Driving down the little country road on the way to Watsonville you should consider stopping at one of the most posh establishments in the region. One mile off Watsonville Road lies a beautiful, modern winery located up on the side of one of the low rolling hills. Drive around behind the red-tile-roofed facility, past the processing equipment, and enter the oasis of this resort-like winery. The ivy-covered walls lead you through a well-tended European-style garden, with fountains and tables tucked inside the walled courtyard.

The tasting room is large and impressive, with dark wood counters and elegant wood paneling. Handsome cabinets display wines and crystal glassware. There is a large event room adjacent, with a handsome fireplace and tapestries on the walls. The stylish, stamped concrete floor and tall ceilings give an air of casual sophistication to the entire room. Large windows and French doors lead out to an expansive lawn area overlooking the large estate vineyard and the very exclusive Cordevalle Golf Resort. There are patios, tables and chairs, immaculate landscaping, lemon trees, mature oak tress, rock walls and an outdoor fireplace. Venturing farther, you can spot the bocce ball court, as well as other treasures.

The winery produces wines under three categories: the high-end Special Selections Series, their premium Estate Series, and their more value-oriented Hummingbird Series. Within these three classes they produce Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Nebbiolo, Grenache, Merlot and Zinfandel. The family-owned winery also operates a specialized small-scale vineyard business where they install and maintain boutique “backyard” vineyards.

When the fruit is harvested from these operations, the winery purchases it for its premium wine production. There is also a private labeling program if you have the need for that personal touch. The winemaking emphasis is on creating high-quality distinctive wines in small lots so that each vineyard can impart its own “terroir” on the finished product.