Our Discover SLO tour takes you to some of our favorite producers in the Edna Valley. This wine region is tucked between the more popular and better know Paso Robles and Santa Barbara regions. As you head north on the 101 Freeway, head east. You will be rewarded.
The Edna Valley is bounded by the cities of San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande on the north and south. The Santa Lucia mountains create the eastern boundary. The weather is nice here most of the year. The cool air from the Pacific Ocean flows into the valley from the west and keeps temperatures moderate. Nights can be cool here even during the summer months, so plan accordingly.
We enter the valley from the city of San Luis Obispo. You will notice the urban landscape quickly transforms into rolling vineyards. The landscape is dotted with wineries, cows, horses and farms. As we travel from north to south on Orcutt rd our first stop is at Baileyana winery. This winery tasting room is in an old school house building. It sits above the acres of vines stretching in every direction. The tasting room is charming and the winery staff is excellent.
When you finish your tasting at Baileyana, follow Orcutt road south to Biddle Ranch Rd and turn right. Our next stop is Edna Valley Vineyards. This is one of the most breathtaking tasting rooms in California. The floor to ceiling windows, behind the tasting bar, showcase the beauty of the valley. It is worth it to stop here just for the view. The amazing wine makes it a can’t miss.
Our next stop is at Sextant wines. Their tasting room is in a historic building that’s been updated with a tasting bar and a small kitchen. This is a satellite tasting room for the Paso Robles-based winery. Sextant’s owners have a separate business providing vine stock to many of California’s wineries. As a result, they have access to some interesting varietals.
The final stop on our tour is the Autry Cellars tasting room. This boutique winery is run by Steve Autry. Make sure you set aside some time to pick Steve’s brain about winemaking. He is the mad scientist of SLO wine and always a joy to talk to. Steve makes his own brandy. That is a rarity for this region. Make sure you give it a try!
