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Kelsey See Canyon Winery // Zeus the red lab<br />
Apple Rosé<br />
Not only are peacocks welcome here, but as they won “<strong>SLO</strong>’s<br />
best dog-friendly winery” this year, dogs are just as common.<br />
Winemaker Jac Jacobs and his assistant, Joey Roedl, always have<br />
their loyal pooches, Oden and Zeus, by their sides. Oden is a great<br />
Pyrenees from a Paso sheepherding line. His big physique is less<br />
intimidating because of his full body wag when he sees visitors.<br />
Zeus is a red lab that is incredibly social, as well, but rarely leaves<br />
Roedl’s side, except when walking himself on the beach. These two<br />
are so endearing—I just want to hang there all day.<br />
Dick and Dolores Kelsey, who once maintained tugboats in the<br />
current wine barrel room, decided to retire and start a winery.<br />
Instead of simply stomping grapes for wine, they tried their hand<br />
with the apples that grew all around the canyon, as well. This<br />
was the birth of Red Delicious Apple Rosé wine, which is quite<br />
different than a cider. After nearby Sycamore Hot Springs began<br />
selling the unique blend, it was renamed “Hot Tub Wine” by its<br />
guests. Fermented from equal parts apple and grape juice, it offers<br />
a taste that is difficult to describe.<br />
It’s just something you have to try. A touch of sweetness helps<br />
the fruit spring to life, while the grapes give it that smooth red<br />
berry flavor. It strikes a nice balance and, more than anything else,<br />
it doesn’t take itself too seriously and is just downright fun—like<br />
Oden and Zeus.<br />
Whalebone // Bentley // Cabernet Sauvignon<br />
When walking up to Whalebone, it is not uncommon to be<br />
greeted by Bentley, a three-year-old puppy—a lab in a bulldog’s<br />
body. The loyal, if not obedient, sidekick to the one of the winery’s<br />
owners, Janalyn Simpson, makes fast friends with visitors by<br />
asking them to play fetch with a piece of limestone that he drops<br />
at their feet. It is the same limestone that makes this area such a<br />
coveted winegrowing region.<br />
This winery is part of a 126-acre lot that Simpson and her<br />
husband Bob purchased thirty-three years ago when they asked a<br />
local winemaker for advice on growing grapes. The Simpsons loved<br />
Cabernet Sauvignon, so that’s what they grew. After rave reviews<br />
from friends, they decided to share this joy with everyone, and<br />
that is how the tasting room was born. The 2016 Estate Cabernet<br />
is delicious and features a great body. With a touch of Merlot,<br />
the cab shines its dark berry and spice taste similar to a Bordeaux<br />
blend. The Whalebone name is a fantastic reminder of the ancient<br />
marine seabed soil from which the vines now grow and get their<br />
fantastic flavor. <strong>SLO</strong> <strong>LIFE</strong><br />
BEFORE YOU GO<br />
Want to bring your furry friend with you to a<br />
winery? Take a couple steps before visiting to<br />
ensure a great time. Call ahead to check their<br />
policy. Wineries often have a garden or patio<br />
space for guests with dogs. Always keep Fido on<br />
a leash and keep some waste baggies on hand.<br />
Bonus: be sure to bring along a bowl for water<br />
while you are drinking wine, just in case the<br />
winery doesn’t have one. Cheers!<br />
90 | <strong>SLO</strong> <strong>LIFE</strong> MAGAZINE | OCT/NOV <strong>2019</strong>
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