Not all tourism need leave a heavy carbon footprint—those concerned with treading lightly are sure to find a whirlwind tour of the Central Coast worthy of eco-approval. Agri-tourism is currently thriving in the inviting triumvirate of Paso Robles (aka “Paso”), San Luis Obispo (or “SLO”) and sleepy nearby Templeton (recently hailed by Sunset magazine as a destination “worth a closer look”). Just four hours north of Los Angeles, the Central Coast is a logical weekend getaway—start your planning with these notably earth-friendly picks:
Nosh
Il Cortile
Barely a year old, Il Cortile is the mouth-watering brainchild of L.A. transplants Carol and Santos McDonal. Committed to using the freshest fare, this Italian restaurant features exclusively homemade pastas; visit during afternoon hours and you just might spot Santos hard at work behind the machine. Fresh seafood from nearby sustainable fish market Pier 46—from calamari to shrimp—is also a staple. Located in downtown Paso, the eatery is just a short walk from numerous area attractions. (ilcortileristorante.com)
Tip: Don’t leave without trying the sublime “Finnochio con Burrata,” a dish combining crispy pancetta, polenta, caramelized fennel and burrata cheese, topped with a balsamic drizzle.
Thomas Hill Organics
Though Parisian-born, self-trained chef Julie Simon is just 23 years old, one would think she’d been in the culinary game for decades. Calling on the organic offerings of the 10-acre Thomas Hill family farm, Simon infuses the resto’s signature dishes with seasonal ingredients plucked from the farm’s 800 fruit and nut trees and considerable herb and veggie crops; all-natural, hormone-free meat is also used. Owners Joe and Debbie Thomas were inspired to open the Paso Robles space in early 2010 on the heels of a successful CSA (community-supported agriculture) program featuring their farm-fresh produce. Via a rotating wine list, the couple highlights local varietals from the region.
Tip: Enjoy your meal easy, breezy-style in the bistro’s airy, brightly lit outdoor courtyard. Afterward, shop in the quirky adjacent boutiques that share the atrium-esque space.
Olea Farm
Many locals contend that the Central Coast is becoming a leader in olive oil production—largely in part to farmers like Yves and Clotilde Julien. More than 1,000 Arbequina olive trees line the driveway to the quaint Julien home and tasting room in Templeton. Featuring oils ranging from “Lemon Blush” to the flavorful “Crescendo,” the Juliens provide samples of their wares not only paired with bread, but also drizzled over unexpected items like brownies and cheesecake. Homemade olive jam is also a favorite among devotees.
Tip: Like antiques? Ask the Juliens for a walk-through of their warehouse of antique European furniture.
Sip
Niner Wine Estates
Since its inaugural vintage in 2006, the team at Niner Wine Estates in Paso has been hard at work producing wines using only estate-grown fruit from its two vineyards, Bootjack Ranch and Heart Hill. In May, its long-awaited Hospitality Center was unveiled as both a tasting room and center for wine and culinary education. A circular tasting bar and outdoor demonstration kitchen for visiting chefs make this a truly participatory experience. (ninerwine.com)
Tip: Join “Club 9” and get access to thrice-yearly wine shipments, discounts on seminars and classes, free wine tastings and tours, and a members-only lounge.
Tolosa Winery
Situated in SLO’s vino-renowned Edna Valley, the Tolosa Winery is among the most environmentally progressive wineries in the Central Coast. In late 2009, Tolosa installed a high-efficiency set of solar panels to reduce the site’s energy use—offsetting as much as 95 percent of the winery’s electricity demand and supplying clean, renewable power back to the utility company. SIP-certified, the winery also prides itself on using no pesticides in its grape production. (tolosawinery.com)
Tip: White wine lovers should try the chardonnay, while red aficionados should sample the pinot noir—as Tolosa is best known for these varietals.
Shop
Nature’s Touch Nursery & Harvest
Embodying her personal motto of “Buy, eat, live locally,” owner Melanie Blankenship is incredibly passionate about supporting area agriculture. Just a 10-minute drive from Paso Robles in Templeton, her market features only locally grown and certified-organic produce, meats, dairy, bread and grains—all carefully curated by Blankenship. Nature’s Touch also offers a unique CSA-like program in which subscribers can pick up custom baskets featuring in-season selections, a recipe and a list of the local farmers who contributed. (ntnah.com)
Tip: Check out Blankenship’s weekly Earth Talk Radio show, named as one of the “Top 11 Green Food Radio Shows” by Mother Nature Network.
Happy Acres Family Farm
Those whose proverbial bucket list includes “milking a goat” are in luck, as this hands-on experience allows visitors to get down and dirty at this working goat dairy in Templeton. Along with playing farmer, visitors can also mix their own goat cheese to take home, using ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and herbs from the family farm. And don’t forget to say hi to the friendly goats, miniature horses and alpacas that roam the property.
Tip: Stock up on fresh goat milk (natural and hormone-free), cheeses and handmade lotions at the on-site farm stand.
Savor the Central Coast
Angelenos planning a trip north may want to coincide their trip with the upcoming “Savor the Central Coast” event, slated for September 30–October 3 by the San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau. Celebrity chef Tyler Florence will be on hand, along with 30 other chefs designing meals from ingredients grown by local farmers. You’ll be able to meet growers and learn how to get started raising chickens, and more than 200 area wineries will also converge for the extravaganza, making it a must for any epicure.
—Story and photo by Jen Jones
Tolosa installation image courtesy Lee W. Nelson
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