13 Oct Big Changes, Bold Wines: Introducing Mesa Del Sol’s Fresh New Look!
Hello, Friends of Mesa Del Sol,
As we transition to fall, we’re undergoing some big changes at Mesa Del Sol Vineyards! The biggest being an unveiling we are quite proud of…Read about our big surprise in “They Say That Change is Good!”
This harvest season did not yield the same bumper crop we have seen in past years. Even so, Mother Nature did not disappoint! We’re calling Harvest 2024 a Mighty Crop! Read about it in 2024 Harvest: A Season of Resilience and Flavor.
Looking for a last-minute holiday stay for family and friends? Mesa Del Sol Estate still has limited availability, but you’d better hurry because we’re booking fast! See what we have to offer in Celebrate the Holidays with MDS!
Speaking of the holidays, have you stocked up on your favorite MDS wines yet? Our fall Wine Club Shipment is set to ship on November 18th! Discover which wines will be included and sign up to secure yours in the Fall Wine Club Shipment Announcement.
We invite you to join us in celebrating both the memories we cherish and the new adventures that await. Thank you for being a part of the Mesa Del Sol family. We look forward to sharing our wines with you and creating new memories together.
Cheers to new beginnings!
The best is yet to come!
Gary & Stacey Lyons
They Say That Change is Good!: Introducing Our New Mesa Del Sol Vineyards Label!
With the changing season, the timing is perfect to unveil our new Mesa Del Sol Vineyards wine label! Ta-da! This fresh new design marks a significant milestone for us, yet it comes with a hint of nostalgia as we retire our beloved former label.
For the past three years, the original label – an enchanting watercolor depicting our breathtaking view from atop the mesa – has held a special place in our hearts. It served as a tribute to our dear friend and the former owner of the vineyard, Ann Hougham, who poured her passion and dedication into Mesa Del Sol Vineyards until her final vintage in 2021 when she handed the keys to Gary and Stacey to take the helm of this special place. We are immensely grateful for Ann’s legacy, and have done our best to honor her through our wines.
With the 2022 vintage, we proudly step into a new era. It marks the first vintage independently with our new winemaker, Tyler Russell. This pivotal change inspired us to refresh our brand with a sleek, modern, and minimalist design that still captures the timeless elegance of the Arroyo Seco River Gorge that flows behind our mesa – as well as the majestic backdrop of Pinyon Peak Ridge of the Los Padres National Forest. This new look truly embodies what Mesa Del Sol Vineyards means to us.
Besides the new design, we’ve added a colorful twist to each label! Each varietal – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Grenache, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Syrah, and our exquisite Prima Rosso blend – will feature its own distinctive color, thoughtfully chosen to embody the depth and character of each grape.
Last but not least, you will also notice that we have embraced a new “twist cap” design for our Sauvignon Blanc bottle. This decision came after much firsthand research, with Stacey bending the ear of many a winemaker throughout New Zealand, Western Australia, South Africa, Paso Robles, and Sonoma, California. Through this research, we learned that this innovative closure provides a reliable seal that helps preserve the wine’s freshness and vibrant character. What’s more, the twist cap allows for easier opening and resealing, ensuring you can enjoy your Sauvignon Blanc at your own pace without compromising its quality. Trust us: with how impeccable our 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is tasting, you won’t want to lose a drop to oxidation!
2024 Harvest: A Season of Resilience and Flavor
As the sun sets on the 2024 harvest season, we reflect on a year filled with challenges and triumphs. This season brought more blazing temperatures to the Arroyo Seco AVA with an unrelenting heatwave. The highs (between 90 to 105 degrees) tested both our crew and our vines, but we persevered. The results are a testament to our team’s dedication and hard work.
The cold and wet weather conditions on the Central Coast significantly impacted our yield, resulting in lighter crops and smaller grapes but uniquely large clusters. This harvest’s silver lining is that our grapes are bursting with enhanced flavor. We are excited to see how this vintage will develop with these concentrated characteristics.
“I get by with a little help from my friends…” also rings true for us this harvest.
