Edna Valley is one of the coolest climate regions in California’s Central Coast. Between Los Angeles and the Napa Valley,, the Central Coast is famous for grape-growing, agriculture, and tourism – with Santa Barbara being the most famous of its six regions.
Santa Barbara was made famous for Cool Climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Sanford and Benedict.
Many wine lovers are familiar with Paso Robles within the San Luis Obispo (SLO) region, in the north. Paso Robles is known for its excellent Zinfandel.
Cabernet Sauvignon, and its Mediterranean grape varieties (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre) that ripen well in this warm, dry climate.
Yet you may be surprised that within this same San Luis Obispo region, to the south, you will find the cool climate Edna Valley where Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other varieties thrive in these Edna Valley Wineries.
Cabernet Sauvignon, and its Mediterranean grape varieties that ripen well in this warm, dry climate.
Edna Valley Wineries are surrounded by volcanic mountains, with vineyards kept cool from Pacific Ocean breezes and morning fog.
Recently, I chatted with John H. Niven, vice president of sales and marketing for the Niven Family Wine Estates in the Edna Valley.
Mr. Nevin’s grandfather Jack Niven made his fortune in the grocery store business in San Francisco.
Attracted to the vineyard life, he worked with a team of viticulture professors from UC Davis and Fresno State to find the perfect location for a vineyard.
Mr. Nevin’s grandfather Jack Niven made his fortune in the grocery store business in San Francisco.
In the 1970s, the Edna Valley was filled with dairy farms and garbanzo beans. But Jack Nevin and his team thought it ideal for wine grapes.
They bought the 1,000 acre Paragon vineyard four and a half miles inland from Pismo Beach.
After planting the vineyards, the Nevin family initially sold the grapes. But in the early 1980s the family began to make the wine under their own label.
Success followed success. The family wines soon became national brands with the wine made from a range of grape varieties (Gruner Veltliner, anyone) at a variety of price points.
2017 Zocker Gruner Veltliner: Since Gruner Veltliner is one of my favorite grapes, I could not believe that California’s Edna Valley could produce a style that equals Austria.
So I popped open the bottle and tasted it blind against Gruner Veltliner from Domaine Wachau.
I could not believe that California’s Edna Valley could produce a style that equals Austria. .
The bottom line?
Yes. I could tell that the Zocker Gruner Veltliner was the California-grown grape. But it was a very close match.
Both wines were extremely dry and had the characteristic Gruner Veltliner hint of radish. But the Zocker Gruner Veltliner had slightly more floral notes than its Austrian cousin, or else it would be a more difficult blind tasting challenge.
2018 Tangent Sauvignon Blanc: This is a vibrant, unoaked style of Sauvignon Blanc with exuberant tropical notes. Dry, yet a perception of sweetness. The Nevin family also makes a Riesling under the Tangent brand.
2018 Baileyana Firepeak Chardonnay: This is a delicious barrel-fermented Chardonnay with lift and delicious aromas of toast and vanilla.
2018 Baileyana Firepeak Pinot Noir: Vibrant berry aromas and flavors – a lighter style of Pinot Noir that will pair well with salmon as well as duck, lamb, and lighter cuts of meat.
2018 Chronic Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) – Deep, dark, and delicious, this is an inky Cabernet Sauvignon that can pair with steak and grilled meat.
2016 True Myth Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) – Very intense Cabernet Sauvignon with power and vibrance. Can rival the best.
Things to do in the Edna Valley
The Edna Valley is home to more than a dozen tasting rooms. This cool-climate California region is known for its laid-back charm.
You will find modern hotels and some old-fashioned bed and breakfast inns, some in structures built over a century ago.
You can visit the Nevin Family Wines Winery and taste the wines in their tasting room, initially a schoolhouse built in 1909.
Be sure to check out this link to San Luis Obispo Tourism for more information.on Napa Valley Wineries.
You can also see a short film about Edna Valley Wineries Here.
After reading this article, wine lover John Engstrom remarked he visited the area and has some suggestions for you.
Thank you John!
His contact information is John Engstrom, Co-founder Diablo Wine Tasters: diablowinetasters.org
Winery suggestions from guest reader John Engstrom
Beautiful gardens, and great staff.
Saucelito Canyon – Tasting room for an Arroyo Grande winery – known for old vine Zinfandels, deservedly so, but also a fine Grenache Blanc
Chamisal – Excellent Pinot Noir, and very good Chardonnay
Alban – not open to the public – all Rhone varietals including one of the best Roussanne’s anywhere.
Hotel suggestions from guest reader John Engstrom
– none in Edna Valley, all these are in nearby Pismo Beach.
Restaurant suggestions from guest reader John Engstrom
– again, none in Edna Valley, so these are in Pismo.
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