The Wine Artisans of the Santa Lucia Highlands, an alliance of the appellation’s winegrowers and the wineries that rely on the district’s world-class fruit, have announced the final pouring line-up for their 3rd annual gala tasting, taking place from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 at Hahn Estates.
This “Highlands’ Fling” celebration will be a strolling wine tasting on the grounds of the scenic Hahn property. The event will feature the most prized vintages and special reserves of the S.L.H.’s artisan winemakers, paired to delicacies prepared by award-winning chef Terry Teplitzky.
Guests also will be able to bid on one-of-a-kind “big bottles” in a silent auction.
Attendees will have the opportunity to sample rare wines poured by the vintners themselves. Wineries scheduled to participate include:
* Belle Glos
* Bernardus
* Boekenoogen
* Cru
* Hahn
* La Rochelle
* Lucienne
* Manzoni
* Martin Alfaro
* Mer Soleil
* McIntyre
* Morgan
* Novy
* Parasio
* Pelerin
* Pessagno
* Pisoni
* Puma Road
* Roar
* Robert Talbott
* Testarossa
* Siduri
* Six Strings
* Tondre
* Tudor
If you’re a member of one of the wine clubs of Vinesse, you’re no doubt familiar with several of those names, as Monterey County and its Santa Lucia Hughlands area have produced numerous club selections through the years.
Tickets for the gala are $85 per person and can be purchased online at santaluciahighlands.com/events.
The Santa Lucia Highlands is one of the crown jewels of California viticulture, growing and producing some of the state’s best cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The appellation encompasses more than 5,000 acres of prime vineyards, planted on the terraces of the Santa Lucia mountain range, overlooking the Salinas River Valley. The area’s unique character was recognized with official American Viticultural Area status in 1991.