Presqu'ile Winery Santa Maria

"Such a lovely afternoon spent at Presqu’ile! Our group enjoyed the wine and food tasting while sitting outside on a beautiful sunny day. The food was absolutely delicious, especially the potatoes, farmer’s cheese, hummus, and pita bread, and paired well with the different wines. The service was friendly and prompt.
Highly recommend checking it out!"

Colby Aubuchon

"Absolutely love this spot—it’s hands-down our favorite place to visit in the valley! The wines are truly exceptional and speak for themselves, but let’s talk about Chef Julie for a second—she’s a culinary genius! Do yourself a favor and never skip the food option. Pair that with the stunning views outside, and you’ll find it impossible to leave. The staff here are the kindest, most attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable people—they make you feel so welcome! If you get a chance, don’t miss the Gamay and Aligoté—they’re absolute gems."

Wiktoria Marroquin

"As someone always in search of the next adventure, I discovered one of my top five life experiences right here in Santa Maria at Presqu'ile Winery. And what better way to explore its spacious and enchanting grounds than on horseback?

From the moment you arrive, the winery captivates you. The winding road through the vineyard leads to a stunning, modern building. We were warmly welcomed, fitted with helmets, and guided down the property to meet our horses.

Now, let me preface this by saying I have an unreasonable fear of horses. But that didn’t faze our guide, who expertly introduced us to our horses and offered helpful riding tips. These horses, gentle and calm, seemed to truly enjoy their role as guides to the winery grounds. Their “day job” is training new riders—mostly kids.

My horse, Kicks, was a 30-year-old snuggler who immediately put me at ease. When I stopped petting him, he nudged my hand, asking for more affection. As we set off, Kicks patiently followed my commands, guiding me through the experience. Understanding my anxiety, our guide's mother, Sue, walked alongside us the whole time, helping me overcome a lifelong fear.

As we rode, we marveled at the rolling fields, mountains in the distance, and sightings of the coast just a few miles away. The rows of grapevines awaiting harvest gave us a glimpse of the future wine that would soon be tasted. After our ride, we were greeted with a crisp sparkling rosé—a perfect way to end the adventure and begin our wine tasting experience with a curated food pairing.

We returned to the winery, soaking in the views, and settled by the fireplace to sip wine and enjoy good conversation. Our server, a Santa Maria native, was incredibly knowledgeable about their wines, which included chardonnays, pinot noirs, and syrah. She explained the wine-making process in detail and presented a spread of delightful bites to pair with each wine—from a fresh salad with hand-picked fruits and vegetables grown on the property to handmade hummus and a whipped goat and feta spread. The food and wine pairings were an experience in themselves.

Our visit concluded with a tour through the winery's temperature-controlled cave, which stretches 60 feet underground, lined with barrels filled with aging wine. The tour ended on the terrace, where the breathtaking views once again left us in awe.

From start to finish, the entire experience was extraordinary. If this winery wasn’t on your bucket list before, it certainly should be now."

Monaca Thomas