Wander & Wine Through Edna Valley: How to Spend 24 Hours in this SLO CAL AVA

Start your day with movement and savor the beauty of Edna Valley’s horizon. 

Before diving into a day of delights, start your morning with some fresh air on the 1.8-mile loop at Islay Hill. This easy trail offers one of the closest and most scenic views of the Santa Lucia Mountains, along with sweeping panoramas of Edna Valley. Not in the mood for a full hike? Stay at the base and explore Islay Hill Park, a five-acre space perfect for relaxing or enjoying family-friendly recreation.  

If you're looking for something a bit more challenging, consider the Johnson Ranch Loop Trail. This 3.7-mile loop, or a shorter 2.5-mile option, winds through 242 acres of stunning preserved ranch land just south of San Luis Obispo. You’ll be fueled with mother nature as you explore the open space dominated by rolling grassy hills.   

Not in the mood for a hike? Start your day among the vineyards of Edna Valley at the San Luis Obispo Golf Course. Whether you're perfecting your swing or taking in the views, these greens offer a laid-back, picturesque start to your Edna Valley adventure. 

No matter which direction you're coming from, great breakfast spots surround Edna Valley. 

Heading to Edna Valley from Pismo Beach?  Stop at the Honeymoon Cafe, a cozy coastal cottage just blocks from the beach and minutes from Edna Valley that serves breakfast with a side of sunshine. Whether you're craving a fresh acai bowl or a hearty breakfast burrito, this local favorite hits the spot with its laid-back surf-town appeal and garden style patio. 

Looking for something lighter after your morning of movement? On the way in from San Luis Obispo you'll find Field Day Coffee, the perfect spot to grab a quick bite and coffee to kick off your day. Home to the Field Day Bottle Shop and The Shop at Field Day, this creatively curated café offers a three-in-one experience of craft coffee, local wine and boutique finds all under one roof. 

Driving in from Arroyo Grande? Lucky you, just bordering Edna Valley is Arroyo Grande's very own Red Dirt Coffee House, where aloha spirit meets small-town cool. Known for its 100% Kona coffee and Hawaiian-style breakfast plates, this vibrant little spot is full of character. Grab a breakfast sandwich or an island-inspired bowl and you’ll be energized and ready to hit the tasting room!  

Known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Edna Valley Wineries offer tasting experiences as layered as the landscape itself. 

Edna Valley Pinot Noir  

Experience the unique wines and cozy ambiance of Claiborne & Churchill, a standout stop in Edna Valley. Renowned for their handcrafted Pinot Noir, this winery offers more than just great pours; it invites you to put your palate to the test with their Double-Blind Tasting Challenge! It’s a playful, memorable way to sip, learn and share a few laughs with friends along the way. 

Next stop, founded over 35 years ago, is Baileyana Tasting Room. Nestled in the heart of the region, its tasting room is set inside the historic Independence Schoolhouse, a quaint, restored 1909 structure that blends heritage with hospitality and lends a unique tasting experience. Known for crafting expressive, cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Baileyana captures the essence of Edna Valley’s coastal terroir in every glass.  

The Pinot journey doesn’t end here. Throughout the valley, more boutique wineries and hidden tasting rooms await, each with their own take on this beloved varietal. So, keep sipping, exploring and uncovering the distinct expressions of Pinot Noir that make Edna Valley a wine lover’s hub.  
 

Edna Valley Chardonnay  

For those wanting to savor Chardonnay in its most expressive form, book the Barrel Loft Experience at Tolosa Winery. This is a guided flight of limited-production wines served in an intimate, glass-walled loft overlooking the cellar. With a strong focus on sustainability and small-lot winemaking, Tolosa offers a front-row seat to true craftsmanship. 

Welcoming wine enthusiasts and families is Wolff Vineyards. Their vines-to-wine journey invites guests to taste directly where it’s grown, right in the heart of the vineyard. Chardonnay takes center stage here, reflecting the vineyard’s commitment to crafting varietals that thrive in Edna Valley’s coastal climate. With panoramic views all around, you may also bring your own picnic or simply enjoy the outdoor flower garden while sampling their estate-grown wines.  

Bonus - Beyond The Glass: What To Ask Your Tasting Guide... 

1. Do you grow your own grapes or source them? 
2. What food would you personally pair this with?” 
3. If this wine had a personality, what would it be like? 
4. What’s the wine that made you fall in love with wine? 
5. If I’m building a wine night’ for friends, what should I take home?

To learn more about wine in SLO CAL, check out Wine-O-One!

More than a pour, Edna Valley invites you to treat your senses to food, wine, and a little adventure. 

For a more elevated lunch, Chamisal invites you to experience the land behind the label with their Vineyard Tour, Tasting & Paired Lunch. This experience showcases their craft, beginning in the vineyard aboard an all-terrain limo golf cart. Whilst enjoying a locally curated lunch, a seasoned hospitality associate will guide you through their unique property, where you will learn about the history of Chamisal Vineyards and taste through the soils on the property. Not to mention stunning vista views! 

For a more relaxed lunch, take a trip over to the Old Edna Valley Townsite. You can settle into a seat or stretch out a picnic blanket on the lawn and enjoy delicious bites from The Gourmet Deli at Old Edna alongside a glass of Sextant Wine . All served from a historic building placed in front of a cozy two-acre bed and breakfast. If you’re lucky, don’t be surprised if a few friendly chickens wander by! 

As an invitation to slow down and savor Edna Valley one course at a time, you’re invited you to Center of Effort for a seasonal lunch and wine pairing. Tucked into the rolling hills of Edna Valley, Center of Effort offers a thoughtfully curated three-course experience, where each dish is expertly matched with estate-grown wines that elevate every bite. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a coastal stroll or a lively night out, Edna Valley’s neighboring gems offer the perfect way to close out your day. 

Just a short drive from Edna Valley, wind down on the water at Lopez Lake. Book a guided nature boat cruise through the marina, where a local expert will share stories of the surrounding wildlife and landscapes as you boat around the waters. It’s the ideal way to relax, reflect and soak in golden hour. Looking for something more private? Book a fishing charter or rent a boat to explore the lake at your own pace. 

Just 15 minutes from the valley, Pismo Beach Pier is your sunset sweet spot. Take a coastal stroll, grab an ice cream and enjoy the beachside swings set right in the Pismo sand. It’s a breezy, beautiful way to wrap up a day of wine and wonder. 

After a day of savoring Edna Valley’s wines and landscapes, treat yourself to a dinner that keeps the experience going.  

If you’re craving good food and live music, Rod & Hammer Rock delivers. With outdoor firepits, twinkling string lights and local bands taking the stage, it’s a favorite for both locals and visitors. Their menu is full of casual favorites, wood-fired pizzas, craft burgers and hearty appetizers that hit the spot after a full day.

For further exploration, check out Rod & Hammer Distillery right next door for a whiskey cocktail or beer on draft.  

Bordering Edna Valley and right alongside the runway at the San Luis Obispo Airport, Spirit of San Luis brings a thrilling dining experience to your evening. Watch planes take off while enjoying your favorite American comfort food, think steak, seafood and pasta in a relaxed, retro setting. With friendly service and exciting views, it’s a dinner spot that blends comfort with a one-of-a-kind setting 

From golden hills to vineyard pours, Edna Valley California offers a kind of quiet magic that stays with you long after the last sip. In just 24 hours, you can hike, taste, explore and unwind, all within reach of your favorite SLO CAL spots. It's a place where time slows down and views stretch just a little longer. One visit is all it takes to know; you’ll be back!