‘The land is ours. The grapes are ours. The wine is yours.’

A short jaunt off the 101 freeway and onto the 1,900-acre property of Laetitia Winery and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a sprawling French wine estate, but it’s the unparalleled ocean views that won’t let you forget you’re on California’s Central Coast.

Located in Arroyo Grande, Laetitia Estate Vineyards were originally planted in 1982 as Maison Deutz, a label created by French viticulturalists who were quick to realize that the growing conditions in Arroyo Grande were quite comparable to Epernay, France. Nearly 20 years later Selim Zilkha purchased the winery, and using his background in wind power and sustainable energy, he moved Laetitia Winery to become a leader in producing high-quality and award-winning sustainable wines.

Following Zilkha’s lead, Laetitia Winery became one of the first wineries to be SIP Certified (Sustainability in Practice) by the Central Coast Vineyard Team. This certification recognizes their commitment to economically and environmentally responsible farming and winemaking practices; a commitment that is put into practice every day by the Laetitia team. The motto: “The land is ours. The grapes are ours. The wine is yours,” reminds visitors and wine lovers alike of Laetitia’s dedication to quality production. Vice President of Vineyard Operations, Lino Bozzano works hand in hand with father-son winemaking team Dave and Eric Hickey, who both utilize Old World winemaking traditions with cutting-edge California crafting to create distinctive wines from estate grown fruit that articulate an artistic vision from vine to glass.

“There is tremendous diversity in this small area, from the soils to the meso-climates,” said Bozzano. “It’s the perfect venue for understanding what site means to the wines.”

Using the fruit from Laetitia Vineyards, Eric creates stunning Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay for the Laetitia label, as well as delicious Bordeaux and Rhône-style blends from Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard for the NADIA wine label (named for Zilkha’s daughter). You will also have the opportunity to taste their secondary label, Barnwood, with varietal-rich Syrah, Grenache, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon created with fruit from their Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard in Ventucopa.

“I keep it simple,” said President and Head Winemaker, Eric Hickey. “I stay eye-to-eye with Lino because the interplay between us is what determines the wines’ quality. Everything done in the cellar starts with what we do out in the vineyard.”

Yet the sparkling wines are truly outstanding, as Dave Hickey uses the winery’s Coquard grape presses, which are the only two in North America and are considered the gold standard for winemaking in the Champagne region of France. In this manner Hickey creates Brut de Blancs, Brut de Noirs, Brut Rosé and several other sparkling wine blends in the traditional Méthode Champenoise.

From their winemaking methods and wines to the unique location of the vineyard and tasting room, Laetitia truly stands out from other wineries along the Central Coast.

“Laetitia offers a broad range of wines, from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to sparkling wines and Rhone blends,” said sales and marketing coordinator, Jackie Ross. “Since our two vineyards are in such different geographical, geological and climatic locations we are able to produce a wide variety of wines, and because we own both properties we are able to control every aspect of the wine growing and wine making processes.” Choose to taste five of any of this wide array of wines for only $10, and enjoy a free tasting with the purchase of one or more bottles. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and to purchase any bottle you’d like to accompany your meal, or perhaps to enjoy while playing bocce ball! Visitors may also take a peek at the Coquard presses, or stroll along the half-mile walking trail that offers views of the vineyards and ocean and offers several great picnic areas as well. Every Saturday offers live music from 1 to 4 p.m. and if you’re a local make sure to visit the tasting room on Wednesdays from now through the end of May for Locals Days, and enjoy a complimentary tasting and 15% off wine purchases! Also coming up is a chance to meet winemaker Eric Hickey on Friday, January 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. for an evening of live music, light snacks, Laetitia wines and lively conversation.

Laetitia Winery is located at 453 Laetitia Vineyard Dr. in Arroyo Grande, CA (off the 101 fwy), and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A complimentary shuttle service is offered Thursday through Sunday for guests at a number of nearby Central Coast accommodations. For more information about upcoming events or a list of participating resorts and shuttle times, visit www.laetitiawine.com.