While that is certainly the case at Presqu’ile winery in Santa Marina, CA, there is much more than wine tastings there, too.
In fact, there are five enhanced experiences, as described below. Located less than two miles from Highway 101 in Northern Santa Barbara County, the hilltop tasting room and encompassing ranch have views of the Pacific Ocean and Presqu’ile’s organic vineyards. Estate wines are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté, Gamay, Nebbiolo and méthode champenoise sparkling wines. In 2023, the tasting room is enjoying its 10th anniversary and has been featured in dozens of architecture and design magazines.
• The Wine & Food Experience features a curated tasting flight paired with Chef Julie Simon’s Mezze Picnic. Chef Julie’s menus are crafted from the winery’s organic one-acre vegetable and herb garden and feature the seasonal bounties of the Santa Maria Valley’s top purveyors.
• The Estate Horseback Tour & Tasting is a trail ride horseback through the 400-acre estate with breathtaking views of the vineyard and the San Rafael Mountains. The ride culminates with a special Wine & Food Tasting featuring estate, single-vineyard and sparkling wines.
• The Wine & Food Tour includes a private walking tour is through Presqu’ile’s wine caves, the winery and winery, and up to a hilltop pond. Guests then settle into a private lookout terrace to a wood and wine pairing while taking in views of the vineyard, the San Rafael Mountains, Solomon Hills, and Pacific Ocean.
• The Estate Tasting Flight highlights new and current release estate wines for groups of up to six people.
• For larger groups, Presqu’ile offers the Wine & Bocce experience. Set on a private terrace overlooking the estate grounds and valley views, guests will enjoy for Presqu’ile Wine, food by Chef Julie, plenty of lounge seating, a regulation-size Bocce Court and Horseshoes.
“Wine should be inspiring, joyous and relaxed, so we share our wines with enthusiasm but without pretense,” says Matt Murphy, Presqu’ile’s president. “We like to think of it as an elevated wine experience steeped in our family’s tradition of laidback Southern hospitality.”
Presqu’ile (pronounced press-KEEL) is a French/Creole word meaning “almost an island,” or peninsula. The name pays homage to the Murphy’s former gathering place on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. For generations it was a place rich with joy and the warmth of the human spirit.
“Our Tasting Room honors that way of life. We hope to engender the same conviviality among family and friends through every visit and every bottle,” Murphy said.
Its website is Presqu’ile Wines Wine Tasting Santa Maria – Presqu’ile Winery
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