Skip to main content
About

A narrow mountain bench of vineyards high above Monterey Bay, where fog, wind, and sun converge to create one of California's most distinctive appellations.

About Climate, Wind & Geography In The Glass History & Heritage Stewardship & Sustainability
Artisans

Fifty-plus growers and winemakers farming some of California's most celebrated vineyards.

Artisans Growers Wineries Grower-Wineries People
Vineyards

Explore the vineyards that define the Santa Lucia Highlands — from River Road to the ridgeline.

Vineyards Purchase Grapes
Visit

Wine trails, tasting rooms, and everything you need for a weekend in the Highlands.

Visit Getting Here Monterey Pour Pass
Events

From harvest festivals to intimate cellar dinners — moments that bring the Highlands to life.

Events Tides & Terroir Sun, Wine & Wine Festival SLH Sommelier Tour
What's New

Stories from the vineyard, press coverage, member news, and exclusive offers from across the appellation.

Journal In the News Member Offers
The Lowdown
Sip & Swirl: The Santa Lucia Highlands

News

Sip & Swirl: The Santa Lucia Highlands

← Back to News
Lyle Norton · The Bakersfield Californian · April 1, 2024

1 min read

The Santa Lucia Highlands region has gained recognition as one of California's premier cool-climate wine regions, and its wines have received critical acclaim. Still, other than wine enthusiasts, few know about it or where it is located. The Santa Lucia Highlands appellation is situated in the elevated benchlands of the Santa Lucia Mountains that extend between Soledad and Salinas.

The Santa Lucia Highlands region has gained recognition as one of California's premier cool-climate wine regions, and its wines have received critical acclaim. Still, other than wine enthusiasts, few know about it or where it is located. The Santa Lucia Highlands appellation is situated in the elevated benchlands of the Santa Lucia Mountains that extend between Soledad and Salinas. I remember camping near there with my family in the 1950s, before it became vineyards....

Full article here

Related News

California’s two most famous Garys celebrate 30 years together

press

California’s two most famous Garys celebrate 30 years together

On May 1, 2026, two families representing the best of the California winemaking spirit came together to celebrate thirty years of partnership. The event was billed simply as the “Garys’ Vineyard 30th Anniversary Dinner,” and it took place at Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley. It really was a glorified family dinner: The Franscioni and Pisoni families celebrating their personal and working friendship with closest family and winemaking friends with a 5-course, 12-wine white tablecloth dinner. The original text of an article published in the August/September 2026 issue of The SOMM Journal

August 10, 2026

Guide to the Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Growing Region

press

Guide to the Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Growing Region

For our trip down to the Santa Lucia Highlands last July, the forecast the week prior said sunny and upper 70s. Great — sundresses, I thought. Nope. Wrong. When we got down to Carmel, where we were staying for the duration of the trip, mornings on the coast were damp and hazy, thanks to the fog that comes in over the ocean at night. We'd drive up steep, windy mountain roads to get to the vineyards in the hills, where we'd breakthrough the clouds and find sunshine — a few hours of warm bliss before… WIND. The Santa Lucia Highlands is known for its wind. It's one of the things that helps it grow incredible, complex, and beautiful dynamic wines. But wow. That wind!!

February 19, 2024

Whispering Winds: The Unique Dance of Flavor in the Santa Cruz Mountains & Santa Lucia Highlands

press

Whispering Winds: The Unique Dance of Flavor in the Santa Cruz Mountains & Santa Lucia Highlands

Read more about the "Wind-Kissed & Sunlit Splendor of Santa Lucia Highlands AVA"

January 2, 2024

Group of friends toasting with wine in front of a rustic wooden barn in Santa Lucia Highlands.

Stay Connected

Don't miss a pour.

Monthly access to exclusive tastings, harvest events, and limited winery offers across Monterey wine country. The insider scoop you didn't know you needed.

Date of birth
//

We keep it worth opening. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy

Travel Tips
Event Invitations
Tasting Offers