In these first years of the 21st century the Santa Lucia Highlands has expanded to a famed appellation  for the quality of its Burgundy varietals, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  There are now over 6,000 acres of vines in this appellation which takes its name from the front range of the Santa Lucia mountains overlooking the Salinas River Valley.  Planting of new vineyards continues and there are now thirty three vineyards and vintners in the appellation.
All of this was well presented at the tasting that was conducted Monday at Scotts Restaurant in Costa Mesa.   While the showing of pinot noir and chardonnay wines dominated at the tasting actually the Highlands is growing sixteen other varietals including Riesling, Syrah, Pinot Gris and Viognier.
At the tasting we had the opportunity of chatting with Dave Muret, executive director of Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans, and complemented him on how well the Scotts Restaurant tasting was conducted.