Santa Lucia Highlands
The Santa Lucia Highlands stands as one of California’s premier Pinot Noir regions, perched on the eastern slopes of the coastal range that shelters the Salinas Valley from Big Sur. Though relatively young—with vineyards first developed in the 1970s—this distinctive appellation has quickly proven that Pinot Noir excels on these fog-cooled hillsides, where ocean breezes from Monterey Bay create conditions even cooler than the Russian River Valley.
APPELLATION
Santa Lucia Highlands
The Santa Lucia Highlands is recognized for producing some of California’s most powerful yet intricate and impeccably balanced Pinot Noirs. Perched upon the East-facing terraces of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the vines are consistently cooled by wind and fog drawn from the depths of Monterey Bay.
Within this region is the city of Salinas, an agricultural town surrounded by fruit and vegetable growers with a comprehensive climate blended of coastal breezes and sun that is ideal for grape-growing. There are plenty of favorite local hangouts to discover if you make the stop. The BBQ is truly magical and worthy of a detour in and of itself.
FACTS OF NOTE
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED: 1991
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES: 5,700
KEY VARIETALS: Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE: Cool, with fog and wind from Monterey Bay
The Vineyards
Pisoni Vineyard
Pisoni Vineyard, widely acclaimed as one of California’s most esteemed wine growing sites, has played an instrumental role in elevating the status of Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noirs. Perched at 1,300 feet of elevation with granite and sandstone soils, it traditionally yields a dramatic wine with incredible color and concentration. There are 40 planted acres divided into small blocks that follow the contours of the mountains.
Facts of Note
Vineyard Established: 1982
Total Vineyard Acres: 40
Key Varietals: Pinot Noir
First Vintage: 2008
Garys’ Vineyard
Founded in 1997, Garys’ Vineyard is a celebrated collaboration between the Franscioni and Pisoni families. Located just south of Rosella’s Vineyard, it produces a unique expression of Pinot Noir, reflecting its distinctive terroir and expertise of its founders.
Facts of Note
Vineyard Established: 1997
Total Vineyard Acres: 51.7
Key Varietals: Pinot Noir
First Vintage: 2005
Rosella’s Vineyard
Planted by legendary winegrower Gary Franscioni in 1996 and named after his wife, Rosella’s Vineyard is located in the northernmost part of the Santa Lucia Highlands, gracefully nestled amidst lemon groves above the picturesque Salinas River Valley. Strong winds and fog off the Monterey Bay ensure this region’s long, temperate growing seasons, contributing to the unique character of the vineyard.
Facts of Note
Vineyard Established: 1996
Total Vineyard Acres: 50
Key Varietals: Pinot Noir
First Vintage: 2005
