Flying into San Luis Obispo: Wine Tasting Near SBP and ACI Jet

Flying into San Luis Obispo: Wine Tasting Near SBP and ACI Jet

How to fit a wine tasting into your layover, day trip, or long weekend

Flying into San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP)? This guide is for private pilots and their passengers arriving through ACI Jet or the transient ramp by the Spirit of San Luis restaurant who want a convenient, award-winning, and friendly wine tasting close to the airport. 

Croma Vera Wines is a 6-minute drive from SBP, straight down Broad Street, with easy parking. Below, you'll find how to get here, what to expect, and a special offer for pilots flying out the same day. We also list other tasting rooms within about 10 minutes of the airport, so you can pick the stop that fits your schedule.

Quick answers: Wine tasting near SBP

Tasting Room: Croma Vera Wines, 3183 Duncan Rd Ste D, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Distance: 4-6 minutes from SBP by car or rideshare

Route: Straight down Broad St, right on Orcutt, left on Duncan

Parking: Free, easy parking on site

Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 1 to 7 pm

Reservations: Reserve online for 4+ guests, but walk-ins always welcome

Specialty: Award-winning wines from Spanish grapes grown on the Central Coast

Varieties: Albariño (white wine), Rosé, Grenache, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Graciano, Red blends

Getting from SBP or ACI Jet to Croma Vera

The drive is short and simple. Leave the airport, turn onto Broad Street, and head toward downtown. Turn right on Orcutt Road. Turn left on Duncan Rd. Total drive time is about 4-6 minutes.

If you're arriving at ACI Jet, the front desk can help you get a car. Crew cars are available at ACI Jet on a first-come, first-served basis. They are complimentary for up to two hours, which gives you plenty of time for a tasting at Croma Vera Wines. If you'd like to guarantee a car for an extended period of time, you might consider contacting ACI Jet prior to your arrival to arrange a rental car, which would be parked just out front for you. Alternatively, Uber is reliable in San Luis Obispo, and the trip from SBP to Croma Vera Wines typically costs $8-$15.

The car rental companies with counters inside the main terminal (near the baggage claim area) at San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) are Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National / Alamo.

Pilots Welcome: A Complimentary Non-alcoholic Drink

If you’re a pilot flying today, you are most welcome. Show us your pilot certificate with any wine purchase by you or your group, and we’ll pour you a free Estrella Galicia 0.0, a Spanish non-alcoholic beer. Prefer something else? Choose San Pellegrino, a soda, or another non-alcoholic drink from our menu.

Your passengers can enjoy a full tasting while you relax with them. Then take your bottles home and open one when you're off duty.

Plan Your Visit

Here for a few hours? Land, grab a car or Uber, and be at our tasting room in under 6 minutes. A tasting takes about 45-60 minutes (or longer if you want to extend your relaxation). Passengers taste while the pilot enjoys a non-alcoholic drink. Let us know your timeline, and we’ll make sure you’re on your way back to the airport well before your departure time.

Staying the night? Check into your hotel, then come by in the afternoon for a relaxed tasting. Everyone can join in, since no one is flying until tomorrow. Our team is delighted to recommend a few local favorite restaurants.

What to Expect at Croma Vera

We are always friendly, never pretentious. We are an urban winery with indoor (air-conditioned) and outdoor patio seating. 

We make wine from Spanish grape varieties grown in vineyards around San Luis Obispo County. Our lineup includes Rosé, Albariño (a white wine), Grenache, Graciano, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Revelación, our Spanish-style red blend. We also make Vermouth del Sol, a Rosé sweet vermouth served over ice with potato chips. We also offer a cheese and charcuterie plate (for 1-2 people), paired with our wine flight, plus a chocolate truffle pairing with truffles made by a local chocolatier.

A tasting flight of 5 wines is $25, waived with a two-bottle purchase or club sign-up.

Tasting Rooms Near ACI Jet / SBP

The airport sits at the edge of the Edna Valley wine region, so you have plenty of nearby choices. 

Winery: Tolosa Winery
Location: 4910 Edna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Known for: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Drive time from ACI Jet: 5-10 minutes

Winery: Croma Vera Wines
Location: 3183 Duncan Rd Ste D, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Known for: Spanish varieties like Albariño (a white wine), Grenache, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and red blends
Drive time from ACI Jet: 5-10 minutes

Winery: El Lugar Wines
Location: 3197 Duncan Rd Ste C, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Known for: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Drive time from ACI Jet: 5-10 minutes

Winery: Biddle Ranch Vineyard
Location: 2050 Biddle Ranch Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Known for: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Drive time from ACI Jet: 5-10 minutes

Winery: Saucelito Canyon Tasting Room
Location: 3080 Biddle Ranch Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Known for: Zinfandel and red blends
Drive time from ACI Jet: 5-10 minutes

Wine Bar: Farmhouse Corner Market
Location: 1025 Farmhouse Ln, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Known for: Large selection of bottles plus wine bar
Distance from ACI Jet: Walkable, across the street (5-10 minutes)

Wine bar: Wine Sneak
Location: 4468 Broad St Ste 120, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Known for: Large selection of bottles plus wine bar
Distance time from ACI Jet: Walkable, across the street (5-10 minutes)

Frequently asked questions

What's the closest winery to the San Luis Obispo airport?

The closest wineries are Tolosa Winery, Biddle Ranch Vineyard, Croma Vera Wines, El Lugar Wines, and Saucelito Canyon Tasting Room.

Can I go wine tasting near ACI Jet in San Luis Obispo?

Yes. Croma Vera and several Edna Valley wineries are within about 10 minutes of the ACI Jet FBO.

Is there anything for pilots who can't drink?

Yes. Pilots flying the same day receive a free Estrella Galicia 0.0 or other non-alcoholic drink with any wine purchase by the pilot or their group. Just show your pilot certificate.

Do I need a reservation?

No, reservations are recommended for 4+ guests, but walk-ins are welcome at Croma Vera Wines.

Is there parking? 

Yes, parking is easy and free. 

Can you ship wine so I don't have to fly with it?

Yes, we ship to 35 states.

What food do you offer?

We offer cheese & charcuterie plates, chocolate truffles, and snacks like potato chips, spiced nuts, and tinned fish. 

What are some nearby restaurants?

The Spirit of San Luis restaurant (casual, aviation-themed spot serving California fare) with a view of the runway is located at the airport. If you’re looking for a sit-down restaurant with relatively fast service near the airport, consider Old SLO BBQ Co., Kumi Ko Japanese Restaurant, Beda’s Biergarten (German), Thai Boat, and Le Ciel Crepes Cafe.

Can I bring my children or pets?

Yes! Croma Vera Wines is both kid- and pet-friendly. We have a special “Emergency Distraction Kit” for your young children, and a treat for your furry family member.

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