Wineries near Santa Margarita

“The food served here is outstanding and worth the trip alone. The quality you get doesn't match how cheap the price is, it's a phenomenal food pairing experience if you are up for it. The food options and the Cab Franc has me locked down as a wine club member.“

“I recently sponsored a rescued horse and her baby at Unbridled Sanctuary in upstate NY. I was given the honor of naming her and I chose Bella Luna. As a fundraiser for the care of all the equine there is going to an auction where a basket will be created for each rescue. I needed to find the right items to put in her basket. What a WONDERFUL SURPRISE to find a winery in California that has the same name. I researched reviews and found so many positive I immediately bought one of the beautiful reserve bottles with the signature name along with wine glasses, cork puller and stone coaster. I look forward to the winner of Bella Luna’s basket to enjoy this wine“

“We had a fabulous time last Saturday at the Pizza and Wine Pairing event. The food, the wine and the atmosphere was perfect. Annie and the Venteux staff did such an amazing job coordinating and arranging this event! We love all of the Venteux Vineyards events and the wonderful people that make it happen. Thank you Venteux Vineyards.“

“Sitting quietly on a cliff in Cayucos, gazing out over the vast Pacific Ocean, I sip a magnificent 2022 CLESI Sagrantino. Reflecting on the world, its rhythms, and entanglements—much of which remains enigmatically complex. Yet one thing is clear: Chris Ferrara is the finest winemaker, for he is, above all, a farmer. As the Italians say, “Chi semina raccoglie"—those who sow, reap.“

“I asked a very prominent Edna Valley grape farmer who the next up-and-coming wine maker in Edna Valley was, and he pointed me to El Lugar and their wine maker Coby Parker-Garcia. I dropped by their tasting room next to Ancient Owl and was absolutely blown away by the quality of their wines - the best tasting I’ve done on the Central Coast perhaps ever. They are very Pinot Noir heavy, which isn’t even one of my favorite varietals, but the artful skill of the winemaker shines through. I didn’t have a single wine I disliked, but their Pinot from Bien Naciedo stood out as an utterly flawless wine. How it doesn’t earn a 98–100 point score from wine critics is beyond me. That said, my personal favorite was their Pinot from Bassi Vineyard near Avila Beach. There was a very interesting cayenne note in there that made the wine really exciting and, lucky for me and my pocketbook, was one of the cheaper wines they sell. I don’t think you can go wrong here. The only error you can make is not coming paying this hidden gem a visit. I see a bright future for Coby and El Lugar.“

“Great little spot! I had a few hours in town to myself, and wanted to do a little wine tasting, and found this place by chance. The woman working this day was super nice and friendly, and the wine was great! Great place to sit outside, read a book and try some wine!“