Nestled in the in backroads of Edna Valley and surrounded by vineyard views, experience the rolling hills that provide a beautiful backdrop—it’s perfect for a cycling wine tour. There are 5 gorgeous, storied wineries on the Edna Valley backroads between San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande Valley.
You’ll have the chance to taste Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at every stop along this trail, as well as Syrah, aromatic white wines, and more. We recommend two days to visit all stops along this trail, but total drive time among all wineries is only 10 minutes.
Baileyana Wines
Photo: Baileyana Wines
Named for the Acacia Baileyana tree abundant throughout the Central Coast, Baileyana was founded over 35 years ago and is one of the original shapers of Edna Valley winemaking. Situated in California’s coolest growing region, nearest the Pacific Ocean, Baileyana exudes a graceful yet vivid elegance. Our array of distinctly exceptional wines – highlighted by cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – are the epitome of the excellence, charm and potential of Edna Valley. This stunning region remains a breathtaking getaway, hidden in plain sight.
The historic Independence Schoolhouse, built in 1909, is now home to our tasting room. In many ways though, it’s still a place of learning. Enjoy award-winning wines, play a game of bocce ball, or simply sit back and soak in the rows of lush vineyard vines set against the backdrop of the gorgeous Santa Lucia mountains.
Visits to the Baileyana Wines tasting room can take many forms, from experiencing our wine tasting flight, enjoying a special Reserve flight with charcuterie, or enjoying wines by the glass or by the bottle. Our tasting room is family-friendly, and we allow leashed dogs in our outdoor areas. We welcome you to reserve a table and choose from a selection of over 30 wines to enjoy!
Food: Snack boards may be ordered. Please no outside food allowed.
Center of Effort
Photo: Center of Effort
The estate at Center of Effort has origins that date back to 1978 when it was originally The Lawrence Family Winery. Founder Jim Lawrence was one of the first vintners to grasp the potential of the Edna Valley. In time, the Lawrence estate became an epicenter of the local wine community, serving as a magnet for some of the region’s brightest winemaking talents.
Today the vision of owners, Bill and Cheryl Swanson, is an established artisan winery that will maximize the estate’s potential and be unique within the beautiful Edna Valley. The name Center of Effort references a sailing term which is the point on the sail where the forces come together and act as a whole. Through skillful cultivation, artistic winemaking, and a passion for excellence, these forces join to create a wine that is classic, timeless and exudes a sense of place and purpose.
Food: Chef-curated pairing boards of artisanal cheese, charcuterie and house made seasonal accompaniments available are available with 24-hour advance notice. Please no outside food. Other estate experiences may come with curated snacks or meals.
Chamisal Vineyards
Photo: Chamisal Vineyards
The historic Chamisal property, the first vineyard planted in the Edna Valley, has long been producing wines of a distinctive character – bold, complex and intriguing. With the ideal climate of the region and the exceptional clonal selection planted on our vineyard, our winemaking philosophy is to simply reflect the natural characteristics of this remarkable estate.
The first vineyard planted in 1973 in what would become the Edna Valley AVA, Chamisal Vineyards is located just outside the city of San Luis Obispo on California’s Central Coast. A specialist in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Chamisal Vineyards strives to produce wines that express the wild and inspiring beauty of California’s Central Coast and, more specifically, our 82-acre estate vineyard.
Food: There are various food choices at Chamisal:
- Celebrate their 50th anniversary with a special flight and an artisan grazing box from Stepladder Creamery.
- The Signature Reserve Experience includes a vineyard tour and complimentary provisions.
- There is a Bubbles and Caviar Experience, with a tin of Sterling Royal grade caviar paired with a bottle of Estate Sparkling Wine, along with crème fraiche and chips.
- When you book the By the Glass Patio Experience, a selection of food is available by local vendors such as LouLou Cheese Girl Fresh Pates, Stepladder Creamery grazing box, and Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Company duo box. Outside food is also permitted during your visit.
- For large group reservations, fresh charcuterie plates are available by Lou Lou Cheese Girl and grazing boxes from Stepladder Creamery.
Kynsi Winery
Photo: Kynsi Winery
Kynsi Winery is a family run operation focused on producing distinguished wines in limited production. Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and unique red blends are carefully sourced from highly regarded cool climate vineyards along with Pinot Noir from their Estate Stone Corral Vineyard in the Edna Valley.
Owner/winemakers Don and Gwen Othman have been immersed in the Central Coast wine industry for over 30 years, and founding Kynsi Winery in 1995. Today they are joined by their daughter Kala who grew up in the business and son-in-law Michael, each sharing the vision and values on which Kynsi has been built. Together, they all work very closely to maintain the quality and consistency of the Kynsi portfolio.
Food: Snack boards may be ordered at the winery, and you may bring your own picnic to enjoy in the gorgeous surroundings.
Wolff Vineyards
Photo: Wolff Vineyards
Wolff Vineyards is a family run business located on 125 acres of ecologically friendly, certified sustainable property just minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, scenic beaches and major tourist attractions. The property is 4.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean providing the vineyard with a cool coastal marine influence. The vineyard was planted in 1976 with 55 acres of Chardonnay grapes by one of the Edna Valley’s wine growing pioneers, Andy MacGregor. The new owners, Jean-Pierre and Elke Wolff, renamed the vineyard in 1999 when they acquired and expanded it and added their artisan winery.
Today the vineyard includes 53 acres of Chardonnay, 34 acres of Pinot Noir, 14 acres of planted Teroldego, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Riesling.
Our winemaking philosophy is very simple: wine is made in the vineyard utilizing minimal intervention. The cool coastal climate of the Edna Valley influences the characteristic of our wines. The winery is designed specifically for small lots allowing close control of every aspect of the vinification.
Food: You may buy small snacks at the winery. Bring your picnic lunch and enjoy our vines-to-wine experience, surrounded by the vineyard. Spend the afternoon in our vineyard as you taste delicious wine and enjoy fabulous panoramic views.