Get ready for a mouth-watering, heart-stopping extravaganza day featuring incredible restaurants with plenty of meat paired with wine, beer and whiskey tasting. Wondering how you can fit all of that epicness into one day? Well, let me tell you, it’s possible, and in this installment of Couch Insights, I’m going to break down how you can do it. My name’s Julian; I’m a part of the SLO Safe Ride Operations team and the creator of The Heart Stopper Tour.
Start with a hearty breakfast at The Mark
Trust me, without a substantial breakfast, you’re not going to make it through The Heart Stopper Tour. This is why I always recommend stopping at The Mark in downtown San Luis Obispo. They’re open bright and early on the weekends at 9 AM. Pick yourself up a Wet Burrito with all the fixings, Spanish rice, beans, cheese, onions, cilantro, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, salsa and steak. Or if you’re looking for something a little more meat-focused and fried, I personally love their Buffalo Fried Chicken Sliders served with dill pickle, chipotle aioli on a brioche bun. (Do you hear that? My stomach’s growling.)
Wine Tasting at Talley Vineyards
Have SLO Safe Ride pick you up in their Mercedes Sprinter LandJet, those La-Z-Boy recliners are going to feel great on a full stomach. (If you’re traveling with a bigger group, check out the Limousine Buses.) Then head off to Talley Vineyards. You’ll have plenty of wine to taste here since they have a vast selection; I know I could spend a whole afternoon here. On your way out, pick up some tasty snacks for the road from their market.
Lunch at Jocko’s Steakhouse
So far, your only one winery deep in tasting, but you’re going to need a strong foundation for future drinks. While a little off the beaten path, Jockos Steakhosue isn’t just incredible, it’ll set you up for success so you can make it through your next tastings. Help yourself to a couple of Steak Bites to share and then try their Rib Eye Steak Sandwich. If you’re really hungry, check out their option for heartier meals. Not only will you get a platter full of incredible meat, but their heartier options come with a dinner salad, beans, garlic bread and ice cream. Time to dig in!
Wine Tasting at Biddle Ranch Vineyard in Edna Valley
The weather in San Luis Obispo County is gorgeous year-round. (With a couple of patches of rain here and there.) Which is why I always opt to have my wine tasting on the outdoor patio of Biddle Ranch. Kick up your feet up as you look over fields of vines. With a little bit of that fresh, coastal breeze coming in—it’s perfect. Hands down, this is one of my favorite wineries in Edna Valley. (My favorite winery in Paso Robles is another story, for another Couch Insight.) While Biddle Ranch is well-known for white wines, I’m partial to their reds. Pro-tip, if you see that they have their rosé wine in stock, purchase whatever you can. This wine sells out quickly!
Whiskey Tasting in San Luis Obispo
Located in SLO Brew Rock is Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills. They offer some knock-the-shoes-off-your-feet whiskey. You can try the Bourbon Whiskey, Rye Whiskey and Cask Bourbon Whiskey. (There’s also an option to try some of their in-house Moonshine.) The atmosphere is perfect for relaxing as the sun sets on the Central Coast. But don’t worry, even though the sun’s down, we’re still going strong on the Heart Stopper Tour. There are a few more stops after this one, so I recommend ordering their meat and cheese platter at this craft distillery to keep you fueled up.
Beer Tasting at Libertine Brewing Co. in Downtown SLO
Welcome to the home of the sour beers! Libertine Brewing Company is the leader in sours for the Central Coast, or at least I think so. While I don’t like sours, they’re usually a great hit with a group. If you’re like me and are the one person among your friends that frowns on this unique beer, then you can join be in drinking one of Libertine’s rotating guest beers. (These temporary beers are not sours and are an excellent way to try beers from all over the Central Coast.) If you’re still on the meat train and feeling a bit peckish, try their Tot-Chos, tater tots topped with BBQ pork, beer cheese, cheddar, sour cream, guacamole and jalapenos.
Well, that’s a wrap for The Heart Stopper Tour. Make sure you stop by Headstrong the next day or two to help work off all of those drinks and meals. If you try out The Heart Stopper Tour for yourself, make sure to tag me @SLOSafeRide! I’d love to see how you enjoy this EPIC tour. If you need transportation, let me and the team help. You can reach me or my awesome teammates at the form below or by phone at (805) 620-7233.
