ARROYO GRANDE, CA—I just returned from another wine tasting binge in San Luis Obispo County. It's nearing the end of harvest time and there was still lots of activity in the vineyards.

One of the thing that makes Talley Vineyards a special place to visit is their park-like tasting room and extensive gift shop. Their wines are very popular, diverse, and provide a well-rounded showcase of what the region does so very well.

Being a total tasting manic I tried EVERYTHING on the list… Yea!

Here's what I sampled from both their current tasting menus—

Core Flight: $8 per person for their five most popular wines

2012 Bishop's Peak Chardonnay
Oliver's Vineyard, Edna Valley ($16/bottle) ($12.80 members)

2011 Talley Vineyards Estate Chardonnay
Arroyo Grande Valley ($27/bottle) ($21.60 members)

2012 Bishop's Peak Pinot Noir
San Luis Obispo County ;($20/bottle) ($16 members)

2011 Talley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir
Arroyo Grande Valley ($36/bottle) ($28.80 members)

2011 Bishop's Peak Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles ($20/bottle) ($16 members)

Distinctive Flight: $15 per person for five of their distinctive wines

2011 Oliver's Vineyard Chardonnay ($36/bottle) ($28.80 members)

2011 Rincon Vineyard Chardonnay
Arroyo Grande Valley ($44/bottle) ($35.20 members)

2011 Rosemary's Vineyard Chardonnay
Arroyo Grande Valley ($48/bottle) ($38.40 members)

2011 Rincon Vineyard Pinot Noir √
Arroyo Grande Valley ($60/bottle) ($48 members)

2011 Rosemary's Vineyard Pinot Noir √
Arroyo Grande Valley ($70/bottle) ($56.00 members)
"This Pinot Noir will age to velvet."

Lots of nice, well-priced wines on the Core Flight menu… Wine with more complexity can be sampled on their Distinctive Flight menu. My favorites of the day: The two Pinot Noir wines with the √… Of course, wine club members will greatly benefit from the discounted pricing. :-).

The hospitality at this tasting room is excellent. I've been there several times and have always found those folks working here to be top-notch.

What do you think about this "growler"?! It's one of the things that they specialize in these days. A growler is 2 1/2 bottles… I'm coming back to pick up several for my next BBQ party. The initial fill up is $35… Each refill is just $28. Once filled the contents should be enjoyed within 2 weeks. After opening, I'd say finish your wine within 3-5 days for best results.

The Talley Vineyards tasting room is only about 15 minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo. The next time you're visiting the area be sure to add this lovely spot to your must-see list. Highly recommended!

—TS