Varietal Wines in Edna Valley Win Awards
California Coastal Vineyards Specialize in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Mar 12, 2009
Located near San Luis Obispo, California just a few miles inland from the Pacific coastline, the wineries in Edna Valley are releasing award winning wines. The unique geography of this region creates an ideal setting for grape harvesting and wine production. The valley sits within a rolling hill terrain and is flanked by volcanic mountains to the east. Clay and black humus are incorporated in the soil composition creating a fertile growing ground for many grape varieties. The unique topography combined with a marine influence, plenty of sun but cooling breezes make it an understandable endeavor for first class wine production.
The Spanish missionaries first recognized the ideal conditions for grape harvesting and planted vineyards nearly 200 years ago. But the sleepy Edna Valley did not awake to full wine production until the mid 1970’s. Today several nationally recognized vintners produce and distribute their wine to discriminating connoisseurs.
Edna Valley Winery
Named after this picturesque San Luis Obispo County valley, the Edna Valley Winery grows acres of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. The winery’s main focus is Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and the label has won several Gold Medal awards and many accolades from well known wine magazines. Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are also produced from the Edna Valley Winery and are available nationally.
Tolosa Winery
The Tolosa Winery is located on over 720 acres of vineyards in the Edna Valley. The Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah varieties come solely from these harvests and have won many awards. The “1772” Chardonnay was given 91 points in Wine Enthusiast in 2008 and new releases continue to draw accolades. This moderately priced wine is featured in many local restaurants and continues to be favored for consistent quality. Tolosa wines are distributed nationally and can be ordered through their website online.
Claiborne & Churchill Winery
The smaller family owned Claiborne & Churchill Winery found that the Edna Valley climate is also suitable for growing grapes from the Alsace region of France. In addition to the Pinot Noir and Syrah grapes that do so well in this valley, Riesling and Gewurztraminer wines are produced here. Their tasting room displays a stack of award ribbons won since the winery opened in 1983.
Some of the original plantings from the Spanish missionaries still remain as rootstock. In the 1870’s a French vintner grafted cuttings onto the old plant, recognizing the value of the soil and climate in this fertile valley. Today the result is a selection of established wineries that produce top quality products. The scenery in Edna Valley is enough to draw visitors to the tasting rooms but the real reward is to sample the excellent Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah varieties that have adapted so well to the Central Coast climate.
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