EDNA VALLEY AVA

The Edna Valley AVA is one of four distinct American Viticulture Areas in San Luis Obispo County along with Arroyo Grande Valley, York Mountain, and Paso Robles.  Together the four AVAs comprise over 600,000 acres of planted vineyards, and over 200 wineries for locals and visitors to explore and enjoy.

The Enda Valley AVA is one of the oldest grape-growing regions in all of SLO County, and it’s winemaking history dates back to the 1800’s with significant ties to the Spanish Missions being built in the area. 

The rich history of grape growing and winemaking in the Edna Valley AVA has allowed the region to develop world class Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, but their Syrahs and Viogniers are increasing in popularity, and not to be missed during a wine tasting weekend in SLO County. 

WINE TASTING IN EDNA VALLEY

There are many incredible wines that have come out of the Edna Valley AVA, and several of the vineyards have tasting rooms on their properties that are open to the public for wine tasting and events.

To help plan your next trip to the Edna Valley AVA we have curated a list of the tasting rooms where you can enjoy and explore the world class varietals crafted right here in SLO County. Whether you’re looking for a tasting experience set amongst the vineyards, or looking to relax at one of the many wine bars that feature Edna Valley Wines, you’ll always find what you’re looking for right here in SLO.

FEATURED WINERIES

TASTING ROOMS & WINE BARS

Are we missing a winery, or have outdated information? Let us know by emailing hello@sanluisobispoguide.com

TERROIR PROFILE

The Edna Valley AVA is located to the south and east of the city of San Luis Obispo, with pieces of the AVA overlapping with the southern half of the city. The AVA actually sits along the valley floor between the Santa Lucia Mountain Range to the west and the Los Padres National Forest to the south and east, and defines those borders for the AVA. The northern tip of the AVA is found in the city of San Luis Obispo, just east of Highway 101 near the Apple Farm. 

The AVA stretches ten miles north to south, and another ten east to west (but not in a perfect square), and although it has a wide range of topographical differences, the climate and soil are fairly consistent across the region. 

For example, the lowest point of elevation in the AVA is only 238’ along the valley floor, but more than doubles in elevation to 480’ as you get closer to the base of the mountain ranges. Typically a wider array of temperatures would be expected given the differences in elevation, but the AVA as a whole experiences a fairly moderate climate in large part because of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, almost the entire valley of the AVA was at one point covered by the Pacific Ocean, which means it benefits from the ancient marine sediment left behind creating extremely fertile soil that is even further enriched by the humus, loam, and clay found in the ground. 

All of these growing conditions come together to produce some of the most incredible Chardonnay and  Pinot Noir varietals, which require the cooler climate (and longer growing season) found in Edna Valley to truly produce exceptional wines. Additionally, Syrah and Viognier (Syrah’s white wine version) have been growing in popularity here, and should not be missed when exploring Edna Valley during a wine tasting weekend.

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