The inception of Lucy Wines stemmed from the shared belief of Pisoni Vineyard’s Co-owners, Mark and Jeff, who envisioned they could be a catalyst for positive change in the world. More than two decades since its inception, they have successfully realized this vision by generating close to $250,000 in support of various causes including breast cancer research, ocean conservation, and local firefighting efforts.
They launched Lucy Wines, with a pledge to allocate $1 from each bottle sold toward breast cancer research. Inspired by Lucy McMillion, a resilient survivor and cherished customer turned friend, their debut offering emerged as the Lucy Rosé of Pinot Noir. Originating from the vintage 2003, Lucy Rosé caught McMillion’s eye while she was on the lookout for a special wine, captured by both its color and the shared name. Over time, their devotion has expanded to supporting ten diverse breast cancer-related charities including the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, showcasing their enduring dedication to effecting meaningful change within their community and beyond, all through the impact of one wine. Importantly, it’s worth noting that the name Lucy wasn’t chosen in homage to Lucy McMillion; rather, it’s a coincidental yet poignant aspect of their shared journey.
Since that time, they have released two other wines that also have the same donation of $1 for every bottle sold. One benefits local firefighters, which was launched last year after the Big Sur Fires with a Gamay Noir offering. Another, the Pico Blanc, a white blend of Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, benefits the Monterey Bay Aquatics Ocean Conservatory efforts.
I had a chance to talk with Mark and Jeff Pisoni about their shared passion for both their customers and retailers about making a difference in the world. And it seems the charities originate from people who have inspired them to get involved. Mark talked about the influence that Lucy McMillion had on him. Jeff talked about sitting next to a woman at an event who was part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. She talked to him about the Seafood Watch List and the importance of the oceanic conservatory efforts.
The wines are made in the Santa Lucia Highlands right near Monterey Bay. Their father Gary Pisoni planted his first grapevines on the Eastern slopes. Today his sons Mark and Jeff carry on the farming tradition of what will best sustain the land but adding modern techniques to make the wine better. They told me, “To uncork a bottle of wine is to breathe in the soils and atmosphere of which it is made and with Lucy, that setting is the coast of Monterey Bay.”
It’s fun to see that these wines not only make a difference, but they are delicious. I had the opportunity to try all three.
2023 Lucy Rosé of Pinot Noir – This is a lovely shade of salmon with notes of watermelon, apricot, strawberry, and stone fruit. The wine is made with a whole cluster press with a very early saignée.
2023 Lucy Pinot Blanco – the wine blends Pinot Gris with a touch of Pinot Blanc. The wine is currently sourced from three different sites in Monterey County to show the terroir diversity and support the ocean that brings life to this region. I tasted notes of nectarine, citrus, and gardenia.
2023 Lucy Gamay Noir — this is an offspring of Pinot Noir, a cornerstone of Pisoni Vineyards. It’s a cross of Pinot Noir with Gouais Blanc. I tasted raspberry, cherry, fresh violets, and allspice notes resulting from the whole cluster fermentation.
Mark and Jeff told me these are special wines made and developed with care to make an impact and to be a force for good in the world while connecting people around the country. Connecting their family’s legacy of farming and making great wines, showing the diversity of the Monterey County coast, and offering wines at a value are what they are trying to accomplish.
These wines are crafted with attention and care with the goal to leave a positive imprint on the world and foster connections among people. They seek to combine their family’s rich farming heritage with the art of producing exceptional wines, showcasing the diverse terroir of Monterey County’s coast, all while providing wines of exceptional value. This endeavor embodies their mission to bring people together through exceptional wine, rooted in their family’s legacy and dedication to quality.
