The Riboli Family makes a lot of wine that people know by name. Windstream isn’t one of them yet, and that’s exactly why it’s worth seeking out. This small collection of Windstream wine from California focuses on just two varieties, made in limited quantities from one of the coast’s most respected cool-climate appellations. If you’ve explored the rest of the Riboli wine collection but skipped this label, here’s what you’re missing.
Where Windstream Comes From
Windstream is grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands, a narrow appellation on the terraced hillsides of Monterey County. It’s a compact growing region, the AVA covers roughly 34 square miles—and only a fraction of that is planted to vines, which keeps production of true Santa Lucia Highlands wines relatively small.
The climate is what makes the site special. Morning fog rolls in off Monterey Bay and burns off to warm afternoon sun, which is then cut by steady coastal winds funneling down the valley. Those persistent winds are where the name comes from, and they do real work in the vineyard: they slow ripening and thicken grape skins, helping the fruit hold its natural acidity while building concentrated flavor. Sandy loam soils round out a terroir built for balance rather than bulk.
The fruit is sourced from the estate Sarmento Vineyard, and the wines are aged in French oak, which adds color, subtle vanilla and spice tones, and aromatic depth.
The Two Wines in the Collection
Windstream keeps it focused: a Pinot Noir and a Chardonnay, the two grapes the Santa Lucia Highlands is best known for.
The Windstream Pinot Noir is a premium California red wine with notes of plum, dark cherry, and raspberry, plus a hint of cedar from its time in French oak. It’s structured but not heavy, the kind of cool-climate Pinot built for the table.
The Windstream Chardonnay comes from grapes given extended hang time on the vine to develop layered flavor and a smooth, balanced acidity. It leans coastal and food-friendly rather than heavy or overly oaked.
Why It Flies Under the Radar
Two things keep Windstream a hidden gem. First, production is small, tied to a limited-supply appellation and a single estate vineyard, so you won’t see it stacked on every shelf. Second, it doesn’t carry the name recognition of the family’s larger brands, despite the quality being there. Windstream has earned 90-plus-point scores from critics, including Wine Enthusiast, over multiple vintages, which is the kind of track record that usually comes with a much bigger reputation.
How to Try Windstream
Because it’s produced in limited quantities, the best way to buy Windstream is directly from San Antonio Winery, where the current releases are stocked and can be shipped to your door. You can browse the collection and the latest vintages on the Windstream page. If you enjoy cool-climate Pinot Noir and coastal Chardonnay, it’s an easy addition to the cellar.
FAQs
What is Windstream wine?
Windstream is a small collection from the Riboli Family of San Antonio Winery, made up of a Pinot Noir and a Chardonnay grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation of Monterey County, California.
What does “Windstream” refer to?
The name reflects the steady coastal winds that sweep through the Santa Lucia Highlands. Those winds and the region’s morning fog slow ripening and preserve acidity, shaping the balanced style of the wines.
Is Windstream a red or white wine?
Both. The collection includes a premium California red wine (Pinot Noir) and a white wine (Chardonnay) the two varieties the Santa Lucia Highlands is most known for.
Where can I buy Windstream?
Because production is limited, the widest selection is available directly through San Antonio Winery, in person or online, with shipping available. Some fine wine retailers also carry it.
What food pairs well with Windstream?
The Pinot Noir suits dishes like beef tenderloin or roasted vegetables, while the Chardonnay pairs nicely with seafood such as sea bass or a creamy risotto.