Salisbury Vineyards & Salisbury Fine Art

“Art and wine in a same place”

It was by chance that during my trip “Discovering the wines of California” I stopped here following the advice of the team from Tolosa Winery, the vineyard in the region of San Luis Obispo.

When we got there I found a pretty white building in American style, that had formerly served as a school, and now it is turned into a tasting room.

Salisbury vineyard belongs to the family of the same name since 1850. This dates to the times of the first immigrants Salisbury settled in California. Today John Salisbury, inherits the expertise of six generations of winemaker, creates wines while keeping the same guideline that his ancestors: a lot of fruit, some oak but especially close attention to the Pinot Noir. According to John this locality is “one of the best areas to plant Pinot Noir.”

If you ask him how he would describe his passion for wine this man that obviously loves his vineyard will simply answer “I like it! “. It is a short answer, but it says it all! Besides his new goal is to grow the passion for wine in one of his four grandchildren so they can later succeed him.

This property characterizes it by its close relationship with the world of art. Upon entering in the building you will find of course a tasting bar but in this room, and in the next room a space for the exhibition of works of the family. Indeed, five of the Salisbury family members are artists (painting, drawing … etc). This is also the reason why many wine labels of the property boast works of art. Finally we can say that this is a family that is not only passionate about wine but also through art and sport (see the anecdote).

How to recognize the Salisbury wines during a blind tasting?

This is a personal observation but after checking with other bloggers, writing about this vineyard, the results are confirmed. What characterizes this property is a wine that is “easy to drink“, “easy access” wines that are well done, very worn on the flavors of the grape and a small part (or even without) woodlot in wines. Wines “mainstream” synonymous with “fun” and “fruit.”

Side anecdote:

The story of the week will cover the wine label “Rucks Red 3“. Above we see a skateboarder. The athlete is no other than Kevin Rucks, the husband of the daughter (Jennifer) John Salisbury, has passion for skateboarding, and professional sports. In 2010, the family used the vintage “Red Rucks 2” to make a donation to the foundation “Stand Up for Skateparks” Tony Hawk. This institution aims to create skateparks in underprivileged neighborhoods.

Definitely a family art and sport trendy!

Thanks to John Patrick Salisbury and his team for their hospitality.

Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche

Salisbury Vineyards
6985 Ontario Road
San Luis Obispo 93405
+1 805-595-9463
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