The coastal climate and rich soils make Edna Valley perfect for growing cool-climate grapes. Only five miles off the Pacific Coast, expertly managed vineyards of the Edna Valley AVA thrive. Located south of the city of San Luis Obispo and north of the town of Arroyo Grande, the Edna Valley is bounded by Lake Lopez to the south and Islay Hill to the north. Running east to west and bounded to the west, the valley is both sheltered and shadowed by the Santa Lucia Mountains. Grown in uplifted, sedimentary terrain, formerly part of the ocean floor, soils consist of chalk, loam, clay and dark humus. The subsoil is made of calcareous materials deposited by ancient sea-life, resembling the subsoil of some of Burgundys most famous vineyards. These vineyards are blanketed by soft morning ocean mist, and then nurtured by midday sun; a number of significant hills create different microclimates. With these optimal growing conditions of moderate climate and an extremely long growing season, winemakers craft wines of great distinction of California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and also, Syrah, Viognier and Grenache.