Where Ocean Winds and Vines Collide

La Reina de Santa Lucia Vineyard is a story etched into the rugged hillside of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, where the Pacific’s cool breath meets a landscape shaped by time. Established in 1972, the vineyard spans 87 acres of gently sloping terrain, rising from 160 to 470 feet. In this unique environment, the vines are nurtured by a perfect balance of coastal fog and radiant sunshine, while ocean breezes from Monterey Bay create ideal growing conditions. Here, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah thrive, capturing the harmony of light and wind to reveal their truest expression.

HISTORY

La Reina Vineyard was founded in 1972, a quiet but decisive moment in the early days of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Back then, the region was a blank slate in the world of wine. William D. Grant and the McFarland brothers, Jerry and Myron, saw something in the land others hadn’t noticed. They planted their vines, and with it, laid the foundation for what would become one of the area’s most respected vineyards. Alongside Sleepy Hollow and Smith & Hook, La Reina was part of a small group that would put the Highlands on the map.

By 2020, the vineyard passed fully into the hands of Grant’s descendants, making it one of the few vineyards in the Highlands still held by its founding family. The next generation took over, focused on sustainability and shaping La Reina for the future. Yet, the vineyard itself remains unchanged in spirit—a lasting piece of California’s wine story, shaped by the land and those who believed in it from the start.

Location

La Reina de Santa Lucia sits in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, specifically at the southern end of the area known as the North Bench. Perched just above the Salinas Valley floor, the vineyard benefits from its strategic location along River Road, a corridor lined with some of the region’s most celebrated vineyards. Its elevation—ranging from 160 to 470 feet—captures the cooling influence of Monterey Bay, while the southeast-facing slopes optimize exposure to long, warm hours of sunlight. Coastal fog and afternoon winds further moderate temperatures, allowing for the gradual ripening that makes this area a prime spot for cultivating Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

Terroir

La Reina’s terroir is a seamless blend of sandy loam and rocky sublayers, coupled with the defining elements of sun, wind, and fog, all working in harmony across the vineyard’s 5 to 15-degree slopes. The terrain is shaped by a Chualar-Xerorthent Complex—a mix of well-draining Chualar loam and the dry, rocky Xerorthent soils that dominate the steeper slopes. The vines embrace this rugged landscape, extracting character from the soils, while the gentle incline ensures even sunlight exposure throughout the day.

Monterey Bay’s cool coastal fog drifts in, tempered by afternoon warmth, offering ideal conditions for a long, steady growing season. Stiff winds sweep through the vineyard, thickening the grape skins and adding layers of complexity. This climate-driven terroir, with its balance of fog, wind, and sunlight, is what allows the vines to thrive, creating wines that fully express the unique character of the Santa Lucia Highlands.