What’s new with SLO County’s wine industry? 8 key developments in 2024

Stories by The Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

San Luis Obispo County's wine crop set an all-time record in the latest agriculture report, topping $1.1 billion.

And that was just one of several developments in the local wine industry in the past year, including sales of historic wineries and buildings, unique estate hitting the market and more.

Here are some highlights of The Tribune's wine coverage:

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

This video image shows the award-winning Vino Vargas winery, which sits on 17 acres.

NO. 1: WINE ESTATE NEAR PASO ROBLES UP FOR SALE FOR NEARLY $2 MILLION. TAKE A LOOK

The property features a working winery and a 3,400-square-foot home with vineyard views. | Published March 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Caraccio

Derby Wine Estates spent two years renovating the historic Farmers Alliance building in Paso Robles before opening in 2014.

NO. 2: DERBY WINERY SELLING HISTORIC PASO ROBLES BUILDING FOR $8.6 MILLION. WHAT’S NEXT?

After more than 100 years in Paso Robles, the former Farmers Alliance building is up for sale again. | Published July 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ania Keenan

Kevin Cabrales loads cases of bottles on a pallet at Laetitia Vineyard and Winery in Arroyo Grande in 2013.

NO. 3: OWNER OF LAETITIA VINEYARDS IS GOING BANKRUPT. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR SLO COUNTY WINERY?

Vintage Wine Estates, one of the largest wine conglomerates in America, filed for bankruptcy and plans mass layoffs. | Published July 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chloe Shrager

Pinot noir grapes ripen in the vineyard next to the Sextant Wines tasting room in San Luis Obispo.

NO. 4: SLO COUNTY WINE GRAPES SET AN ALL-TIME RECORD AS TOTAL CROP VALUE TOPS $1.1 BILLION

Strawberries followed in second place. Here’s a look at the county’s top 10. | Published September 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Stephanie Zappelli

A 24-acre estate located in the Willow Creek district of the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area — and has roots stretching back to a celebrated Napa Valley winery — has recently been put on the market for just under $3 million.

NO. 5: EVER WANTED TO OWN A PASO ROBLES VINEYARD ESTATE? NOW YOU CAN — FOR JUST $3 MILLION

The property is perfect “for anyone looking to make a name in the wine industry,” a realtor said. | Published June 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ania Keenan

A luxury home, guest house and 57 acres of vineyards for sale in Paso Robles for nearly $5 million.

NO. 6: VINEYARD ESTATE IN PASO ROBLES OFFERS WINEMAKING AMID THE WILDLIFE FOR $4.9M. TAKE A LOOK

A luxury home with a pool and guest house accompanies operational winery facilities. | Published October 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Caraccio

Justin Vineyards & Winery in Paso Robles is owned by the Resnicks’ Wonderful Co.

NO. 7: PROMINENT SLO COUNTY WINERY ADDS NEW WINES FROM OUTSIDE PASO ROBLES FOR FIRST TIME

It’s the first time the 43-year-old winery and vineyard has expanded its lineup with wines from beyond the Central Coast. | Published February 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kaytlyn Leslie

NO. 8: BEVERAGE TITAN BUYS ICONIC CENTRAL COAST WINERY AND VINEYARD

The winery specializes in pinot noir, chardonnay and sparkling wines. | Published May 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Laurie Jervis

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.