The Santa Lucia Highlands are located in the region of Monterrey. Vineyards faces east to the Mountain Range of Santa Lucia, while the southern part gives breezes due to the influences of the Monterey Bay.
The region is especially renowned for grape varieties used in wines from Burgundy, but it also offers exceptional Riesling and Rhône wines-styled Syrah.
In 1790, missionaries from Spain introduced vinifera grapes. However, until the 1970, the region has focused on other types of cultivation than of that of grapes. At that time, the region's winegrowing potential was realized by a group of small farming families.
Over the next two decades, winemakers from other areas joined forces with local farming families, led by the Pisonis in the start of the 1980s. This collaborative effort has transformed the region into the recognized wine area at this present time.
Situated in the western mountains of Salinas Valley and welcomes early sunlight while drawing cool ocean breezes from the nearby Pacific. These coastal winds, channelled from the Monterey Bay, cool the southeast-facing benchlands ensconced within morning fog. This unique blend of fog, breezes, and sunshine extends the growing season, allowing grapes to mature longer, resulting in wines with rich aromatics and vibrant acidity, especially suited for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.
In this area, the wind causes modification of the grape skin development. These thick skins are able to resist the impact of the strong wind every day and prolong the ripening process. This dynamic interaction, coupled with the region's arid climate, shields against fall rains, ensuring optimal conditions for grape cultivation.
The area's well-drained, low-fertility soils further enhance grape quality, fostering small berries with thick skins, enriching the wines' structure and depth of flavour.
The Santa Lucia Highlands received official approval as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the start of the 1990s. In these vineyards, two grape varieties prevail, namely Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Not far behind are Riesling, Pinot Gris, Viognier, and Syrah.
The Santa Lucia Highlands reputation often centres around individual vineyards like Garys’, Sleepy Hollow, Pisoni, and Mer Soleil.
