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Pretty-Smith Vineyards & Winery
4 reviews for Pretty-Smith Vineyards & Winery
The Pretty-Smith wines were at least as good as any of those we tasted in the Paso Robles area (some 6-12 wineries), and better than most. The number of wines is a bit more limited than some of the larger wineries. However, Lisa Pretty was easily the most engaging winery person I can remember meeting.
If you're interested only in the technical how-do-I-get-the-very-best-wine-for-me aspect of a winery visit, this is a good place to go, but you likely can find better. But if you're also interested in the human, the affective, side of a winery, you will be hard-pressed to find a better choice.
I gave it 5 stars though that seems a little strong (the wines are very good, but not perhaps great), but 4 is also too low.
A couple side notes:
The location shown on the map (at the bridge over the river) isn't quite right. You need to continue on River Road around the bend and down a bit (I'm not quite sure of the scale), watching for the Pretty-Smith gate on the east, on the left, as you leave San Miguel.
It may be a little out of the way, but San Miguel is a pleasant little mission town, one of the smallest of the old mission settlements. It can add to a trip to the winery. We didn't experience the hordes of people there that one often finds in wine country. The townsfolk we met were friendly (though some we spoke to were rather afraid of the idea of Midwestern tornadoes). The mission church itself was damaged in an earthquake, and they're trying to raise the funds to get it repaired and reinforced.
I knew I would like this place from the website and other reviews. It is actually in San Miguel. We went during the fourth of July weekend which was not busy at all. Lisa poured 4 wines and was very nice. She is also an artist and there are interesting pictures/labels on all her wines.
She has Sauvingon Blanc, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc,Merlot and a blend Palette de Rough. Reasonably priced wines. There is a nice deck with umbrellas, tables and chairs if you want to picnic. Also check out the Mission San Miguel on your way back to the freeway.
I heart Pretty Smith, a one woman winery. Lisa doesn't need the publicity, or does she? In any case, she's really, really nice. You should be nice and call ahead if you're bringing a busload.
Close to, but a couple of tricky turns from the 101 well north of central Paso. Worth going out of your way: Cab, a Red Blend-my fave, Merlot, S Blanc. If you're coming from the Bay Area, it's your first stop. From the south you'll have to plan to remain sober enough to get here.
Lisa has distributors in Arizona and New York, but not California, so you may have never seen this wine before, which is a shame. Try the Cab.
Update 2/18/08: Lisa has close out specials on 2000 Cab Franc and Merlot and 05 Sav. Blanc--$10-15 a bottle. And you're not drinking well aged wines because...?
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Lisa is a great person, and has a great story and a great dog. The wines I have had are not the best but they are very drinkable now and should age well.
I would like to try to taste again but her hours can be somewhat erratic.
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Specialties
Pretty-Smith produces 100% estate grown Bordeaux varietals and blends. The wines are aged in oak for 2.5-3.5 years and then bottle aged at least one year prior to release. The result is SOFT, SMOOTH, SILKY wine.
Lisa Pretty not only grows the grapes and makes the wine, she also does the artwork for the labels. Each release of Pretty-Smith wine has a unique piece of art -- an oil painting of a "Pretty Glyph". The winery will be offering art workshops throughout the year with instruction by Tracy DiVita.
New this year at Pretty-Smith is the Pretty Cafe -- a members only cafe serving wines by the glass or by the bottle with an appetizer and small plate menu. Members of the wine club, known as the Wine Circle are automatically members of the cafe. For those not able to receive regular wine shipments, a cafe only membership is available.
History
Established in 2000
Pretty-Smith Vineyards & Winery was founded by Lisa Pretty and Victor Smith. The partners purchased an up and running winery known as Mission View Estate. The original vines were planted in 1980 and are still used for the bulk of the wines produced.
Today Lisa runs the business by herself with the main focus on the Bordeaux reds for the Pretty-Smith brand. Some years when the crop size allows, wines are still made under the Mission View label strictly for distribution out of state.
The property has been transformed to welcome guests with a focus on hospitality. In addition to the tasting room, there is a cafe, a large event area behind the winery and a deck. The facility is the perfect place for a party.
Meet the Business Owner: Lisa P.
Lisa Pretty escaped to wine country from Silicon Valley. After several years of being a high tech exec she traded in her business suit and frequent flier program for a pair of jeans, work boots and a tractor.
She personally deals with all aspects of the business -- in fact her silent partner would refer to her as a control freak. By handling all aspects of the business, everything has that personal, "pretty" touch.
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6990 Estrella Rd
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"The people are Graveyard are a lot of fun -- they have a beautiful property and more importantly good wine. I would highly recommend stopping by."