California's SLO Wine Region
SLO DOWN, TAKE IT EASY!
If you are looking to take a sideway's trip to California, this region resembles the North Fork's quiet charm!
San Luis Obispo wine country is located south of Paso Robles. The region has a different microclimate and is influenced by year round maritime breezes and frequent summertime fog. This creates ideal conditions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. The area includes the Edna Valley, the Arroyo Grande Valley, each a designated American Viticultural Area, the Avila Valley and Nipomo. There are currently 3,000 acres of grapes under vine in the region. So in comparison to other wine regions, SLO should be considered "boutique".
Thanks in part to its quaint, college-town atmosphere, Downtown San Luis Obispo is a popular destination in the evening. There are numerous fine restaurants and pubs to satisfy your appetite. On Thursday evenings the town's main streets are closed to automobiles and converted to a farmers market. You can find ultra-fresh local produce as well as a great selection of food vendors cooking ribs and barbeque. Local rock and blues bands will entertain you with live music.
Top SLO wine producers include, Baileyana, Claiborne & Churchill and Wolff Vineyards.
Baileyana 5828 Orcutt Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel. (805) 269-8200 www.baileyana.com Claiborne & Churchill 2649 Carpenter Canyon Rd. (Hwy 227) San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel. (805) 544-4066 www.claibornechurchill.com Wolff Vineyards 6238 Orcutt Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel. (805)781-0448 www.wolffvineyards.com
Places to stay: San Luis Creek Lodge 1941 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo , CA 93401 Tel. 805-541-1122
Suite Edna/ Old Edna 1655 Old Price Canyon Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel. (805)544-8062 www.oldedna.com
Resources: San Luis Obispo Vintners & Growers Association 5828 Orcutt Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 541-5868 (805) 434-9380 Fax www.slowine.com>
San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau 1037 Mill Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel. (805) 541-8000 www. Sanluisobispocounty.com
Places to eat: Old Edna-Lunch Fiala's Gourmet Deli Espresso Bar & Chocolatier 1653 Old Price Canyon Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Downtown SLO Vieni Vai Trattoria 690 Higuera San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel. 805 544-5282
Baileyana- Burgundian wines influenced by ancient volcanoes and the sea Catharine Niven is one of SLO's pioneer vineyard owners, having first founding Paragon Vineyards with her husband Jack in the 70's. She went on to develop her own vineyards with a focus on Burgundian growing methods, tighter spacing and a more vertical approach to canopy management. Baileyana is named after the neighborhood where she and Jack first met. In her day, she was one of the only Woman who owned her own wine brand. Baileyana is now a third generation wine company, having first been passed on to Catharine's Sons and now being run by her grand sons. The family is focused in growing premium quality fruit and taking their wines to the highest level.
To do this, they hired veteran French winemaker Christian Roguenant in 1998. Hiring this Burgundian born and educated winemaker has proven to be a perfect match. Roguenant is a well-seasoned winemaker with prior experience in Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, and South America.
Christian's experience has helped him understand the unique terroir and microclimates of the Edna Valley appellation. The north-south valley's proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes Edna Valley's vineyards some of the closest to the sea anywhere in the world. Soils are influenced layers of fossilized seashells and eroded volcanic rock.
Christian is producing three levels of estate wines at Baileyana. The estate's Firepeak Vineyards is producing their best quality fruit. Their top of the line wines are designated "GFC" which stands for Grand Firepeak Cuve,
Christian winemaker's notes are always animated with enthusiasm; 2003 EDNA VALLEY, FIREPEAK VINEYARD "GFC" SYRAH Vineyard Source: 100% Firepeak Vineyard, Edna Valley
"Wow, what a wine! Cool climate Syrah is a whole different monster. There is not a lot of it in the ground and when grown right, it makes a wine that I believe will define Syrah in California. Lavender and blueberry jump out of the glass and are complimented by hints of white pepper on the palate. " Comments Christian Roguenant.
Baileyana's most popular wines include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. This winery sets the bar for premium quality Edna Valley wines! Their wines are available nationwide. www.Baileyana.com
"Old Edna" a small town with a big heart Can you imagine owning your own town? I don't one with municipal services, schools and greedy politicians. How about a really small town, something you could call your own?
That's what Pattea A. Torrence and her husband Jeff Kocan own. And it is called "Old Edna", a frozen piece of the past, located in the world-class Edna Valley wine country. Old Edna is a two-acre town site that the couple purchased ten years ago. At the time it was a bunch of dilapidated buildings. It sure helped that Mr. Kocan and his Father in Law, Walter have construction experience. Because, Pattea has been the driving force and visionary for restoring the one hundred year-old town, back to a quaint and whimsical wine country destination. Locals affectionately refer to Pattea as the "Mayor".
If you are traveling to SLO wine country, you must visit this historic, postage stamp sized town. The town of Old Edna's owner and delightful "mayor" has been painstakingly restoring the site for over ten years. Her pride and joy is her elegant, exclusive B&B cottage named "Suite Edna". Rates begin at $225 per night per couple. Unlike traditional B&B's, you and your guests can all arrange to have the entire cottage to yourselves.
The town is also home to numerous restored antiques as well as the town hall building that houses Fiala's Gourmet Deli, Espresso Bar & Chocolatier on the first floor. You will find fresh salads, delicious daily specials and deserts. This is a favorite lunch spot for locals and visitors alike.
New for this year is a educational series called "The Edna Valley Vineyard Experience," that includes a short lecture, hands on vineyard experience, a hayride through MacGregor Vineyard on Andy's Big Red ending with food and wine tasting at Old Edna. Dates available through September. Cost: $75 per person, reservations required. Tel. 805.544.8062 www.oldedna.com
If you are looking to take a sideway's trip to California, this region resembles the North Fork's quiet charm!
