Ask Donna Utterback
Nestled on the edge of Santa Lucia Highlands, overlooking the fertile Salinas Valley, lays this 333+/- acre holding that has been in the same family since the mid 1800’s. Santa Lucia Highlands is a world-renowned Appalachian known for its cool climate style of Pinot Noir. This ranch is one of the few wineries that produces and bottles on site in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The vineyard was established in 1997 when the owner realized the property’s true potential. Taking the cattle ranch that had been in the family for five generations and transforming it into the vineyard it is today, which produces exceptionally high-quality wine grapes. Developing all phases of the vineyard, from ground preparation, rootstock, clone selection, trellising, pruning and shoot positioning to canopy management, color thinning and irrigation. Through all the hard work, expert attention, perfect clones, rocky soils, and the moderating coastal climate of the Highlands, Boekenoogen Vineyard became one of the finest in this appellation producing about three to four tons per acres of high-quality fruit. In 2006, the family decided to produce their own wines and constructed a boutique style of winery on the property. Currently producing premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay which reflect the characteristics of the Santa Lucia Highlands known for its fruit forward, elegant style of wine. There are 90 +/- acres planted in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In addition, there is a 5 acre block of dry land Pinot Noir, which quickly became one of the family's bestselling wines. Privacy is at a premium with the ranch being located at the end of the road entering through electronic gates This is one of the many desirable characteristics of the ranch, along with the unobstructed views of the valley and distant mountains. This also creates an amazing venue for weddings and events. The improvements include two homes, the winery building which holds the fermentation/storage tanks, barrel storage and office, case storage building, equipment storage building, shop, pole barn and tack room. This is a well laid out operation, neat and clean. The vineyard is under drip irrigation system. The remainder of the ranch is used for cattle grazing and horses. Bordering BLM lands on one side, enhancing the hunting opportunities on the ranch which include deer, bear, wild boar, turkey and more. This unique ranch is ready for the new owner to enjoy coastal temperatures along with the tranquility and beauty of living at the base of Santa Lucia Highlands.
Property Highlights:
333.72 acres includes 7 parcels:
VINEYARD – 95 AC planted
MAIN HOME: Built in 1954
SECOND HOME: Built in 1961
WINERY BUILDING: Metal construction, temperature controlled
WINE STORAGE BUILDING Metal construction, temperature controlled
SHOP Metal construction
EQUIPMENT STORAGE BARN Metal construction
POLE BARN Wood and treated pole construction, metal roof
TACK ROOM Shipping container turned into tack room
WATER
IN ADDITION
* Three sets of solar panels help offset power costs and are tied to all structures with power
*8 acre horse pasture behind homes.
*Decorative olive orchard, garden area
*The remaining acreage is used for cattle grazing, fully fenced
*Property is in the Williamson Act
Approximately 35 miles to Monterey, 39 miles to Carmel by the Sea and the ocean. Pebble Beach and all the golf extravaganzas including the US open, with some of the greatest golf courses in the state, if not the entire US. Upscale and unique shopping, great restaurants, resorts, fisherman's wharf, white sandy beaches and turquoise ocean waters. All this and more for your enjoyment, yet, the ranch is far enough away to get out of the crowds, and the size gives you the feeling, and reality, that you are removed from it all with amazing privacy, unsurpassed views and Nature at its best.
