Edna Valley was the first AVA granted in San Luis Obispo County in 1982.

Unwind on a unique wine-tasting adventure

The San Luis Obispo region includes the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande AVAs, two of California’s leading AVAs. Edna Valley was the first AVA granted in San Luis Obispo County in 1982 and has been producing wine since 1968. The two AVAs first attracted attention in the early 1980s when the California branch of the Champagne house Deutz acquired land in the area. Sparkling wine is still made in the area.

The gentle sunshine and moderate Pacific Ocean maritime climate combine with the fertile soil to produce incredible wines. Bring a camera and plan on a day of adventure sipping great wine, sampling some apple brandy, having lunch, and playing some bocce ball.

Sip wine among the barrels at Claiborne and Churchill Winery

Claiborne & Churchill Winery, still run by original owners Claiborne and Fredericka Churchill Thompson, has been producing Alsatian-style whites since 1983. In 1995, the couple built their pioneering, eco-friendly straw bale-constructed winery and opened their tasting room in the Edna Valley. Over the years they have expanded their picturesque garden area to accommodate more guests and larger parties for tastings and seasonal events.

The upscale welcoming tasting room is located in the barrel room, allowing the popular producer to accommodate more visitors comfortably. Reservations are available for small private events such as birthdays, anniversaries, and graduation parties.

Centrally located in SLO Wine Country, Claiborne & Churchill’s vacation property is only a ten-minute drive from Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, or Arroyo Grande, and a fifteen-minute drive to Cal Poly. Their guest cottage is perfect for a weekend, for visiting students at Cal Poly, or for anyone just looking for a relaxing getaway. Rental is available through VRBO/Homeaway, or by emailing elizabeth@claibornechurchill.com.

Visit the tasting room at 2649 Carpenter Canyon Rd., in San Luis Obispo’s Edna Valley; open every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except major holidays), claibornechurchill.com, (805) 544-4066.

Baileyana Tasting Room, get a history lesson in a glass

The Baileyana Tasting Room is the first you encounter upon entering the Edna Valley from Orcutt Road and San Luis Obispo. Housed in the historic 1909 Independence Schoolhouse, the tasting room is the home of Baileyana, Tangent, True Myth, and Zocker brands.

This charming schoolhouse offers wine-tasting experiences to accommodate all visitors. With around 35 different white, red, and rosé wines to choose from, there are wines for every guest from the first-time wine taster to the expert. With extensive picnic grounds and views, the family-friendly tasting room provides a memorable and fun experience.

Veteran winemaker Rob Takigawa focuses on bringing elegant chardonnays, aromatic whites, and pinot noir wines from the cool Edna Valley and powerful reds from the warmer Paso Robles to Baileyana visitors. These wines are rich in stories, well told by the engaging tasting room team.

The Baileyana Tasting Room is located at 5828 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, excluding major holidays. Reservations are required. Please book on Tock or call (805) 269-8200.

Award-winning wine, grappa, and brandy at Autry Cellars

Overlooking vineyards, and 40 miles of the Santa Lucia mountain range is Autry Cellars. Owner and artisan winemaker Steve Autry and his tasting room staff pour wine varietals, grappa, and his signature apple brandy from some of the best grapes selected from across the region.

Autry Cellars’ unpretentious tasting room is, “styled in early American warehouse,” jokes Autry. But, don’t be deceived by the modest décor. Here is where visitors experience superb wine varietals along with gold medal best-in-class grappa and silver medal American oak and Hungarian oak brandies.

Inspired by a spectacular zinfandel tasting experience, Autry became a full-time artisan winemaker in 2001 and a fully licensed brandy distiller in 2012. He says people who visit his tasting room, “come for the wine and discover the brandy,” and gain access to impressive small lot wines and brandies that are available exclusively in the tasting room.

Visit Autry Cellars tasting room at 5450-B Edna Road in San Luis Obispo; open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (last reservation at 4 p.m.) and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (last reservation at 3 p.m.), autrycellars.com. For reservations call (805) 546-8669.