Central California
San Benito County
A curated guide to a hidden Central Coast wine country
3 featured wineries · 5-page PDF guide
Download the free PDF guideLimestone hills, mission history
East of Monterey Bay, San Benito County is ranch land, orchards and quiet valleys anchored by Hollister and the historic mission town of San Juan Bautista. Wine has been made here for generations, and the area remains one of the Central Coast's best-kept secrets.
In the Gabilan Mountains, limestone soils on Mount Harlan have earned a reputation for distinctive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Pinnacles National Park's east entrance is nearby, making for a memorable day of wine and wilderness.
At a glance
- Signature wines
- Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, plus a range of other varieties
- Getting there
- Highway 101 to Highway 156 or Highway 25 toward Hollister
- When to go
- Spring for green hills and wildflowers; autumn for harvest
- Plan ahead
- Wineries are few and spread out; many are by appointment
The 3 featured wineries
- Calera Wine CompanyHollister
- CentamoSan Juan Bautista
- Eden Rift VineyardsHollister
Full details for each winery are in the free PDF guide.
Data: California ABC & TTB public records
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