ITTN’s Louise Ducrocq was delighted to attend SLO CAL’s Dublin event last night at The Dean Hotel – all about exploring this unknown side of the US, learning all about California’s Central Coast’s hidden gems, enjoying fusion meals and Californian wine tasting.
The event started off with an interactive session introducing the amazingly rich county of San Luis Obispo, where “life’s too beautiful to rush” – hence the name, SLO CAL! Very clever.
Kristen Carlson, Director of Sales, told us all about this wonderful destination, accompanied by Lisa Marie Belsanti, Vice President of Communications and Alex Perez, Senior Account Director at Hills Balfour.
SLO CAL is a region of rich diversity and vibrant experiences, where seven cities and more than 20 distinct areas each offer something unique to discover.
Thanks to its varied topography and Pacific influence, SLO CAL boasts five microclimates, so you’ll find everything from sunny beaches to cool vineyards within a short drive. Along its 128 km (80 miles) of historic Highway 1 coastline, SLO CAL welcomes beachgoers, surfers, and nature lovers to enjoy its warm sands and friendly surf spots. Some even call it the entrance way to Big Sur!
For wine enthusiasts, SLO CAL is California’s third-largest wine region, with over 300 wineries producing 60+ varietals—from bold reds to crisp whites—making it a paradise for tastings and vineyard tours.
Culinary delights are abundant, too, featuring everything from the iconic Pink Champagne Cake at the Madonna Inn to fresh, local oysters from Morro Bay.
SLO CAL’s eight Michelin Mentioned restaurants bring innovation and local flavours to the table, while the region’s budding distillery scene, with around 20 small-batch producers, offers handcrafted spirits.
We enjoyed a very knowledgeable wine tasting and got to try California’s most remarkable wines, from the light red Wonderwall to the deeper, oaky-tasting red Tablas Creek.
SLO CAL is also a haven for artists and creators, where public art takes centre stage. Its streets and spaces are adorned with murals, sculptures, and galleries showcasing local talent.
Visitors can explore everything from fine art prints to ceramics made by local artisans. SLO CAL is a place where art, culture, food, and nature coexist beautifully, offering a rich tapestry of experiences for every kind of traveller.
After such an evening, we can’t fight the strong urge to go there ourselves and explore that beautiful region, with multiple direct Aer Lingus flights from Dublin, the nearest airport to SLO CAL being LAX and surroundings.
SLO CAL truly has everything one could ask for in an American holiday, and so much more!
Why rush to busy LA or San Francisco when you can experience all of California without the crowds, going from dreamy beaches and scenic drives to undulating vineyards, spotting whales or cowboys along the way, all in under an hour’s drive?
SLO CAL just might be the future of American tourism…