We are grateful for help from our good friends who jumped out of bed at the crack of dawn, clippers in hand, filling bins as Gary and Eduardo passed by on tractors. Regardless of what success you have achieved in life – be it through intelligence, hard work, education, opportunity, or street smarts – there is a special camaraderie to meeting in the vineyard at sunrise and working alongside one another toward a common goal; to get ‘er done before it gets blazing hot!
Harvest is a humbling equalizer, but our team truly embodied the spirit of collaboration and focused determination required to beat the heat. We are so appreciative. A special thanks to our friends, Bob & Deborah Schueren and Samir Messiah. Thanks to your help, our harvest yielded:
- 2.5 tons of Syrah
- 1 ton of Grenache
- 3 tons of Sangiovese
- 1.5 tons of Zinfandel
While our overall yield may have been less than in previous years, the quality of the grapes is exceptional. We are optimistic that the unique conditions of this vintage will translate into remarkable wines.
But wait, there’s more!
If you were following us back in the spring, you will recall that we grafted Cabernet Sauvignon to some of our Zinfandel vines. We are already seeing some pretty nice fruit! We expect our Cab harvest in 2025 to bear some bodacious berries with an out-of-this-world punch. Stay tuned for more…
Celebrate the Holidays with Mesa Del Sol
We’re not always all about wine! Well, that’s a lie.
While we pride ourselves on our wines, we also have a stunning estate! This time of year brings out the best of Arroyo Seco, with impeccable weather, beautiful vistas, and holiday activities the whole family can enjoy, making it an ideal setting for celebrations.
With the frenzy of the harvest behind us, it’s time to unwind and prepare for the upcoming holiday season. What better way to do so than by whisking your loved ones away to our slice of paradise? Our estate comfortably accommodates up to 16 guests, (18 with the glamping tent on-season) ensuring that everyone can join in the fun and festivities.
Special Offer Just for You!
To make your stay even more memorable, we’re thrilled to offer a 20% discount on our exquisite wines during your visit. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening by the fire or toasting family memories, our wine selection is on hand to enhance your experience.
Explore or Relax – The Choice is Yours
At Mesa Del Sol, you’ll have exclusive access to our beautiful 14-acre property, allowing you to relax and recharge without ever needing to leave. However, if adventure calls, the Central Coast offers countless attractions. Explore the wonders of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, indulge in a round of golf at the iconic Pebble Beach Resorts, or stroll through the charming village and local boutiques in Carmel or Carmel Valley Village, all only an hour’s drive west.
Create a Bespoke Experience with Our Preferred Vendors
- Massage Therapists to soothe your body and mind
- Yoga Instructors to help you find your inner peace
- Caterers for delightful holiday meals
- Personal Chefs for more intimate dining experiences
Book Your Stay Today!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories this holiday season at Mesa Del Sol. Whether you choose to relax on the property or explore the surrounding beauty, we’re here to ensure your stay is nothing short of spectacular.
Reserve your stay today and let the magic of fall at Mesa Del Sol begin! Contact us via our website or call us at (858) 692-4115 to book direct and save.
Reserve Your Fall Wine Club Shipment Today
We are excited to announce our Fall Wine Club Shipment! This season, we’re thrilled to share our freshly bottled 2022 vintage, which features our new wine label. Your shipment will include:
- 2023 Sauvignon Blanc: Light, crisp, with apple, lime, and lychee aromas.
- 2022 Grenache: Blackberry, cherry, and licorice; light tannins; refreshing and vibrant.
- 2022 Sangiovese: Red fruit, spices; aged in oak for refined elegance.
- 2022 Prima Rosso: Pepper and anise blend; versatile and flavorful.
- 2022 Zinfandel: Cranberry and pomegranate notes; bold, perfect with hearty dishes.
- 2022 Syrah: Bold, rich, with elderberry and pepper; soft, age-worthy tannins.
There’s no better time to join our Wine Club and indulge in these exceptional offerings. As a member, you’ll enjoy the convenience of having our finest selections delivered right to your door plus 20% off all wine purchases! Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your wine experience this fall. Sign up before November 18th to secure your shipment.
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