The Presqu’ile Winery journey is a testament to resilience. From managing the demands of nature to navigating the ever-changing landscape of the wine industry, this family and their winery have faced every challenge head-on.
The tale of Presqu’ile Winery has always centered around family, capturing the essence of what makes the Santa Maria Valley unique and striving to leave a legacy for future generations. Four generations of the Murphy family have partnered in farming, forestry, oil and gas, and conservation.
Nearly a year ago, I sat down with Matt Murphy, President, and Founding Winemaker Dieter Cronje, Winemaker, as they commemorated the tenth anniversary of their tasting room. This month, I recently had the pleasure of talking with Anna Murphy, Enologist and daughter of Madison and Suzanne Murphy (and sister to Matt), the visionaries behind the winery’s inception. It was great to see the narrative remained the same.
Anna talked to me about the 2016 Presqu’ile Rim Rock Pinot Noir, which is a snapshot of the region’s diverse tapestry of vineyard sites and a collection of Anna’s favorite vineyards. The name “Rim Rock” reflects the unique geological formations that characterize the landscape of the Santa Maria Valley, where the vines thrive in soils rich with marine sediments and ancient seabed deposits. I tasted cherry, cranberry, raspberry, strawberries, violets, herbs, earth, and Oolong tea.
Anna didn’t start with the intention of working at the family winery, but she couldn’t resist the allure. After working several harvests, her connection with viticulture increased, and she advanced through the ranks of the winery and became the winery’s enologist working under Dieter. He encouraged her to learn more about labs, which sparked her initial interest in chemistry. She worked at wineries in Oregon and Washington before joining the family winery.
The History
In early 2000, Madison and Suzanne Murphy and their children, Matt, Jonathan, and Anna, had a goal to start a winery with a focus on Burgundian-style wines in the U.S. They researched the best place in America suitable for cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They found the perfect place, a farm in Santa Maria, and purchased the 72 acres in 2007.
The name Presqu’ile in French translates into “almost an island” or peninsula. The name refers to a place the family owned on the Mississippi Gulf Coast that was full of wonderful memories of great times past. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The winery was named in honor of the place and how much it meant to the family.
The Santa Maria Valley AVA
The Santa Maria Valley AVA is located at the intersection of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo on the California Central Coast. The 7,500-acre AVA was established in 1981, making it California’s second oldest. Because of its location perpendicular to the Pacific Ocean, there are cool winds, mist and fog referred to as the “maritime fringe.” The climate lengthens the growing season and contributes to the sugar/acid balance in the grapes from the region.
We touched briefly about equality in the workplace. She told me that she’s had three kids during three different harvests and always felt supported. There are also several key women executives including Chef Julie Simon, who was hired right before COVID and quickly pivoted to offering a menu with a commercial kitchen so the winery could stay open meeting California’s food requirements.
Sustainability
The vineyard is Sustainability in Practice (SIP) certified, which audits social responsibility, carbon footprint, water conservation, energy efficiency and clean water.
Presqu’ile Winery is a remarkable tale of resilience, perseverance, and passion combined with a rich family legacy. Grounded in the Murphy family’s unwavering commitment to showcasing the distinct terroir of the Santa Maria Valley, Presqu’ile stands as a testament to their family’s education in crafting exceptional wines. With a blend of expertise and visionary insight, they continue to elevate their offerings, embodying the profound connection to the land, the artistry of winemaking, and the spirit of community that defines their journey.
Learn more about the Presqu’ile Winery.
