No trip to Central California’s wine country would be complete without a stop at Presqu’ile. This family-owned winery crafts exceptional cool-climate varietals of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah in the Santa Maria Valley. While the wines are certainly a reason to stop by, the stunning views and tasting offerings you’ll have here give you reasons to linger for an unforgettable experience.
Plan a Tasting at Presqu’ile Winery in Santa Maria, California
Conde Nast Traveler named Presqu’ile Winery “One of the ten most beautiful wineries in California” and let me tell you, they are not wrong! The views from the tasting room patio are absolutely stunning and even the food prepared for the Wine & Food Tasting is beautifully arranged on a tray with flowers grown on the estate.
My girlfriends and I booked a girls’ getaway weekend in Los Alamos, California where we planned to do some wine tasting, so I booked us reservations for the Wine & Food Tasting at Presqu’ile based on not only how beautiful the estate is, but also knowing my foodie friends would enjoy the mezze picnic offered with the tasting.
About Presqu’ile Winery
Named after a treasured family gathering place in the Mississippi Gulf Coast that had been destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, Presqu’ile means “almost an island.” In the heart of the Santa Maria Valley, it essentially is island-like in that it’s an oasis that beckons drinking in the views while sipping on some truly spectacular wines.
Why Visit Presqu’ile Winery
This winery offers unique tasting experiences that can make your time here even more memorable. The Estate Horseback Tour & Tasting lets you ride through the breathtaking estate amid the San Rafael Mountains, Solomon Hills, and astounding surrounds, followed by a food and wine pairing experience on a private terrace. It’s perfect for those that want a little adventure with their wine.
The Presqui’le Wine & Food Tour leaves the equine experience behind and instead embarks on foot into a cave and throughout the winery, leading to the hilltop pond. After exploring, you’ll indulge on the secluded lookout with food and wine. There’s also a tasting experience with bocce and horseshoes which is best for larger groups, though it does have limited availability so make sure you reserve it well in advance.
We chose the Wine & Food Experience where we were treated to a tasting flight that included both new and current releases of estate wines paired together with an immaculate mezze picnic prepared by Chef Julie Simon. With carefully selected local ingredients from nearby sources and seasonal offerings from the estate’s own garden, the meal was pure bliss.
Ours included a rich, creamy hummus with soft pitas for dipping. There was also a hearty chicken tagine, an African-style stew. A splendid shakshuka, a Middle-Eastern dish with eggs in a spiced tomato sauce; goat cheese with tomato jam that had a touch of cinnamon spice in it; luscious tomato basil gazpacho; and a vibrant pearl couscous salad rounded out our divine dining experience.
Along with the wines, the flavors were simply spectacular. Plus, with the views that are afforded from the tasting room terrace, you can see both the ocean and the vineyards. There’s nothing quite like having all your senses engaged during a wine tasting, and Presqu’ile Winery does that flawlessly.
What to Know Before You Go
- The tasting room is closed on Tuesdays.
- Reservations are required.
- Parking is available onsite a short walk to the tasting room.
Where to Stay Nearby
During our visit to Presqui’le Winery, my girlfriends and I were staying at the Skyview Motel in Los Alamos. The tasting room is a quick 13 mile, 20 minute drive north on Highway 101 from Los Alamos and it was the perfect mid-day excursion for our Los Alamos girls’ weekend.
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My girlfriends and I highly enjoyed our tasting experience at Presqu’ile Winery during our Los Alamos girls’ getaway weekend! Are you planning a trip? Which tasting experience will you chose? Let me know in a comment below!
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Land Acknowledgement
Salty Canary wants to acknowledge that we live, operate, gather, and benefit every day on the traditional stolen lands of several Indigenous peoples and nations including the Tongva (Gabrieleno), Kizh (Gabrieleno), Chumash, Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun), Ohlone, Awaswas, and Fernandeño Tataviam peoples who have stewarded the lands and waterways throughout their many generations in what is now the state of California.
I wanted to personally acknowledge these Indigenous people and nations and both their commitment and current contributions to the land with a donation to the American Indian College Fund because acknowledgment without action does not begin to address the systemic issues facing Indigenous people. If you feel as though you benefit from the land you’re living on or traveling to and you have the means, I kindly ask that you donate at least $1 to a Native-led organization such as the Native American Rights Fund or the American Indian College Fund.
Presqu’ile is located in Santa Maria which is on Chumash and ‘Amuwu land. You can learn more about the Indigenous land you’re living on or traveling to by visiting the Native Lands website.