When it comes to California wines, the Pisoni name stands out for its affiliation with Santa Lucia Highlands excellence, deep family roots, and a bold blending of tradition and innovation. It’s a story I love to tell. These wines are about more than just benchmarks —they’re about community, care, and the beauty of purposeful winemaking.
The Pisoni Family’s Legacy—And the Branches It Grows
Founded in Santa Lucia Highlands, Pisoni Vineyards has never followed the easy path. Gary Pisoni’s pioneering vision in the early ‘80s — planting grapes where most saw only rocky, barren slope started a family tradition that now runs three generations. Today, brothers Mark (farmer) and Jeff (winemaker) Pisoni are the stewards, shaping not only the flagship Pisoni Estate but also its two purpose-driven siblings: Lucia and Lucy.
Lucia Wines: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Syrah with Santa Lucia Highlands Soul
Lucia launched as a label in 2000, a new chapter led by Gary’s sons, who joined their father with the shared goal of building an enduring family wine business. While the Pisoni Estate focuses on a single, celebrated expression, Lucia Vineyards shows the diversity of the family’s three estate vineyards. Each of these sites, influenced by cooling coastal breezes and varied microclimates, is uniquely represented in the Lucia lineup through small-lot Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.
2022 Lucia Pinot Noir Estate Cuvée – this is a blend from 52 percent from Pisoni Vineyard, 18 percent from Garys’, and 30 percent from Soberanes. I tasted notes of black cherry, green tea, orange rind and cinnamon. Really enjoyed this one.
2023 Lucia Estate Chardonnay –- I tasted notes of grapefruit, pear, apple, and vanilla. It had a nice balance.
2023 Lucia Soberanes Vineyard Chardonnay — notes of lime, stone fruit, apple, lemon and vanilla with a nice minerality.
From its inception, Lucy Wines were made with a purpose. They were created to foster positive change, with $1 from every bottle sold donated to breast cancer research and other local causes. To date, Lucy Wines has donated over $250,000 to charity. Now, the Lucy family lineup also supports ocean conservation and local firefighters with special releases.
2024 Lucy Pinot Blanco — is a blend of Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. I tasted notes of nectarine, citrus, flowers and a nice minerality.
2022 Lucy Rosé of Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) – notes of strawberry, watermelon, peach, orange and rose petal. It had a nice structure and layers.
2024 Lucy Gamay Noir – lots of bright red fruit and spice. I drank slightly chilled, and it was perfect for a Texas summer day. And it also supports local firefighter charities.
Why These Wines Matter
These bottles spark conversation, foster connection, and show how wine can be a catalyst for change.
From legacy to the table, Lucy and Lucia are proof that when great wine meets genuine purpose, every glass is filled with story, spirit, and the warmth of a family that gives back as much as it gets.
