The Vineyard
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In special places, the climate and soils combine to make a site especially suitable for growing top-quality winegrapes. Edna Valley Vineyard is one of those gifted spots. We are a partnership between Paragon Vineyard Company, which is owned by the Niven family, and Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines. The Nivens planted Paragon, an estate vineyard, in the early 1970s and the Chalone Wine Group joined with the family to establish a partnership as Edna Valley Vineyard in 1980. Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines purchased the Chalone Wine Group in 2005. Today, we are renewing Paragon Vineyard by replanting select blocks with new clones. The replanting allows us to take advantage of new trellising systems, to improve the drainage and to realign vineyard rows in order to encourage more uniform grape ripening. The vineyard surrounding the winery consists of 1,100 acres, and comprises more than 50% of the Edna Valley appellation. Paragon vineyard is planted to the following mix of varietals that thrive in this microclimate: Varietal Percentage of Vineyard Chardonnay 63% Pinot Noir 18% Syrah 9% Sauvignon Blanc 5% Pinot Gris 3% Miscellaneous 1% Unique climate The Edna Valley is a east/west-oriented valley in the central California Coast Range. A gap exists in the mountain barrier where the Los Osos Valley meets the ocean in Morro Bay. Los Osos Valley serves as a wide-mouthed funnel, providing unobstructed airflow from the ocean to the Edna Valley. The hills and mountains surrounding Edna Valley capture the marine air flowing in from Morro Bay, creating climatic conditions that differentiate Edna Valley from the surrounding areas. This pocket of cool air rests directly over Paragon Vineyard. Due to the mild climate and cooling breezes, Edna Valley's growing season is one of the longest in California. This fosters optimum acidity, low pH and full development of luscious aromas and flavors in the mature grapes. Distinctive soils In addition to enjoying a unique climate, we reap the benefits of distinctive soil content. Geographically, this valley's soil is a combination of marine deposits and volcanic remnants. Our vines grow in areas of marine sediment deposited more than 25 million years ago, consisting of layers of clay, sea shells and beach sand. In addition, the soils are enriched by granite and tufa provided by a chain of fourteen eroding ancient volcanoes that begins in Morro Bay and ends at Edna Valley Vineyard with Islay Mountain. The convergence of maritime climate, marine sediment and volcanic influences give Edna Valley Vineyard wines a distinctive flavor. These are big, concentrated wines that maintain their balance. |