Our Wild Stories – The Central Coast Experience – the Perfect Blend came Naturally

Season 2025, Episode 8

Featuring: Ali Rush, Owner 15C Wine Shop, Shift Studio & Advanced Sommelier
Hosted by: Pepper Daniels, AGM Radio and Wildflower Announcer 8 years

This episode is perfectly timed for Harvest on the Central Coast.

Ali’s first Wildflower was in 1999 with the Women’s Water Polo team for 4 years. When she graduated, she followed the path of many volunteers to try their first race… one race was not enough, advancing from mountain bike to Olympic and even on to the double with Long Course swim relay Saturday and individual Olympic the Sunday.  She opened 15C Wine Shop in Templeton, which is now located in San Luis Obispo. She has her Advanced Sommelier and opens Shift Yoga Studio during Covid.  As you can tell, she is not one to sit still, loves a great challenge and you see her pioneer spirit come through in all her new ideas.

In 2009, programming for KRUSH “The Perfect Blend” radio station began, and Pepper knew if they were going to have any credibility they needed to reach out to Ali. He went through her Wine University program (which is amazing but the way) and 2 others were left out purposefully to be known as the “Cork Dorks” so they could learn on the job.  It was a fun concept they came up with together.  That same year Wildflower and Pepper connected.It wasn’t long before Colleen, Ali and Pepper developed a friendship over fun brainstorm sessions, in the wine shop of course, on how to feature all the great wine, craft beer and live entertainment on the Central Coast – three people who love the area and love sharing with others.

Listen along as Ali shares some great memories of those beach city days while at Cal Poly.  Her and Pepper also go in depth on how there has been so much growth & change in Paso Wine Country – but in a wonderful way.  Paso is known open, friendly and accepting. When asked what makes a tasting experience different here, she describes most tasting room staff as gracious and excited to teach you about the environment for growing the grapes. They are just so happy to have you learn about what you like about wine. She feels that wine has a story, it has a life. It’s alive and it changes over time.

The most important take away from the conversation with her, or any tasting, should be to know what is in your wine… see where the grapes are raised and visit the Central Coast to enjoy the land on which they are grown.  Pepper talks about what he loves most is the diversity in what we blend here on the central coast.  Away from all the rules, just here to make good wine that winemakers personally love to drink and share. Its that pioneer spirit that our wine country adapted.

Ever wondered why wine taste different and how the “Experience” in which you are having changes the taste of the wine….

The two of them end their time together sharing about their fond relationship with Firestone Brewing. The Lion & Bear and their great Family Legacy. They are both so happy that Firestone has been able to keep that small family business feel, even with its big footprint.  The brewmasters are passionate about their projects, but also love to collaborate with local winemakers and industry leaders for fundraisers like their Invitational Beer Fest which brings in Brewers from all over the world to come together to raise money for the local Pioneer Days. Supporting local was still important in their support of Wildflower and we are thankful for that longstanding partnership and being able to introduce their great craft beers to everyone at Wildflower.

Links:
15C Wine Shop https://www.15degreescwines.com/ Instagram: @15degreesc
Pepper Daniels Instagram: @pepperdaniels15
98.1 KJUG https://www.jugcountry.com Instagram: @981kjug