Paraiso's 400-acre estate vineyard lies at the southern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey County, California. Winegrape pioneers of the region, Rich and Claudia Smith began planting this property in 1973. Today, Rich and his son Jason manage almost 150,000 vines in 16 different blocks. The land provides varying soils, elevations and microclimates, producing grapes uniquely expressive of their individual sites.

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.

Our location in the Santa Lucia Highlands, overlooking the Salinas Valley, provides the perfect, picturesque venue for your wedding and reception, private party, rehearsal dinner or corporate meeting. No matter the reason for your event, we offer exclusive use of our beautiful Fountain Terrace; a tented patio, bordered by Pinot Noir vines and Cypress trees, opening to a Mediterranean-style fountain courtyard with a panoramic view of the valley below.

Choosing the right location is the most important step in planning any event. Should you select Paraiso, you will have the personal attention and expertise of our hospitality staff at your disposal. We also share our lists of experienced and professional caterers, florists, musicians, and photographers.

The Smiths have employed sustainable farming techniques since day one. Knowing that their vineyard could be in the family for generations, Rich and Claudia have always been keenly aware of their own environment as well as their potential impact on the surrounding area. Rich was a founding member of the Central Coast Vineyard Team, an organization that later created the state's first sustainable farming certification for winegrapes, called Sustainability in Practice, or SIPTM Certified Sustainable. Paraiso Vineyards was the first vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands to earn the certification in 2008.