Our mission is to grow exceptional wine through sustainable practices that honor the land and its unique terroir.

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1-310-490-1361

32462 Sanchez Rd Soledad, CA

Info@lareinavineyards.com

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About Us

OUR STORY

Since its founding in 1972, La Reina de Santa Lucia Vineyard has stood as a testament to vision, collaboration, and innovation. La Reina was established during a pivotal moment in the region’s history, through the partnership of William D. Grant and brothers Jerry and Myron McFarland. This era marked the rise of the Santa Lucia Highlands, with other pioneering vineyards such as Sleepy Hollow and Smith & Hook being founded around the same time. Together, these vineyards helped shape the Highlands into a world-class winegrowing area known for its exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Over the last 50 years, La Reina de Santa Lucia Vineyard has earned a reputation for producing world-class Chardonnay, attracting partnerships with leading wineries and solidifying its place among the premier vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands. In 2024, the Grant family regained full ownership of the vineyard. Laura Grant Gamble, daughter of William D. Grant, along with her children, Andy and Grant Myers, took the reins, ensuring that the next generation carries on the tradition of growing exceptional wines that reflect the unique character of the Highlands. Today, La Reina remains fully family-owned and operated, laying the foundation for its rise as one of the oldest family-owned vineyards in the region, a legacy of excellence that continues to thrive.

OUR HISTORY

A legacy of vision, partnership, and growth since 1972, shaping the Santa Lucia Highlands.

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La Reina Vineyard founded by William D. Grant and the McFarland Brothers

1972

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Planted first vines

1974

La Reina is planted with 100% Chardonnay becoming one of the first vineyards in California to be dedicated to the varietal

Bonny Doon ``La Reina``

1985

Randall Grahm at Bonny Doon makes the first vineyard-designate wine from La Reina Vineyard

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Inter-row plantings introduced, increasing vine density

1989

Joullian Cellars makes a vineyard designate wine from La Reina Vineyard

2001

Ridge Watson, winemaker at Joullian Cellars, begins making a ``La Reina`` vineyard chardonnay, quickly becoming one of their premium offerings

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Figge Cellars makes ``La Reina`` Chardonnay

2005

Collaboration with Figge Cellars results in critically acclaimed wines, particularly the 2009 Chardonnay La Reina Vineyard

Shift towards high-yield production

2014

A 10-year lease on the vineyard shifted production toward high yields and minimalist farming, straining the vines

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Refocus on premium grape cultivation

2024

In 2024, La Reina de Santa Lucia Vineyard goes through significant redevelopment, refocusing on growing the highest quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.