Edna Valley AVA (wine region) | |
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Type | American Viticultural Area |
Year established | 1982, amended in 1987[1] |
Country | USA |
Part of | California, Central Coast AVA |
Total area | 22,400 acres (9,065 ha)[2] |
Grapes produced | Albarino, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Teroldego, Viognier[3] |
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. It runs east to west bounded to the west by the Santa Lucia Mountains. The valley is shadowed by volcanic mountains and characterized by black humus and clay-rich soils. Edna Vally has one of California’s longest growing seasons. The valley is kept cool by breezes from the Pacific Ocean and morning fog. The AVA is most well known for its 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.[3]