The San Luis Obispo Coast AVA

The San Luis Obispo (SLO) Coast wine region, established in 2022, is one of the newest American Viticulture Areas (AVA), and is located along California’s Central Coast. It is also one of the coldest wine growing regions in the United States, along with the Sonoma Coast and Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County.

Extending from the border of Santa Barbara County in the south to Monterey County in the north, this designated wine region encompasses all vineyards within a 15-mile stretch, flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Within this corridor lie around 78 vineyards, covering 3,942 acres of grape vine plantations. As with all AVA designations, its distinguishing characteristics lie in its topography, climate, and soils.

The 50+ boutique wineries and vineyards in this area are an average of only 5 miles to the ocean, which greatly affects the wines. While Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate this region (known for loving cool climates), a range of grape varieties also thrive here, including Albariño, Riesling, Grenache, Zinfandel, and Syrah.

See the Trails/Wineries of the San Luis Obispo Coast.

Characteristics of SLO Coast Wines

Cool climate wines tend to have a unique taste profile. They are very balanced, with an energetic acidity, slightly subdued fruit flavors, and mineral, citrus, spice or earth tones. Sometimes described as lean or zippy, they are very elegant wines, closer to a European or old-world sensibility. These wines generally have lower alcohol levels, and are lighter bodied, making them perfect food pairing wines. You can also enjoy a few glasses more easily, since they are less heavy.

But, they are no less complex! Rich, full flavors can still be achieved, because of the long growing season.

Billowing morning fog gives way to warm afternoon sunlight. Come evening, a salty breeze rustles through the vines. Our vines count on this reliable cooling and warming cycle to maintain our long growing season–one of the longest in the world. The result is a harmonious ripening of sugar, acids, and tannins.

SLO Coast Wine

SLO Coast Wine Topography, Climate, and Soil

Described as a coastal region of terraces, foothills, and small valleys, the SLO Coast AVA faces west, experiencing marine fog and cool air from the Pacific Ocean. Approximately 97 percent of its terrain is below 1,800 feet, marking the limit of maritime climate influence, which maintains favorable vineyard temperatures.

The AVA’s proximity to the Pacific moderates temperatures, with a growing degree day accumulation of 2,493 from 1971–2000, placing it in Region I of the Winkler scale. Most of the AVA experiences a minimum growing season temperature between 47.5 and 52 degrees Fahrenheit, with 21 percent having an average maximum growing season temperature below 70 degrees F. Nighttime fog covers the AVA between 35 and 55 percent of growing season nights.

The climate supports early-to-mid-season grape varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which cover 43 and 35 percent of planted vineyard acreage, respectively. Mild minimum temperatures reduce dormancy periods, while lower maximum temperatures mitigate fruit desiccation, resulting in higher malic acid levels and extended growing seasons.

Soils in the AVA fall into four groups: Franciscan Formation-derived soils dominate the north and central areas, while younger marine deposits form sandy loam and loams in the second group. Volcanic intrusion-derived soils cover steep slopes, and wind deposits form sand dunes near the coast, although these areas are generally unsuitable for viticulture.

Read more about the San Luis Obispo Coast AVA.

See the Sparkling Wines of the SLO Coast.

History of the San Luis Obispo Coast Wine Country

The area was first planted in the Arroyo Grande Valley in the early 1920s by Dusi Vineyard. This pioneering effort marked the beginning of viticulture in the region.

The first Experimental Vineyard was planted in 1968 in the Edna Valley on the Righetti Avocado Ranch in the foothills north of Orcutt Road. John (Jack) Foott, employed at UC Davis as the agricultural adviser to San Luis Obispo County, planted four grape varieties to determine if the terroir was suitable for growing grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were planted in four trellised rows of 12 vines each in 1968.

 Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County

The first two commercial vineyards were planted in the Edna valley by Norman Goss, founder of Chamisal Vineyards and John and Catherine Niven, founders of Paragon Vineyards. Jack Niven planted vineyards of Chardonnay and other varieties in the early 1970s, establishing the region as a notable wine-growing area.

Read more about the history of San Luis Obispo County wine.