The earliest vinifera plantings, in what was to become the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation, took place in the 1790s, with the arrival of the first Spanish missionaries and conquistadors. The modern era, however, could be said to begin in the early 1970s, with initial plantings by Rich and Claudia Smith at Paraiso, the McFarland family at Sleepy Hollow, Phil Johnson at La Estancia, and Nicky Hahn at Smith & Hook.  

Approved in 1991 as a unique AVA, the vineyards here are planted on the southeast facing terraces of the Santa Lucia mountain range, overlooking the Salinas River Valley.  The vines’ elevated locations take full advantage of the morning sunshine before the afternoon maritime breezes cool the vineyards. This climatic combination results in an especially long growing season, which allows the grapes to fully develop and attain maximum varietal potential.  Ancient, glacial alluvial soils pair with ocean fog and breezes to create a true Region I climate. Cool weather-loving Burgundia varietals Chardonnay and Pinot Noir flourish here; Rhone grape types emulate their French northern districts brethren, thriving in the SLH’s slightly warmer, more wind-protected canyons and slopes.

Today, over 4,700 wine grape acres are currently under cultivation, with the majority heavily weighted toward Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Rhone varietals are also in evidence, with Syrah from many of the properties gaining increasing notice. Winegrowers of the Santa Lucia Highlands are innovators – almost every single vineyard is a living laboratory, with new clones, trellising systems, and farming regimens being continuously explored.

Many well-known wineries call the Santa Lucia Highlands home – Paraiso, Morgan, Smith & Hook, Pisoni, Roar, Pessagno, and Talbott are just a few of the home team. Many more out-of-the-area prestige “labels” such as Siduri and Testarossa, rely on the fruit from this renowned, world-class growing district for their award-winning vintages.