Exploring San Luis Obispo County

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson heads to San Luis Obispo County to secure top-tier suggestions from three in-the-know locals. 

First, Johnson chats with Jason Haas, partner and general manager of Tablas Creek Vineyard in Paso Robles. Haas describes how SLO’s unique landscape makes it perfectly suited for producing an array of award-winning wines. “The conditions here are amazing and we have the chance to make something tremendous really every year,” Haas says. The second-generation vintner also gives Johnson a crash course on Tablas Creek’s holistic winemaking philosophy before getting into personal recs around Paso Robles.

Next up, Johnson is joined by Jim Allen, director of marketing and communications at Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Allen discusses how the lavish estate came to be, highlighting the fascinating characters behind its inception. “Julia Morgan was a California native, a Bay Area architect. Mr. Hearst was also born in San Francisco, so [Hearst Castle] is a very California-created entity,” Allen notes. He goes on to discuss the incredible attention to detail and artistry that went into building the castle. “The indoor pool has 2 million hand-cut glass tiles from Venice, Italy. It took five years just to do this one swimming pool.” Allen also covers the state park’s most popular tours, its celebrity-studded past, and offers insider tips for visitors.

Lastly, Johnson talks to multi-instrumentalist Dan Curcio of the San Luis Obispo-based band Moonshiner Collective. A longtime local, Curcio explains how the area’s positive vibe continues to shape his sound. “I've been so inspired by the Central Coast, by California, just the lifestyle here and all the influences that we have around here, both musically and just in the natural surroundings,” he shares. Curcio also breaks out his guitar for a live performance of two originals, “Autumness” and “Good Company.” The local musician then shares some of his favorite stops in Cayucos, Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, and the city of San Luis Obispo

GUESTS

Jason Haas, partner and general manager of Tablas Creek Vineyard

Jim Allen, director of marketing and communications at Hearst Castle

Dan Curcio, singer-songwriter for Moonshiner Collective

RESOURCES

Jason Haas runs the show at Tablas Creek Vineyard, a celebrated winery known for exceptional Rhône varietals and sustainable practices.

Central Coast

San Luis Obispo County

Paso Robles

Tablas Creek Vineyard

Villa Creek

Booker Wines

Robert Hall Winery

Thacher Winery and Vineyard

Peachy Canyon Winery

Epoch Estate Wines

Torrin

Saxum Vineyards

J Dusi Wines- Winery and Tasting Room

Cayucos

Morro Bay

Cambria

Templeton Farmers’ Market

Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market

Templeton

Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

Di Raimondos Italian Market

Paso Market Walk

Paso Robles Wine Merchant

BL Brasserie

The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar

Les Petites Canailles

Hotel Cheval

Stables Inn

The Piccolo

Jim Allen has worn many hats during his three decades at Hearst Castle, ranging from tour guide to director of marketing.

Hearst Castle

San Simeon

Highway 1

Grand Rooms Tour

Cottages and Kitchen Tour

Neptune and Roman Pool

Dan Curcio is the frontman for Moonshiner Collective, a San Luis Obispo based musical project.

Moonshiner Collective

“Autumness”

Big Sur

Monterey

Carmel

Avila Beach

Pismo Beach

Pismo Preserve

Arroyo Grande

Montaña de Oro State Park

Los Osos

Oyster Loft

Ventana Grill

Firestone Grill

Hotel SLO

Novo

Ember

Madonna Inn

Avila Valley Barn

Prefumo Canyon Scenic Overlook

Oceano Dunes

“Good Company”

ABOUT THE HOST

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on New York radio station WNYC, has been the host of the California Now Podcast since its inception in 2018.

OUR TEAM

Host, Soterios Johnson
Editorial Director, John Godfrey
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall
Theme music, Aaron Taos