Shuck Shack at Sinor-LaVallee

So, how did an oyster bar like Shuck Shack connect with one of Central Coast's most prestigious wineries, Sinor-LaVallee?

Our story is a classic boy-meets-girl tale of local Mike Sinor and Cheri LaVallee. Both attended Cal Poly and, independently of each other, ended up in the wine business to pay off college bills. Mike first caught the "wine bug" and started his first vineyard in 1993. With little training, he relied on his strong work ethic, which he learned from his father, to launch his winery successfully. 

Eventually, Cheri caught Mike's eye, and the couple married in Burgundy in 1996. Soon afterward, Cheri got the "wine bug," and they started their label, Sinor-LaVallee, in 1997. In 2013, the couple rolled the dice and purchased the ocean-view Bassi Vineyard near Avila Beach. 

The connection to oysters was made in 2015 when Mike and Cheri opened their tasting bar in Avila Beach. The couple have always loved oysters, and after discussing the dream of the Shuck Shack with Neal Monroy, owner of Morro Bay Oyster Company, the rest was history!

The Shuck Shack at Sinor-LaVallee offers oysters you shuck yourself along with small bites that pair with their wines. Visiting this eatery is perfect after an afternoon exploring the Central Coast Aquarium or other nearby landmarks. 

Add the Shuck Shack to your Avila Beach itinerary for a unique time exploring wines and oysters.

Vibe

Shuck Shack at Sinor-LaVallee is on the bottom floor of the winery's tasting rooms. The building's contemporary look blends with Avila Beach's charm, making it inviting and appealing to the eye. The stone-white facade is reminiscent of structures along the Mediterranean, adding to its appeal.

The outside seating area is eclectic, with vintage bicycles tastefully attached to the building's wall. A tall evergreen provides shade to guests who sit at picnic tables or old-school metal chairs. Old barrels serve as tables, while a street-side ledge is ideal for people-watching. 

The interior mirrors the facades' aesthetics with clean lines, contemporary decor, and furnishings. The seating layout fosters a communal environment. Large tables allow groups of friends to discuss their discoveries at the Monarch Butterfly Grove, while cozy corners provide a space for one-on-one conversations.

Whether you're stopping by after a day at the beach or curious about the wines, Shuck Shack at Sinor-LaVallee will be a relaxing escape. 

Shuck Shack at Sinor-LaVallee: Menu & Drinks

At the Shuck Shack at Sinor-LaVallee, oysters are the highlight and the star of the menu. As mentioned, these are fresh from the Morro Bay Oyster Company and come in a half-dozen or dozen. Served with lemons, 24 K Hot Sauce made by the Morro Bay Oyster Company, and house-made Chardonnay mignonette, you'll have all the flavors necessary for an oyster feast.

What is unique about Shuck Shack is that, as the name implies, you shuck these gems of the sea yourself. If you're inexperienced, the staff can teach you and provide all the necessary tools to get you shuckin' in no time flat!

Another high-end choice is the Sturgeon caviar. You'll receive 1 oz of black caviar with chips, blinis, crackers, creme fraiche, and fresh herbs.

If you're not into seafood, try the Local 5 Plate, which is their answer to a charcuterie board. The cheeses are sourced locally from Stepladder Creamery, while the meats come from Alee-Pia Fine Meats. Also included are dried fruits, jam, olives, cornichons, and crackers. The Local 5 Plate is a go-to when sampling Sinor-LaVallee, making for an exquisite time at Avila Beach.

Lastly, Bread & Butter features lightly toasted Grover Beach Sourdough bread, Stepladder Creamery Cultured Butter, and Olea Farms Olive Oil. 

Visiting  Shuck Shack at Sinor-LaVallee is the perfect outing before heading to the Avila Beach Farmers Market, making it a must on your Pismo Beach vacation.