Having moved to California’s beautiful Central Coast from the Midwest five years ago, my husband and I have centered the majority of our exploration around Paso Robles, Cambria, Monterey, San Francisco, Napa, and Lake Tahoe. We did venture to Santa Barbara for a long weekend with friends, but we have not gone farther south, much to our chagrin. Soon, though! There is so much to discover in this fascinating state, so when we were asked to participate in the Courtyard Marriott San Luis Obispo’s “Fuel Up & Go SLO” program, my response was a quick, “Yes, please!”
In essence, the program offers guests a two-night stay at the newly renovated Courtyard by Marriott in San Luis Obispo. Along with the stay, guests receive a $50 complimentary gas card, 50% off tasting flights at nearby Claiborne & Churchill Winery, and two complimentary glasses of wine at Avila Beach’s Shuck Shack. Special rates are offered for outside adventures, too. Avila Beach Paddlesports and Arnie’s ATV Rentals in Oceano. On our own, we dined at new-to-us restaurants, shopped a bit in quaint, downtown San Luis Obispo, and played “tourist” as we strolled through small towns, peeked in boutiques, and enjoyed the days. Our mini-vaca right in our own backyard was memorable and I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity to “Fuel Up & Go SLO”. Just click HERE to learn more and reserve your room for this package.
Courtyard by Marriott San Luis Obispo is a Tranquil Retreat with Resort-Worthy Amenities
Relaunched in the spring of 2026 after a year-long renovation, Courtyard by Marriott San Luis Obispo was a hidden gem boasting a contemporary, welcoming vibe blending modern design, resort-worthy amenities, and a scenic, natural setting. Our spacious room was glorious with a view of the outdoor pool, pergola, and lush palm trees. We had a a mini-refrigerator, microwave, moveable workspace, USB charging ports, complimentary WiFi, lounge seating, and more. An on-site Bistro serves breakfast and dinner and, of course, a cocktail, beer, or wine if you like. We arrived for our first night around 4pm after we visited Claiborne & Churchill Winery earlier. Check in was seamless and the location, just minutes from Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, downtown San Luis Obispo, and the regional airport, could not have been better.
Room with a view at the Courtyard Marriott San Luis Obispo
Nearby Wineries Exude the Charm of the Central Coast
Clearly a wine region rife for more discovery, the SLO Coast AVA and Paso Robles wine region are not to be missed. During our two night excursion, we visited Claiborne & Churchill (2849 Carpenter Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo) for a tasting of wines from grapes sourced from nearby areas, then produced on site. Inspired by their travels to the Alsace region of France where they were impressed by the wines, owners Clay Claiborne and his wife realized their dream of opening a winery where they and others could enjoy premium wines with friends and food. The tasting room opened in 1995 and their specialty is dry Alsatian wine that thrives in the cool climate of the SLO Coast AVA.
Outside under a floral covered pergola, Tara Seaman, our wine educator, shared a bright, aromatic 2025 Dry Gewurtztraminer that sings with energy, citrus, and high acidity. It will be on point with Thai food and any other dish with spice. 2024 Estate Dry Riesling offered vibrant acidity and notes of melon, lemon curd, and ripe fruit and 2025 Central Coast Riesling from the Santa Lucia Highlands was creamy and balanced with a lingering, dry finish. From Spanish Springs near the Pacific Ocean, 2025 Chardonnay will be a joy to sip with crab cakes thanks to its clean, crisp profile boasting minerality, golden apple, stone fruit, and moderate acidity. Balanced with ripe, red friut and warm baking spice, 2022GreenGate Pinot Noir was rich and lush with notes of red berries, warm sice, dried cranberry, and earth on the nose and palate. Balanced with satin-like tannins, this complex wine will be mouthwatering with duck confit. As we walked around the outside space, Tara explained that a cottage on the property is available on VRBO, so check that out, too. For warm hospitality and notable wines, Claiborne & Churchill should be at the top of your list.
