Santa Lucia Highlands SOMM Tour

The Santa Lucia Highlands Somm Tour welcomes sommeliers, wine directors, and buyers from top restaurants, retailers, and outlets to attend our annual immersive program in Monterey County’s premiere Pinot Noir appellation.

The Santa Lucia Highlands is one of the crown jewels of California viticulture, growing and producing some of the state’s best cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. The appellation encompasses 5,700 acres of prime vineyards, planted on the elevated terraces of the Santa Lucia mountain range in close proximity to nearby Monterey Bay and world-class destinations like Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The region’s unique winegrowing character was recognized with official AVA status in 1991. It remains one of California’s top cool climate regions, a mountainous and wind-scrubbed AVA with a unique farming and winemaking community.

During Santa Lucia Highlands Somm Tour, you will…

• Tour the enchanting Santa Lucia Highlands for two and a half days filled with winemakers and growers, site and tasting explorations, and time in the field.
• Taste the region’s wines and explore the distinct vineyards, and differences from north to south, compare single-vineyard bottlings, and enjoy library wines from top producers.
• Get technical with the vintners in the cellars on every aspect from yeasts to clones to cooperage.
• Discuss soils, climate, clonal selection, trellising, water, sustainability and organics, alternative varietals, and latest technologies.
• Enjoy one-on-one time with the winemakers and vintners like Cattleya, Hahn, Roar, Pisoni, Morgan, McIntyre, Wrath, Caraccioli, Talbott and more as they host you at their homes and in their vineyards featuring a welcoming environment, local flavor, and a stunning assortment of fine wines.

How it works…

Upon arrival, each guest's lodging, meals, and tour transportation is included courtesy of the Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans, a collective of more than 40 growers and associate members. Somm Tour attendees are responsible for travel to and from Monterey County.

Inquire to apply: gwen@santaluciahighlands.com