The Arroyo Grande Valley is the moust southerly AVA in San Luis Obispo County and is located in a valley that cuts inland 16 miles from the town of Arroyo Grande. Constant fog and cool ocean winds make for a cool climate region nearest the coast that specializes in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines.

Arroyo Grande Valley’s history of vineyard development dates to 1879. In this year, the Ditmas Family harvested the first wine grapes in the region, and the Arroyo Grande Valley has historically been a grower’s region. However, more and more grapes are being vinified by San Luis Obispo Wineries each year. There are currently a handful of Arroyo Grande Valley wineries that have a reputation for premium quality wine production.

The climate of Arroyo Grande is more diverse than the consistently cool climate of nearby regions. The western part of the AVA is cooled by the Pacific Ocean, and is mainly planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The more mountainous east has larger temperature swings from day to night, and is home to fuller-bodied grapes like Syrah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The terrain of Arroyo Grande is made of sedimentary and volcanic soils over a layer of bedrock known as the Franciscan Complex. The Franciscan Complex is uplifted oceanic and continental crust that was formed over 100 million years ago. (Wine/Appellations)