J & L Wines Photo

Presqu’ile

Presqu’ile (press-KEEL), Creole for “almost an island,” was a gathering place on the Gulf Coast for generations of the Murphy family. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ended an era. The winery’s name honors that beloved place and all that it represented: a destination, a haven and the easy rapport among all who “passed a good time there.” A single-minded pursuit of wine quality and a long search of cool climate coastal wine regions suited to growing elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay led them to the Santa Maria Valley, on the Central Coast north of Santa Barbara. Wines of the Santa Maria Valley feature an alluring character known as “Santa Maria spice,” a subtle sandalwood note that is derived from the distinctive terroir and hilly terrain formed by ancient sand dunes 200 to 1000 feet in elevation. The Murphy's have found all the prerequisites for world-class cool climate grapes in this extraordinary micro-environment. Their wines reflect a relentless pursuit of quality. 

Winemaker: Dieter Cronje

Wines Produced

  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Noir
  • Rosé
  • Sauvignon Blanc