Edna Valley AVA facts for kids
| Wine region | |
View from Edna Valley winery
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| 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 a special farming area in California. AVA stands for American Viticultural Area. This means it's a recognized region for growing grapes for wine.
It's located near the city of San Luis Obispo. The valley is part of a bigger area called the Central Coast AVA.
Contents
What Makes Edna Valley Special?
The Edna Valley is a unique place for growing grapes. It has a very long growing season. This means the grapes stay on the vines for a long time.
Location and Landscape
The valley stretches from Lopez Lake in the south to Islay Hill in the north. To the west, it's bordered by the Santa Lucia Mountains. The valley itself runs from east to west.
Soil and Climate
The area is surrounded by volcanic mountains. This gives the soil special qualities. The soil is dark and rich, with lots of clay.
The climate is also perfect for grapes. Cool breezes blow in from the Pacific Ocean. Morning fog also helps keep the valley cool. This cool weather and long growing season help the grapes develop complex and interesting flavors.
Grapes and History
The Edna Valley is famous for certain types of grapes. These include Chardonnay and Pinot noir. Some Syrah grapes are also grown here.
Early Beginnings
Grapes were first planted in this valley a long time ago. Spanish missionaries started growing them in the early 1800s.
A New Start
Later, in the early 1970s, new vineyards were planted. This helped the region become known again for its wines. One of the first new vineyards is now called Edna Valley Vineyard.
Official Recognition
The Edna Valley officially became an AVA in 1982. This recognition helped people know how special the grapes from this area are. Wines from Edna Valley are often grouped with those from the nearby Arroyo Grande Valley AVA.
