Central Coast - Wine Region of the Day

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Central Coast

The Central Coast was designated as an AVA in 1985. Situated across 280 miles from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, the Central Coast is home to sub-appellations Arroyo Grande Valley, Arroyo Seco, Ballard Canyon, Ben Lomond Mountain, Carmel Valley, Chalone, Cienega Valley, Edna Valley, Hames Valley, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, Lime Kiln Valley, Livermore Valley, Monterey, Mt. Harlan, Pacheco Pass, Paicines, Paso Robles, San Antonio Valley, San Benito, San Bernabe, San Francisco Bay, San Lucas, San Ysidro District, Santa Clara Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, and York Mountain. The Central Coast is so vast that it features a variety of soil types and microclimates across its sub-appellations. The most common vines planted across the Central Coast are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc.

Edna Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Edna Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.

Edna Valley received designation as an AVA in 1982. Sitting on 22,400 acres, Edna Valley is in San Luis Obispo County. Edna Valley features Lopez Lake to the south and Islay Hill to the north. The valley is shadowed by volcanic mountains and is characterized by black humus and clay-rich soils. The valley is cooled by breezes from the Pacific Ocean and morning fog.  It also receives ample daytime sunshine. This combination allows for a slow ripening of the fruit during an extended growing season. The longer hang time gives the Chardonnays of Edna Valley their bright fruit flavors and well-balanced acidity. In addition to Chardonnay , Edna Valley is also known for producing of Pinot Noir .

May 12 - This Date In Wine History

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GRAPE CULTIVATION, WINEMAKING, AND COMMERCE IN ANCIENT EGYPT C. 1500 BC

GRAPE CULTIVATION, WINEMAKING, AND COMMERCE IN ANCIENT EGYPT C. 1500 BC

Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature This Date In Wine History, we share an event of critical importance in wine history. 

May 12

California's Edna Valley AVA was designated in 1982.

Patrick Ricard of Pernod Ricard was born in 1945.

Pennsylvania's Lancaster Valley AVA was designated in 1982.

The Coteaux-du-Loire AOC was created in 1948.