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Brad A. Johnson

Food & Travel

Brad A Johnson
  • Blog
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    • Food Photography
    • Travel Photography
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Quick Look: Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria

  • July 18, 2020
  • Brad A. Johnson
Presqu’ile Winery is a must-stop on any serious itinerary of the meandering wine trail in northern Santa Barbara County. This prestige vintner commands a prime hilltop location overlooking manicured vineyards and the old family farms of Santa Maria Valley.

The tasting room rambles across multiple levels of an alfresco terrace, the ultimate in social distancing. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, this winery feels like a safe, comfortable oasis. Reservations are strictly required and limited. Face masks are enforced. All tables are spaced at least 15 to 20 feet apart. Reservations currently require food a purchase, which starts at $55 per person. Not only are the wines fantastic (especially the elegant Presqu’ile Vineyard Pinot Noir), but the food, the service, the locale and the overall experience are absolutely delightful. Here’s a quick look around.

Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria, California (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria, California (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Tasting of pinot noir and gamay at Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria, California (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria, California (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria, California (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Beet-cured salmon at Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria, California (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Hummus at Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria, California (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Vietnamese-inspired beef noodles at Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria, California (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Poached egg and eggplant at Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria, California (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Kefir and strawberries at Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria, California (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria, California (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria, California (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria, California (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria, California (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)

Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Drive, Santa Maria, 805-937-8110, presquilewine.com

For more travel inspiration and photos, I invite you to follow me and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Brad A. Johnson

Brad A. Johnson is a writer and photographer specializing in food and travel. His work has been honored by the James Beard Awards, Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards, World Food Media Awards, pdn Food Photography Awards and others. Based in Southern California, Brad currently serves as restaurant critic for the Orange County Register.

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Writer. Photographer. Traveler. Restaurant Critic.

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