Wine Know?

San Luis Obispo Coast AVA

• The SLO Coast AVA is comprised of over 400,000 acres in its proximity

• The area has one of the world’s longest growing seasons

• There are around 30 grape varieties grown in the region. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir lead the way

• There are over thirty wineries in the SLO Coast region

• Some of the soil types consist of marine shale, sandstone, volcanic granite and clay

• The AVA was initiated in 2017 and completed in 2022 by Stephen Dooley and the SLO Coast Wine Collective

• The region extends around 60 miles of coastline near Ragged Point to just beyond Grover Beach

• The AVA has become known for their aromatic varieties such as Albariño and Grüner Veltliner along with cool-climate Rhône red wines like Syrah and Grenache

• There are around 78 commercial vineyards with around 4,000 acres of vines planted

• El Lugar Winery had its first vintage in 2013

• The Edna Valley AVA was established in 1982

• In 1973 Chamisal Vineyards became the first commercial vineyard planted in the Edna Valley

• The average distance from vineyard to Pacific Ocean in the SLO Coast AVA is around 5 miles

• The Edna Valley AVA encompasses around 21,000 acres

• Jack and Catharine Niven were among the first vintners in the Edna Valley

• The Niven’s planted 13 different grape varieties in their 500 plus acre Paragon Vineyard in 1973

• The environmental influence on SLO Coast grapes brings a higher acidity, which in turn brings a freshness in the wine

• Center of Effort’s Head Winemaker Nathan Carlson grew up in rural Minnesota

• Claiborne & Churchill Winery was founded in 1983

• Robin Baggett of Tolosa Winery planted his first grapes in the Edna Valley in 1988

• Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture students intern during harvest at SLO Coast wineries

• Edna Valley Vineyard currently produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Red Blend

• Saucelito Canyon planted Zinfandel vines in the upper Arroyo Grande Valley in 1880

• El Lugar produces a barrel select Pinot Noir and Syrah

• Biddle Ranch Vineyard makes a Non-Vintage Sparkling Wine

• Claiborne and Churchill is a small, family owned and operated winery, founded in 1983 and located in the heart of the Edna Valley

• In 1984 Piedra Creek Winery became the smallest bonded winery in the Edna Valley, originally producing only a couple hundred cases of estate sourced Chardonnay.

• Named for the Acacia Baileyana tree abundant throughout the Central Coast, Baileyana Winery was founded over 35 years ago and is one of the original shapers of Edna Valley winemaking

• Joshua Klapper, founder and winemaker of Timbre Winery began his career as a sommelier and won the Wine Spectator Grand Award for his wine list at Sona Restaurant in Los Angeles in 2004

• The San Luis Obispo Coast AVA is one of the most up and coming wine regions in the state, growing in popularity as each year passes. Come visit and experience the “Coolness” of the SLO Coast

  Cheers!

Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo, CA