Heading along the base of the foothills of the Santa Lucia Highlands, you pass by large tracts of row crops until you come to 75 acres of grape vines marking the driveway to San Saba Vineyards. The newly built stucco-sided winery and tasting room stand out on the floor of the flat, fertile Salinas Valley. Take the path to the right through the wooden doors that lead you into their expansive entry patio; there you will find a small attractive pond with water plants and the occasional goldfish to entertain you.

The tasting room building is in the Tuscan-Italian theme, with massive heavy glass doors and rich wood accents. Inside are tall ceilings, a fireplace, a few green metal tables and chairs, and a long, oval-shaped wooden tasting bar. For now the winery concentrates solely on their winemaking, and there are no boutique items for sale. The winery makes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. “Bocage” is their sister label, making value-priced Chardonnay and Merlot.