"The Best Things to Do in San Luis Obispo, California, from Historic Missions to Kelp Foraging"
Excerpt from Johnny Bierman's article:
"Day 2: Olive oil tasting and kelp harvesting in greater SLO county
Outside the city, farms of all kinds toil away at the rich soils and waters of SLO to bring fresh produce to the markets, and to make some of the best wine in the nation. To invite visitors to experience both, winemakers rooted in sustainable and organic winemaking, marked by SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certification, have joined forces with regenerative farming businesses to create a self-guided tour on the SLO County Farm Trail. As a result you can try your hands at harvesting kelp, or simply purchase kelp products, with Kelpful–a worker-owned, women-run cooperative with the goal of bringing regenerative sea vegetables and shellfish to the Central Coast community. We all know and love a good wine tasting, but olive oil tasting is just as delectable: Venture up the SLO County Farm Trail to The Groves on 41 where a family-run operation takes guests for tours of the farm followed by olive oil tastings that will be sure to tickle your taste buds.
If you’re seeking the wine circuit, there is no doubt that Paso Robles wineries will be on your list, but the Edna Valley wine region's many organic and sustainable vineyards also deserves a spot. Its unique location is close enough to the ocean that a microclimate of cool morning fog and warm afternoons make the perfect Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Chamisal, one of the first California wineries to be recognized under the SIP Certification program, brings a worldly sustainable approach to everything they do, from harnessing carbon with a Japanese Miyawaki forest to fostering healthy population of birds and owls for natural pest control. Tolosa Winery, also SIP Certified, uses modern practices such as solar energy (which provides up to 75 percent of their power) and water conservation, while the tasting room’s exquisite architecture and decor complement with a sophisticated setting."