Edna Valley

Edna Valley AVA

Wine region
View from Edna Valley winery
Type	American Viticultural Area
Year established	1982, amended in 1987
Country	United States
Part of	California, Central Coast AVA
Total area	22,400 acres (9,065 ha)
Grapes produced	Albarino, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Sauvignon blanc, Syrah, Teroldego, Viognier

The Edna Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in San Luis Obispo County, California south of the city of San Luis Obispo and north of the town of Arroyo Grande. It is part of the larger Central Coast AVA. The valley is roughly bounded by Lake Lopez to the south and Islay Hill to the north. The valley runs east to west, bounded to the west by the Santa Lucia Mountains. It is surrounded by volcanic mountains and characterized by black humus and clay-rich soils. With moderate sunshine, cool maritime fog, and rich oceanic and volcanic soils, the Edna Valley appellation has California’s longest growing season. The valley is kept cool by breezes from the Pacific Ocean and morning fog. The extended growing season gives complex flavors to the grapes.

The region is best known for Chardonnay, Pinot noir, and to a lesser extent, Syrah. Grapes were originally planted here by Spanish missionaries in the early 19th century. The region saw a revival when new vineyards were planted in the early 1970s by Paragon and Chamisal Vineyards. Edna Valley wines are often grouped with those of the contiguous Arroyo Grande Valley AVA. The AVA was designated in 1982, with help from the founders of what today is the Edna Valley Vineyard.