Paraiso Vineyards is owned and operated by the Smith family, one of the pioneering winegrape growers of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. They have built Paraiso, and continue to evolve all aspects of the business.Part of that evolution involves doing the best they can to protect and preserve the land in and around their vineyards. To further that end, Paraiso Vineyards is a proud member of the SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Wineries. Maintaining the SIP certification means approaching everything they do in a manner that’s friendly to the planet and people alike.

Here are a few reviews of current offerings from Paraiso Vineyards by our tasting panel.

Grape(s): Riesling

Region: Monterey County

Year: 2008

Price:

Review

Aromas of pear, apple, and dried apricot meld with suggestions of sweet spice and floral hints on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of lush apricot with accents of honey, all spice, and white blossoms. A fairly bright, semi-sweet white, if you enjoy balanced Rieslings, this is a bottle to try.

Rating: 88

Farming Certification: Sustainability in Practice (SIP)™

 

Grape(s): Chardonnay

Region: Monterey County

Year: 2009

Price:

Review

Notes of pineapple and pear rise out a a glass along with accents of springtime flowers and citrus notes. With a sip, flavors of tropical fruit and apple mingle with suggestions of lemon and minerals. A nice, crisp white that still has a fairly round mouthfeel, fans of Chardonnay without all the vanilla and oak influence will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 89

Farming Certification: Sustainability in Practice (SIP)™

Grape(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Monterey County

Year: 2009

Price: 20-25

Review

A bouquet of cherries, strawberries, and raspberries combine with notes of vanilla, spice, and a bit of earth on the nose. Flavors of red berries emerge on the palate with accents of vanilla, minerals, and soft oak. A nice, bright red with a welcoming acidity and plenty of fruit, it’s for fans of balanced Pinots.

Rating: 88

Farming Certification: Sustainability in Practice (SIP)™