The Edna Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is located in San Luis Obispo County, California. It was established in 1982 and consists of over 22,000 acres. It is completely encompassed by the larger Central Coast AVA. This California AVA is shadowed by volcanic mountains and has black humus, chalky and clay-rich soils. The Edna Valley AVA has one of California’s longest growing seasons, and is best known for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Wine grapes were first planted in the Edna Valley AVA in the early 19th century, and the industry was revived by new plantings in the 1960s. Edna Valley wineries have an extremely long growing season and a moderate climate, allowing their grapes to develop distinctive varietal characteristics. Edna Valley wines are often grouped with wines from the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA. For more information on the vineyards, wineries and wines of the Edna Valley AVA in California, see below.
Edna Valley Vineyard. Located just five miles from the Pacific Ocean, the mild climate of this Edna Valley winery provides for one of the longest growing seasons in California. Their estate vineyard was planted in the 1970s, and continues to flourish today. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are just a few of the grapes that grow well here. Be sure to try this Edna Valley’s 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, a lovely white wine that has aromas of orange and grapefruit, and flavors that include lime and tropical fruit flavors. Also try their 2007 Pinot Noir, an outstanding California red wine with aromas of strawberries and violets, followed by flavors of cinnamon and oak. For more information on this Edna Valley winery and its California wine, click here.
Alban Vineyards. Alban Vineyards is noted for being the first winery in the US to focus only on Rhone varietals. They make wine from estate grown California fruit (their first vineyards were planted in 1989), as well as those purchased from the Paso Roble AVA. Alban Vineyards specializes in Syrah, Viognier, and Roussanne, among other wines. Sample their delicious Syrah, a California red wine with aromas of black currants and clove, and flavors that include blackberry and tobacco. Their 2007 Viognier is also outstanding, with aromas of citrus and pear, followed by flavors of apricots and peaches. For more information on this Edna Valley winery and its California wine, click here.
Ortman Family Vineyards. This Edna Valley winery, founded in 2003, is run by a father and son team. They create wines from wine grapes that come from Edna Valley, as well as some from the valleys of Santa Maria and Napa, as well as the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Be sure to try their 2003 Edna Valley Chardonnay, a delicious California white wine with aromas of apples and tangerines, and flavors of vanilla and oak. Also try their 2007 Pinot Noir, which has aromas of cherries and cedar, followed by flavors that include raspberry and wood. For more information on this Edna Valley winery and its California wine, click here.
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Personal experience
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edna_Valley_AVA
http://www.ednavalleyvineyards.com
http://www.calwineries.com/explore/wineries/alban-vineyards
http://www.ortmanwines.com
