Trade
Santa Lucia Highlands Sommelier Tour 2026
Monday, July 20, 2026 – Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 9 am – 5 pm
Various Venues, Monterey County
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 nearly 5,000 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.
Applications open February 1.
Email gwen@santaluciahighlands.com for more information or to be added to the application launch list.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans is committed to creating increased access to and diversity within the wine industry. Travel scholarships for the SLH Somm Tour are available for individuals from underrepresented communities, including, but not limited to, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, people of color, persons from racially diverse or intersectional communities, persons with disabilities, and persons from LGBTQIA+ communities. Travel scholarship applications open February 1, 2026.
Santa Lucia Highlands Somm Tour travel scholarship recipients will attend SLH Somm Tour with all expenses paid, including airport transfer, airfare, mileage reimbursement, meals, and hotel accommodations. No financial stipend is provided. Airfare and airport transfer will be booked on behalf of scholarship recipients by Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans.
Scholarship Eligibility: All applicants must…
- Identify as individuals from underrepresented communities, including, but not limited to, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, people of color, persons from racially diverse or intersectional communities, persons with disabilities, and persons from LGBTQIA+ communities
- Be over the age of 21
- Be willing to comply with COVID-19 vaccination and/or testing requirements prior to attending SLH Somm Tour
- Be actively involved and employed in the wine industry, preferably in a role as a buyer or influencer of purchasing decisions at retail or restaurant
Scholarship Application Timeline
- February 1, 2026: Applications Open
- March 25, 2026: Applications Close
- March 26-April 11, 2026: Scholarship Review Period
- April 15-30, 2026: Scholarship Recipients Confirmed
Scholarship Review Process
The scholarship committee will review applications to establish eligibility and qualifications. Scholarship recipients will be notified by early May. We look forward to welcoming you to the Santa Lucia Highlands.
More about us…
Formed in 2005, the Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans is an association of vineyards and wineries that grow grapes in the Santa Lucia Highlands or use the appellation’s fruit to craft their vintage releases.
