At 2,000 feet of elevation on the western slope of the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains lies the spectacular 95-acre estate of the Byington family, home of their Italian-style chateau winery and vineyard operation.

The gray stone Italianate villa is surrounded by redwood forests, lush gardens, manicured lawns, and offers extensive mountain and ocean views. The ivy-covered walls, along with the red-tiled roof and multiple dormers, give the appearance of a luxurious inn. There is a second-floor terrace and event rooms that host corporate functions, weddings, dinners and banquets.

The handsome tasting room has heavy beamed ceilings, a rock-walled fireplace, tile floors, and a long comfortable tasting bar. In the back are windows that look in on the winery operation. With an appointment you can take the VIP tour and tasting ($10 per person, 10 person minimum) and visit their underground wine caves. Outside there are picnic and BBQ areas, grassy lawns and the opportunity for a game of bocce ball.

The estate vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir, which, along with their
Bordeaux-style blend, “Alliage,” is their signature wine. Their French-trained winemaker strives for wines that truly represent the grapes’ appellation. He believes a proper texture - or mouth feel - is critical to a wine’s enjoyment. He sources grapes from Santa Cruz Mountain vineyards but also selects fruit from warmer vineyards in Paso Robles and Sonoma. The winery produces Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, a dry Rose, Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Blanc- Viognier blend.