River Road Wineries
Within the Santa Lucia Highlands, there are several wineries on or near River Road, making for an easy day of tasting. Start in Salinas and the road south: Pessagno: Ray Franscioni (Gary’s relative) owns Passagno Winery, where he produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling from the Santa Lucia Highlands as well as an array of additional bottlings from the surrounding regions. 1645 River Road, Salinas, (831) 675-9463. www.pessagnowines.com. Tasting room open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Fee: $15 Manzoni: The Manzoni family has lived in the Salinas Valley since the 1930s, their Swiss ancestor Joseph Manzoni bringing his tradition of grappa-making with him from Europe. Today the Manzonis specialize in Pinot Noir and Syrah coming from their home vineyard. 30981 River Road, Soledad, (831) 6753398. www.manzoniwines.com. Tasting room open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Fee: $10 Wrath: At Wrath, visitors are invited to enjoy a picnic on their expansive terrace overlooking the Santa Lucia Highlands. The winery works with some of the best Pinot Noir vineyards in the region, including the Tondré Grapefield and McIntyre Vineyard. 35801 Foothill Road, Soledad, (831) 678-2212. www.wrathwines.com. Tasting room open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Monday. Fee: $10-$20 Hahn: With one of the most spectacular vistas of the Santa Lucia Highlands, Hahn bottles Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their estate vineyard, as well as a handful of additional Pinots from top properties under their Lucienne label. For an elevated experience, book an ATV tour and you’ll get to understand the terroir firsthand. 37700 Foothill Road, Soledad, (831) 678-4555. www.hahnwines.com. Tasting room open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Fee: $15-$45 Smith Family Wines: The Smith family led the charge in the Santa Lucia Highlands’ transformation from farm country to a premium wine region. At their tasting room, you can sample wine from their 1973 Paraiso Vineyard, as well as their other labels throughout Monterey. 38060 Paraiso Springs Road, Soledad, (831) 678-0300. www.smithfamilywines.com. Tasting room open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Fee: $15