vibe: Cozy taproom, regional favorite
• Known For: Hoppy Poppy IPA, Danish Red Lager A Central Coast staple, Fig Mountain’s taproom offers both flagship beers and seasonal releases. The Arroyo Grande location is great for relaxing with friends or grabbing a growler to go.

Plan Your Coastal Wine Tour

Whether you’re strolling through downtown Avila, enjoying a scenic wine tour through Edna Valley, or hopping between tasting rooms and tap handles, Avila Beach is the perfect place to explore the best of California’s Central Coast.

Start with a tasting at Alapay Cellars, explore award-winning varietals nearby, and wind down your day with a cold craft beer—all just minutes from Flying Flags Avila Beach. With the town’s best wine and beer experiences right outside your door, you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal charm.