Grenache is a versatile and widely planted wine grape originating from Spain, where it’s known as Garnacha, though it has found a significant home in the Rhône wine region of Southern France, alongside Syrah. It thrives in the long Rhône River valley, where the terroir produces rich flavors. French Grenache often features notes of red berries, tobacco, and spice. However, in warmer climates like California, the grape develops more floral and herbal characteristics, sometimes accompanied by a slight earthiness. It’s prized for its ability to ripen fully in hot conditions while retaining balanced acidity, making it a favorite among winemakers.
Here on the San Luis Obispo Coast, Grenache is frequently used in blends, most notably in the classic GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) blend, where it contributes bright fruit and elegance. In addition to blends, there are 12 wineries along the coast producing single-varietal Grenache, highlighting the grape’s adaptability and unique expression in our region. From savory, spicy profiles to fruit-forward, vibrant wines, San Luis Obispo offers a wide range of Grenache styles.
Read below for details on these 8 wineries from north to south, and don’t forget to celebrate International Grenache Day on September 19, 2025!
SLO Coast Northern Wineries
Niner 2020 Grenache, Jespersen Ranch. We farm nine acres of Grenache at Jespersen Ranch, where the coastal influence produces a beautiful expression of the varietal. In 2020, we hand-harvested our Grenache and fermented them in nine different stainless-steel tanks. This small lot approach gave us the ability to use a variety of winemaking techniques to create layers that complement the characteristics of Grenache. We kept the percentage of new French oak barrels low (21%) to focus on bright fruit flavors and preserve freshness. The result is a lively and vibrant wine with hints of strawberry, white pepper and black tea. Drink now through 2028.
San Luis Obispo Urban Wineries
Stephen Ross 2021 Grenache, Jespersen Vineyard. This is a pretty, cool climate Grenache from Jespersen Vineyard located on the western edge of the Edna Valley. It has a deep ruby “black” color with aromas reminiscent of Montmorency cherries, rhubarb, and nutmeg from the French oak. The palate is medium to full body, showing enticing grippy tannins, with flavors of cherry, and cocoa on the finish. A powerful wine with backbone, balance, and aging potential.
Avila Beach Wineries
Sinor-LaVallee 2022 Grenache Estate & 2023 Grenache – SLO Coast. Intense dark color in the glass and spicy aromatics of rhubarb and cola on the nose. Wet limestone, and poured concrete on the mid palate. Touch of earthy meatiness throughout and nished with elegant hibiscus. For such big fruit has classic cold climate fresh acidity.
Edna Valley Wineries
Tolosa 2021 Grenache San Luis Obispo Coast. Grapes for the 2021 vintage came from the organically farmed Morro View Vineyard, just south of Edna Ranch, where clone 362 Grenache thrives in stony, loamy soils. The wine shows bright red plum, pomegranate, and cranberry with hints of lavender, dried herbs, anise, and clove, framed by balanced tannins and a long finish. This wine is a perfect match for Prime Rib.
Chamisal San Luis Obispo Coast Estate Grenache. This Grenache captivates with a stunning ruby hue and coral rim. It opens with intense aromas of boysenberry, red plum, and black cherry, enriched by hints of cloves and black pepper. The palate features bright acidity and a refined tannin structure, promising excellent aging potential.
Kynsi 2022 GRENACHE Jespersen Vineyard Edna Valley. Planted a mere two miles from the ocean, the vineyard is fog-laden and ocean kissed. It offers scents of wild strawberries, pink peppercorn and blackberry tea with complex notes of cumin and bramble fruit preserves that saturate the palate with a rich, silky finish.
Arroyo Grande Valley Wineries
Talley 2023 Grenache. This Grenache vines often see cold, brisk days with constant, salty winds from the Pacific Ocean. Like many vines in the Rincon Vineyard, they endure some extreme growing conditions and these vines make us wait. Every sunny day is needed to achieve ripeness and our Grenache grapes are always some of the last we harvest each season. The 2023 Grenache with a mouthwatering and zingy finish that delivers notes of pomegranate and cardamom.
Timbre The Jam Grenache. From vibrant red fruit to a silky, elegant finish, it’s a bottle that sings of the Central Coast. Perfect on its own or paired with your favorite fall dishes.