Wilson Daniels

Region / Appellation

The Best of the Central Coast

California’s Central Coast region is a long stretch of land reaching from the San Francisco Bay to Santa Barbara. It encompasses some of the state’s most dramatic shoreline and acclaimed vineyards. Among the most revered appellations within the Central Coast are the marine-influenced Santa Maria Valley and the rugged Paso Robles region.

Santa Maria Valley

Formed by the only two traverse mountain ranges on the West Coast of both North and South America, the Santa Maria Valley is the northernmost AVA of Santa Barbara County. The valley’s unique position coupled with its proximity to the Pacific Ocean creates cool conditions, which in turn strongly impact its growing season — the longest in California.

The majority of the vineyards in Santa Maria Valley are planted primarily to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on slopes with elevations ranging from 200-800 feet. The soil types are typically well-drained, marine-origin and river-wash sedimentation, ranging from clay loam to sandy loam.

The valley’s cool conditions, long season and vineyard attributes lead to complex Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with exceptionally balanced natural acidity, low pH and intense flavors.

Paso Robles

With a greater day-to-night temperature swing than any other appellation in California, distinct microclimates, diverse soil types and a long growing season, Paso Robles is a unique wine region blessed with optimal growing conditions for producing Bordeaux varietal wines.

The Paso Robles AVA’s western boundary is just six miles from the Pacific Ocean. The appellation lies on the inland side of the Santa Lucia coastal mountains in San Luis Obispo County, and roughly forms a rectangle 35 miles from east to west, and 25 miles from north to south.

California’s Central Coast is geologically different from other California wine growing regions. More than 45 soil series are found in the Paso Robles AVA. These are primarily bedrock-derived soils from weathered granite, older marine sedimentary rocks, volcanic and younger marine sedimentary rocks.

The rolling terrain, well-draining soil and diurnal temperature variations of Paso Robles result in Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with concentrated fruit flavors, balance and velvety texture.