San Luis Obispo wine country is located south of Paso Robles. The region has a different microclimate and is influenced by year round maritime breezes and frequent summertime fog. This creates ideal conditions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. The area includes the Edna Valley, the Arroyo Grande Valley, each a designated American Viticultural Area, the Avila Valley and Nipomo. There are currently 3,000 acres of grapes under vine in the region. So in comparison to other wine regions, SLO should be considered "boutique".
Thanks in part to its quaint, college-town atmosphere, Downtown San Luis Obispo is a popular destination in the evening. There are numerous fine restaurants and pubs to satisfy your appetite. On Thursday evenings the town's main streets are closed to automobiles and converted to a farmers market. You can find ultra-fresh local produce as well as a great selection of food vendors cooking ribs and barbeque. Local rock and blues bands will entertain you with live music.
Top SLO wine producers include, Baileyana, Claiborne & Churchill and Wolff Vineyards.
Baileyana 5828 Orcutt Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel. (805) 269-8200 www.baileyana.com Claiborne & Churchill 2649 Carpenter Canyon Rd. (Hwy 227) San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel. (805) 544-4066 www.claibornechurchill.com Wolff Vineyards 6238 Orcutt Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel. (805)781-0448 www.wolffvineyards.com
Places to stay: San Luis Creek Lodge 1941 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo , CA 93401 Tel. 805-541-1122
Suite Edna/ Old Edna 1655 Old Price Canyon Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel. (805)544-8062 www.oldedna.com
Resources: San Luis Obispo Vintners & Growers Association 5828 Orcutt Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 541-5868 (805) 434-9380 Fax www.slowine.com>
San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau 1037 Mill Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel. (805) 541-8000 www. Sanluisobispocounty.com
Places to eat: Old Edna-Lunch Fiala's Gourmet Deli Espresso Bar & Chocolatier 1653 Old Price Canyon Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Downtown SLO Vieni Vai Trattoria 690 Higuera San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel. 805 544-5282
Baileyana- Burgundian wines influenced by ancient volcanoes and the sea Catharine Niven is one of SLO's pioneer vineyard owners, having first founding Paragon Vineyards with her husband Jack in the 70's. She went on to develop her own vineyards with a focus on Burgundian growing methods, tighter spacing and a more vertical approach to canopy management. Baileyana is named after the neighborhood where she and Jack first met. In her day, she was one of the only Woman who owned her own wine brand. Baileyana is now a third generation wine company, having first been passed on to Catharine's Sons and now being run by her grand sons. The family is focused in growing premium quality fruit and taking their wines to the highest level.
To do this, they hired veteran French winemaker Christian Roguenant in 1998. Hiring this Burgundian born and educated winemaker has proven to be a perfect match. Roguenant is a well-seasoned winemaker with prior experience in Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, and South America.
Christian's experience has helped him understand the unique terroir and microclimates of the Edna Valley appellation. The north-south valley's proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes Edna Valley's vineyards some of the closest to the sea anywhere in the world. Soils are influenced layers of fossilized seashells and eroded volcanic rock.
Christian is producing three levels of estate wines at Baileyana. The estate's Firepeak Vineyards is producing their best quality fruit. Their top of the line wines are designated "GFC" which stands for Grand Firepeak Cuve,
Christian winemaker's notes are always animated with enthusiasm; 2003 EDNA VALLEY, FIREPEAK VINEYARD "GFC" SYRAH Vineyard Source: 100% Firepeak Vineyard, Edna Valley
"Wow, what a wine! Cool climate Syrah is a whole different monster. There is not a lot of it in the ground and when grown right, it makes a wine that I believe will define Syrah in California. Lavender and blueberry jump out of the glass and are complimented by hints of white pepper on the palate. " Comments Christian Roguenant.
Baileyana's most popular wines include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. This winery sets the bar for premium quality Edna Valley wines! Their wines are available nationwide. www.Baileyana.com
"Old Edna" a small town with a big heart Can you imagine owning your own town? I don't one with municipal services, schools and greedy politicians. How about a really small town, something you could call your own?
That's what Pattea A. Torrence and her husband Jeff Kocan own. And it is called "Old Edna", a frozen piece of the past, located in the world-class Edna Valley wine country. Old Edna is a two-acre town site that the couple purchased ten years ago. At the time it was a bunch of dilapidated buildings. It sure helped that Mr. Kocan and his Father in Law, Walter have construction experience. Because, Pattea has been the driving force and visionary for restoring the one hundred year-old town, back to a quaint and whimsical wine country destination. Locals affectionately refer to Pattea as the "Mayor".
If you are traveling to SLO wine country, you must visit this historic, postage stamp sized town. The town of Old Edna's owner and delightful "mayor" has been painstakingly restoring the site for over ten years. Her pride and joy is her elegant, exclusive B&B cottage named "Suite Edna". Rates begin at $225 per night per couple. Unlike traditional B&B's, you and your guests can all arrange to have the entire cottage to yourselves.
The town is also home to numerous restored antiques as well as the town hall building that houses Fiala's Gourmet Deli, Espresso Bar & Chocolatier on the first floor. You will find fresh salads, delicious daily specials and deserts. This is a favorite lunch spot for locals and visitors alike.
New for this year is a educational series called "The Edna Valley Vineyard Experience," that includes a short lecture, hands on vineyard experience, a hayride through MacGregor Vineyard on Andy's Big Red ending with food and wine tasting at Old Edna. Dates available through September. Cost: $75 per person, reservations required. Tel. 805.544.8062 www.oldedna.com