El Lugar — which translates to "the place" — was established by Coby Parker- Garcia and his wife, Katie Noonan, in 2013. Together, the couple has a combined 30+ years of experience in the wine industry on the Central Coast of California. Cody has worked in winemaking since 2002; Katie's background comes from ten years in the marketing and direct-to-consumer side of the business. Katie and Coby met through working at neighboring wineries and instantly shared a combined passion for good wines, especially Pinot Noir. El Lugar specializes in small lot, vineyard-designate Pinot Noir, defined by their place of origin. Today, they currently have 5 vineyard designate Pinot Noirs, a Pinot Noir blanc, a rosé of Pinot Noir and a Syrah.

El Lugar's Central Coast Pinot Noir is a combination of four of their site-specific Pinot Noirs: 37.5% from both Spanish Springs Vineyard and Greengate Ranch & Vineyard and 12.5% from both Rincon Vineyard and Bien Nacido Vineyard. Sitting in the glass a deep ruby red, this Pinot emits intoxicating aromas of spiced red berry fruits with a light floral note. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, offering flavors of ripe strawberry, plums and red currants. A beautiful dance of vibrant acidity and earthy minerality carries this wine to an elegant finish. Enjoy with chicken marsala or grilled ribeye topped with sautéed onions and mushrooms.