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Winery Focus: Koehler Winery

Where Valley Charm Meets a Seriously Good Gamay

If you’re looking for an excuse to take the scenic route through the Santa Ynez Valley, Koehler Winery is it. The drive alone is worth the trip—golden hills rolling into vineyards gussied up in their peak autumn colors, all glowing under that crisp, late-harvest light. The crew here is wrapping up the 2025 harvest, so there’s that quiet buzz of accomplishment in the air—a kind of earthy satisfaction that pairs perfectly with a glass of something bright and new.

And speaking of bright and new … let’s talk about the 2024 Gamay Noir, which recently achieved a whopping 94 rating from Wine Enthusiast writer-at-large Matt Kettmann.

We agree! Gamay is having a moment here on the Central Coast, and Koehler’s version is leading the charge with pure, untamed charisma. On the nose, it’s a swirl of candied strawberry, cracked pink peppercorn, and just a hint of Fresno chile—playful, spicy, and a little unpredictable. Take a sip and it bursts open like cherry soda kissed by green sansho and serrano, with a zesty lift that practically demands you chill it down and pour another glass, which is exactly how Koehler served it up.

The vibe at Koehler is just as refreshingly unpretentious as the wine. You’ll likely be greeted by the winery’s tasting room and wine club head honcho, Dan Zurliene—equal parts snark and charm, in the best possible way. He’ll keep you laughing, pour you something fantastic, and probably slip in a joke or two at your expense (but don’t worry, he does it with the biggest love).

Koehler could absolutely pull off the “exclusive estate experience” if they wanted to, but instead, they lean into easygoing good times, great wine, and conversations that easily stretch into golden-hour sunsets.

Bottom line: get yourself to Koehler now while the vines are still glowing and the 2024 Gamay Noir is stealing the show. It’s a bottle that proves sophistication doesn’t have to come with a side of pretension—just a little adventure, a sense of humor, and a view that’ll make you happy you’re in the valley. Oh, and remember to say hello to Leroy, the lab, Willie the cat, and the big ol’ mob of emus!

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See our complete list of upcoming music and wine events in the Santa Ynez Valley.