Quality wine begins in the vineyard, and the estate's vineyards are a constant source of pride, concern, and inspiration. Ponte Family Estate Winery cultivates 21 varieties across nearly 300 acres, making their vineyards among the largest in Temecula. The vineyard team diligently stays informed about the latest viticulture techniques and works tirelessly to ensure the grapes thrive year after year, allowing them to deliver the exceptional wines that their guests cherish.

Discover Morgan Winery: A Taste of the Santa Lucia Highlands

With over thirty years of experience, Dan Lee has made Morgan Winery a name to know for anyone who loves artisan, vineyard-centric wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey.

Originally hailing from a small town in California’s Central Valley, Dan was on a path to study veterinary medicine at UC Davis. However, as fate would have it, he discovered a passion for enology late in his college career—combining his love for science and agriculture in a delicious way! He quickly enrolled in the graduate enology program and landed a winemaking position at Jekel Winery in Monterey County.

After honing his craft at Jekel, Dan moved to Durney Vineyard, where he continued to create exceptional Monterey wines. While making wine full-time, he dreamed of launching his own label. At a Monterey County Winegrowers Association meeting, he shared his vision with a banker who would not only become his business advisor but also his wife, Donna Lee.

In 1982, Dan and Donna opened the doors of Morgan Winery, and their very first Monterey Chardonnay snagged a Gold Medal at the LA County Fair and a Platinum Medal from Wine & Spirits Magazine. Since those early days, Morgan Winery has blossomed into one of the Central Coast’s most celebrated labels, earning “Winery of the Year” honors from both Wine & Spirits in 1996 and the San Francisco Chronicle in 2003.

As Dan’s expertise grew, so did his focus on the Santa Lucia Highlands and single vineyard releases. In 1996, he and Donna made a significant investment by purchasing the Double L Vineyard, which has since become one of California's most renowned vineyards. Dan’s leadership was further recognized when he was named the first Board President of the Santa Lucia Highlands Winegrowers Association in 2005.

Today, Morgan Winery is synonymous with high-quality, artisan wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey appellations. Located conveniently off Rio Road at Highway One in the Crossroads Shopping Center of Carmel, Taste Morgan invites wine lovers to immerse themselves in the family’s history and craftsmanship through a relaxed tasting experience.

Tasting Experience

Guests can enjoy tastings indoors or on the pet-friendly, heated patio, where they can savor a flight of four locally grown and produced wines from a curated tasting menu. Each flight is just $25, and the fee is waived with a $50 purchase. Club members enjoy complimentary tastings!

Whether visiting as a walk-in or reserving a spot in advance, everyone is welcome to indulge in the latest vintages— Join Morgan Winery for a delightful journey through the flavors of the Santa Lucia Highlands!

Chardonnay grape clusters - by photographer Randy Caparoso

Booker Wines: Crafting Impactful Wines with Purpose

At Booker Wines, the mission is clear: to thoughtfully farm and craft world-class wines that leave a small ecological footprint while making a significant impact. Their estate vineyard, which proudly achieved Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) status in 2023, produces a diverse range of wines, with a particular emphasis on Rhône varietals. These wines are produced in limited quantities and often sell out to the winery's wine club upon release, with select offerings from the current vintage available for purchase.

The name "Booker" honors two orphan brothers, Claude and Dick Booker, who acquired the land in the late 1920s. By the turn of the century, the Booker brothers had amassed over 1,200 acres on Paso Robles' Westside, dedicating their lives to exceptional farming and humanitarian efforts. When they passed away—Dick in 1990 and Claude in 2000—they generously left 100% of their estate to charity.

In 2001, Eric and Lisa Jensen purchased 100 acres of the property, aiming to cultivate the best fruit for the region's top wineries. After gaining invaluable experience making wine with renowned winemakers Justin Smith of Saxum and Stephan Asseo of L'Aventure Wines, the Jensens decided to create their own expression with Booker Vineyard. The 2005 vintage marked Booker Vineyard's first release, crafted by founder Eric Jensen. The vineyard achieved organic certification in April 2021, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable practices.

Booker Wines continues to honor its legacy while producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of Paso Robles.

women enjoying wine - wine artist Agarta Zaborowski