About
When Dick and Dolores Kelsey retired in 1999, they started a hobby: winemaking. Little did they know that their home project would blossom in the Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards.
The couple have been longtime residents of See Canyon, and aside from sharing their passion for winemaking, they instill the deeper roots of their love for family, fellowship, and authentic relationships.
Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards is now a family affair but started with a modest launch, producing small batches of wine that gained a loyal following. Today, the flagship wines are the Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but with the generations-old apple orchards surrounding the vineyard, they also produce apple wine.
Live music is another popular attraction at the winery with various musical genres that pair with any of their wines. And the best part is that these don’t require tickets, but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wine tastings are available and you may purchase wine by the glass or bottle. Enjoy at any of the umbrella-covered outdoor tables and take in the breathtaking scenery or tap along to the live music. Visiting after playing at Avila Beach Golf Resort, sipping wine late in the afternoon is the perfect way to cap off a day.
While relatively young in the grand scope of winemaking, Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards is earning accolades and a reputation for distinctive, high-quality wines. For all these reasons, adding a visit to your Avila Beach vacation itinerary is a must!
Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards: Fun Facts & Cool Features
Yes, the wines are the top draw, but there’s another feature that attracts the curious: the peacocks! The Kelsey family's love of these vibrant birds is apparent when you arrive because there aren’t just a handful but close to 200! The peacocks roam and roost about the area, adding the allure of sipping wine in See Canyon. And for a few bucks, you can purchase feed and let the peacocks eat from your hand.
Now, let’s explore the wine! As mentioned, the apple orchard and vineyards make for creative combinations. The orchard produces yellow and red delicious apples, which when combined with certain grapes are transformed into an apple chardonnay and a rose.
The vineyard also produces hard cider in various styles that come in 4-pack cans. For cider aficionados, sample the higher-end bottled versions. The Two Fathoms is comparable to a dry Brut Champagne with a sweet apple finish. The Diver is the Two Fathoms cider that is barrel-aged for three months in French, Russian, and American oak barrels.
Regarding red wines, they offer a Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and red blend. White varieties include the aforementioned Chardonnay Reserve, a gold medal-winning white blend, and a rose.
Outside food may be brought in, making Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards perfect for afternoon picnics. Grab a meal from the Custom House or Woodstone Marketplace to enjoy with a glass or bottle of their award-winning wines and ciders.
During the summer, the weekends come alive with live music, adding toe-tapping good times to the vineyard. These mini-concerts are held in the afternoons and do not require tickets, further making the Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards a family-friendly environment.
Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards promises more than just award-winning wine. You’ll enjoy beautiful landscapes in a warm, welcoming community.
Getting There
Here are directions from Avila Beach to Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards:
- Head east on Avila Beach Dr for 1.5 miles.
- Turn right onto San Luis Bay Dr.
- Turn left onto See Canyon Rd.
- Continue for 3 miles.
- The destination will be on your left.
- Address: 1947 See Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Local Tips
- Visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy under the oak trees.
- Join the Wine Club and get free tastings for four people!
- Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the vineyard.
