CAMBRIA: NOTHING WELSH ABOUT THIS TOWN.
Cambria is a beautiful seaside village in San Luis Obispo County, California’s Central Coast. Cambria is home to several wineries, tasting rooms, and restaurants that are sure to please any wine lover. From casual eateries to Fine Dining, there is something for everyone. So, whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a glass of wine with a view or you want to sample some of the best wines the Central Coast has to offer, be sure to check out this list.
The name Cambria is Latin for Wales. In 1869, it was named by a miner who found inspiration from his homeland – Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Before then, the town was known as Slabtown. This once-prosperous mining town became depleted during the Great Depression due to its production of building materials for nearby Hearst Castle. However, this small town has thrived amid Monterey pines in one of only three natural forests in California: giving it its flavor and identity unlike anywhere else.
Enjoy beautiful views while strolling or hiking along the Pacific Ocean’s cliffs, rocky shoreline, and beaches. Moonstone Sand is one of the most renowned beaches along the Pacific Ocean; it is named from the brilliant gemstones that shine in the light and may be found on the beach.
There are no chain stores in Cambria, so shopping downtown guarantees you’ll find one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted gifts, and antiques. Enjoy a variety of dining options. Instead of wine-tasting rooms, soak up some suds at one of 927 microbreweries that have been brewing craft beers since 2012.
MOONSTONE BEACH BAR & GRILL
Moonstone is our first lunch stop. It’s a laid-back restaurant with ocean views and an outdoor patio that serves generous portions of seafood, steak, and pasta. Make sure to get the Bloody Mary.
When I travel, I like to get a sense of what the essence of my destination’s local culture is. This is usually accomplished with a quick trip to their market. The Cookie Crock Market is the town’s main market, with a general store at the far end of town. Be aware that, as with any remote tourist-driven town, gas and food are expensive.
For more unique items, the ideal spot is A Matter of Taste. It offers a wonderful selection of culinary tools, gourmet food, and local specialties. Fermentations offers a wide range of products, from local wines to gourmet food and gift baskets. There is a large selection of excellent food, wine, and entertaining items. They also have wine and food tastings available in the store, so you can try them before you buy!
My wine sonar is beckoning and with a variety to choose from, there are three. I highly recommend Moonstone Cellars, Black Hand Cellars, and my favorite, Cutruzzola.
MOONSTONE CELLARS
They are located just off Main Street in the historic West Village and have a spectacular view. Todd Clift and his father, Muril, started making wine in a basement overlooking Moonstone Beach in 1998. Todd makes his wines from grapes grown on the Central Coast. Choose between a luminous style Grenache, a structured Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, a plum citrus Sauvignon Blanc, and a dry spicy Gewurztraminer, all at reasonable prices.
Come join them for Open Mic. Nite, stand-up comedy, or Moonstone Memoirs and true stories told in front of a live audience without notes. Stay at The Chateau above Moonstone Cellars for a special treat with advanced reservations.
812 Cornwall Street, Cambria, CA, 93428
(805) 927-9466
BLACK HAND CELLARS
The Black Hand Cellars Tasting Room offers an elegant selection of Rhone and Bordeaux blends and stories about this speakeasy-themed tasting room. This small family boutique winery is managed by two people – Tom and Terry Bannish – who own their land on the west side of Paso Robles, where they grow grapes for these wines. They proudly share stories about how Tom’s great grandfather would make exceptional wine which gained attention from the Black Hand Mafia- they sought out his wines specifically. If you’re interested in trying some new flavors, take a sip from one of Tom’s hard ciders!
766 Main Street, St. Cambria, California
CUTRUZZOLA VINEYARDS
Cutruzzola is an award-winning vineyard located in Cambria, CA. Just outside of town this winery creates refreshing Rieslings and elegant Pinot Noirs. Located near Center Coast, with crisp ocean breezes and lush greenery, it’s easy to see why they make such good wine here. Owner Francis Cutruzzola along with his wife Lisa Miller runs this family-owned business which has been producing remarkable wine for decades now– that couldn’t have been done without the help of experienced growers like Stephen Dooley and Aaron Jackson who are local vintners. Be sure to try their hard cider made from locally grown apples for one amazing drink unlike anything you’ve ever had before
555 Main St. Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-2670
When it’s time to unwind and prepare for the evening. It would be a crime not to reserve one of the oceanfront front properties along Moonstone Beach Drive. It all depends on availability with the seasons since one would expect them to be completely booked at any time of year. The other consideration is value, as there are residences ranging from extreme luxury to low budget. We settled on the middle tier…
CAPTAIN’S COVE COUNTRY INN
This is a true gem. It is two miles from the town center. If you don’t want to leave the waves, there are several restaurants and bars on the same street. Their room is rustic and whimsical, with a cottage feel. It isn’t extravagant, but it is clean and pleasant.
The owner is extremely friendly and welcoming. We were greeted with fresh muffins and strawberries in our room. We reserved the bottom room, which had unobstructed views and its patio. Babito and I captivated the entire scene on the patio with a bottle of bubbles and cigars and let time float away into the sea.
6454 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-8581
SEA CHEST RESTAURANT AND OYSTER BAR
This small place is super popular, so you’ll have to be patient while waiting for a table. There are no cabs in this area, which means that people often stop by after work when they’re leaving town. To get the full experience of their restaurant, though, I recommend going to the bar and ordering some oysters and drinks first. The lounge features a nautical-themed interior with plenty of games; small yet charming; perfect for people who want a simple getaway without going too far from home. You’ll need a reservation if you want an ocean-view table but not if you want a good meal!
They’ve been open for over 30 years now, so maybe things aren’t as great anymore? But whatever; at least they’re consistent! Just tell them what dish needs something more or less done to it because after all, you (the customer) deserve everything you pay for!
Image Source: Sea Chest Restaurant and Oyster Bar (https://www.facebook.com/seachestoysterbar)
6216 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-4514
If you were to go into town, I recommend three superior dining options. Madeline’s Restaurant & Wine Tasting Shop located in the historic West Village is comparably revered by locals and tourists. It serves homemade French/American cuisine as well as an array of international flavors made from farmers’ market-fresh ingredients. Purchase a bottle for dinner in their wine shop and you will not be charged a corkage fee.
The second recommendation is The Sow’s Ear. Serving contemporary Californian cuisine and a carefully curated wine list in a small, old cottage with a fireplace. The service, ambiance, price, location, and sumptuous food are all excellent. Although the dress code is strictly enforced, they had me at Lobster Corn Dogs.
However, I had all my bets placed on Robin’s. Robins Covey and Shanny Covey first served wholesome fare in the back room of a small health food store in Cambria. The acclaim for their dishes allowed them to soon boost and open up Robin’s – which was then located on Bridge Street. It took five years for Robin & Shanny to relocate the restaurant to its current address at an old historic adobe house on Burton Drive. Now, Robins offers finger-licking mouth watering home cooking with just a hint of overseas flavors from fruit gathered from local farmers’ markets every day.
Source: Robins Restaurant(https://www.facebook.com/RobinsRestaurant/)
4095 Burton Drive, Cambria, CA 93428
805.927.5007
Cambria captures the soul’s spirit embedded in the sea. Cambria is the reason that tiny villages like these are reborn for their heritage. They change throughout time to reflect the enchantment of travel. This is where adventure meets leisure, fun meets flavor, and the pines meet the sea.
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