It all starts with the fruit. Great wines begin in the vineyard, and from its inaugural vintage in 2001 of Cabernet Sauvignon, Léal Vineyards and Estate has been committed to selecting the finest. Founded by Frank Léal in 1998, Léal Vineyards and Estate has spent more than 15 years establishing itself as one of San Benito County's premier producers of Bordeaux varietal wines.
Our goal? To create a new respect and reputation for one of the California’s hidden wine growing regions. California's Central Coast wine country offers ideal conditions for growing a variety of superior quality wine grapes. The rich variety of interwoven soils, elevations, and microclimates from the nearby Pacific Ocean help create world-class wines. Wines of character and distinction, well-structured and balanced.
Perfectly positioned in picturesque San Benito County, in the northern foothills of the Central Coast region, Léal Vineyards and Estate is surrounded by the rolling hills of California's gold country and Lake Léal. Our estate vineyard is located on the hills behind the winery and our estate varietals include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Grenache, and Mourvèdre.
Our emphasis is on the vineyard. We analyze each block of land and plant and grow the varietal best suited to the conditions of that block. Within a single acre we sometimes locate several varietals to optimize growing conditions and foster the flavors and tastes that helps us craft and define our wonderful, elegant wines.