Wanting a weekend getaway without having to travel far, my husband and I took advantage of a fantastic package deal—offered by Frank Leal—loaded with wine, food, hotel accommodations and fun.
Starting out at Leal Vineyard’s magnificent grounds and posh winery, we tasted a lineup of five stellar wines. The 2014 Viognier was a delight on that warm afternoon—tasting of pineapple and tart green apple with a hint of honey on the finish. The other stand-out for me was the 2010 Petite Sirah—full-bodied and velvety with intense flavors of black cherry. Immediately, I plotted my dinner, still a couple of hours away, and how it would pair with this Petite Sirah, of which I would surely be ordering more.
We drove off to Hacienda de Léal—also owned by Leal—a pet-friendly boutique hotel in San Juan Bautista. The establishment has been completely renovated in rustic luxury, with amenities that include a comfy bed, designer vanity and even a magnifying make-up mirror. The rooms surround a beautiful courtyard dotted with lighted olive trees and a fire pit—the perfect place to relax with friends.
Ready for dinner, the hotel shuttle took us to The Grove, Leal’s signature restaurant in Hollister, where an exceptional dining experience awaited us. Helmed by local celebrity chef Mark Johnson, the cuisine is innovative and superb. A pork belly appetizer and the special trio of barbequed meats were a revelation when paired with Leal’s Petite Sirah.
As we lingered over the last sips of wine for the evening, we booked our next package deal.
Â