Tasting Flight at Churchill & Claiborne
After breakfast the following morning, we drove to Avila Beach for our tasting and lunch at Shuck Shack (480 Front Street, Avila Beach), a lovely corner spot with an outside patio tables and chairs, inside seating, and views of the Pacific Ocean from wherever you are. Tomas Sinor and his sister Esme Sinor, second generation owners of both Shuck Shack and Sinor-LaVallee Wines, welcomed us and we chose the perfect spot to sip a bevy of natural wines, enjoy a selection of food, and chat. As you review the intriguing wine list, don’t forget to order your choice of oysters (baked or raw) or anything, really, from the menu that includes cheeses, meats, wood-fired pizza, Gildas, creative nacho selection (try the Land-Chos that I can’t wait to have again), and caviar. Spanish influences in the food blended with the European vibes of the wines resulted in food and wine nirvana!
To be honest, it’s worth tasting the many wines of Sinor-LaVallee to expand your wine knowledge with its selection of off-the-radar wines that every wine lover needs to add to their repertoire. Our first wine was a refreshing 2025 Ancestrale Sinor-LaVallee Pet-Nat, just a delightful way to begin (and end) the tasting with its persistent bubbles and savory palate profile. Uncommon Earth (Tomas’ label) 2024 Palomino from Rancho Cucamonga was one of my favorites thanks to its bright, lively acidity and citrus, nuts, and floral notes – I’m read for a trip to the south of Spain. Bistrot White, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Orange Muscat, and Gruner Veltliner was a taste sensation and I kept thinking how delicious it was with the oysters. Another favorite was Sinor-La Vallee 2023 Pinot Noir produced using semi-carbonic maceration of grapes from the nearby Bassi Vineyard. Approachable and easy drinking with ripe plum and fig notes, this could easily be an every night wine! Many more wines were enjoyed and I highly encourage you to flex your palate muscles and indulge in these notable wines and food choices. When you go, promise to meet and talk with Tomas and Esme to hear their story and learn much more.
Shuck Shack in Avila Beach
Along with Claiborne & Churchill and Sinor-LaVallee at Shuck Shack, both included as part of the “Fuel Up and Go SLO” package, add a few more wine stops to your list. I can recommend Talley Vineyards, Chamisal, Laetitia Vineyards, Sextant, and Talosa along with scores of wineries in Paso Robles. Each is memorable and has a very special story and character.
Photo Credit: Talley Vineyards
Savor Views of the Pacific Ocean and Taste the San Luis Obispo Coast
During our visit to San Luis Obispo, we had time to check out a few restaurants and “watering holes.” In Pismo Beach, we went retro and had lunch at Pismo Fish & Chips that made me feel as if I was back in the 1960s listening to tunes from the Beach Boys. Of course my husband and I had its signature dish of fish & chips – my choice was cod and my husband’s was salmon. The fresh fish was lightly breaded just the way I like it and the golden fries were way too good! Next we had a brew at The Boardroom Beer Pub that was a stone’s throw away from the Pismo Beach Pier. In the past, we’ve had a savory seafood lunch at Wooly’s Beach Bar & Grill with front line views of the Ocean.
In Avila Beach, we have had a wonderful dinner at Blue Moon Over Avila. When you’re ready to visit the south of France and are not ready to pony up the airfare, just go for Pacific Ocean views and an oh-la-la menu for your French Riviera fix! And don’t forget to stroll down the Avila Beach Pier to Mersea’s for a quick lunch or a glass of your favorite beverage enjoyed outside. You can watch the seals, boats, gentle waves, or a gorgeous sunset before your 10 minute drive back to the Courtyard by Marriott where a dip in the pool may be a delicious nightcap. You can book the “Fuel Up & Go” Experience HERE!
Blue Moon Over Avila for a taste of the French Riviera
Cheers! ~ Cindy
