Nestled in the rolling hills of California’s Santa Maria Valley, Presqu’ile Winery (pronounced press-KEEL) offers an epicurean experience that combines cool-climate wines with carefully crafted food pairings. Presqu’ile produces exceptional handmade wines that showcase the distinct character of the Santa Maria Valley. These wines include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.
Meticulous attention to detail was evident in every aspect of my experience at Presqu’ile. The winery is an architectural masterpiece that seamlessly blends into its natural landscape and features clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and expansive outdoor spaces that provide stunning panoramic views.
Presqu’ile Winery is a labor of love for the Murphy family. The word “Presqu’ile” is a French/Creole word meaning “almost an island” and it pays homage to the Murphy family’s ancestral roots on the Gulf Coast. The winery offers an elevated wine country experience that’s combined with the Murphy family’s tradition of southern hospitality.
Presqu’ile Winery offers a culinary experience that perfectly complements its wonderful wines. It’s a feast for the senses and is designed to create a harmonious fusion of flavors, textures, and visual appeal. During my visit, I indulged in Chef Julie Simon’s Mezze Picnic that included the following items:
Teriyaki marinated steak – The tender steak was infused with a very light sauce that included the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki.
Salade du Jardin – It combined crisp butter leaf, burst-in-your-mouth blueberries, delicate shaved fennel, English peas and tangy lemon poppyseed vinaigrette. This was a stunning salad that featured a harmonious medley of textures and tastes that celebrated the vibrant essence of a bountiful garden.
Artisanal Cheese – It included a combination of the following: buttery and rich Dèlice de Bourgogne, aged gouda, and tangy farmers cheese. It was accompanied by fresh strawberries, basil, and a light sprinkling of shaved almonds.
Hummus featuring white bean purée and salsa verde – The creamy white bean purée provided a velvety base, while the zesty salsa verde added a tangy and herbaceous kick.
Roasted potatoes – They were buttery, tender, and accompanied by a creamy yellow curry sauce.
The cuisine was accompanied by the following wines:
2017 Brut Cuvée, Presqu’ile Vineyard
2019 Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley
2020 Chardonnay, Presqu’ile Vineyard
2019 Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley
2020 Pinot Noir, Presqu’ile Vineyard
2020 Syrah, Presqu’ile Vineyard
At the winery, guests can indulge in a variety of tasting experiences, from intimate seated tastings in the elegant tasting room to alfresco tastings on the picturesque terrace. Each experience is guided by Presqu’ile Winery’s knowledgeable and passionate staff. Visitors can also embark on vineyard tours to gain insights into the winery’s viticultural practices.
Presqu’ile Winery sets the stage for a stylish experience with its striking architecture, captivating surroundings, and world-class wine and food offerings.
