Pali Wine Co.

Pali Wine Co. in Lompoc, California, gives visitors something its city tasting rooms cannot: a cellar tour and estate-wine tasting led by longtime winemaker Aaron Walker. At 1034 W. Aviation Drive, the roughly 90-minute experience includes light bites and a look at the farming and fermentation decisions behind the bottles. The draw is time with the person making the wine, rather than simply another flight at a tasting counter.

Tim and Judy Perr’s family-run winery traces its roots to 2005, and two generations of the family guide it today. Its 50-acre Pali Vineyard, dating to 2012, occupies the northwesternmost corner of the Sta. Rita Hills American Viticultural Area. Ocean influence and sandy soils shape an estate growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay alongside Chenin Blanc, Syrah, Gamay, and Dornfelder. Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay anchor the classic wines; the separate Neighborhood label explores native-yeast fermentation, unfiltered wines, and minimal sulfur.

The Lompoc cellar experience suits travelers who want more context than a quick pour provides. Specific date requests go directly to the winery at (805) 736-7200 or [email protected]. Seasonal group tours and private experiences at Pali Vineyard offer a separate opportunity to see the vines.