Tucked away in the rolling hills of Carmel, California, lies a picturesque, sun-drenched destination that’s home to millionaires and billionaires. While the Santa Lucia Preserve is renowned as one of the most exclusive private gated communities and country clubs in America, the residents and members there know that the 20,000-acre property goes far beyond its highly-regarded reputation as a world-class property.
From wildlife preservation and environmental conservation to intimate events and exclusive experiences that elevate the lifestyles of both its homeowners and members, The Preserve offers much more than just a destination for discerning individuals seeking privacy, refuge, and a sense of community.
Over the past couple of decades, since being developed, the Santa Lucia Preserve has quickly grown into a tranquil and inviting space that provides everything you could ask for – world-championship golf, outdoor activities (like horseback riding, tennis, and hiking trails), fine dining, and even an annual concours held during Monterey Car Week.
With the intention of creating more immersive experiences that bring its exclusive community together in a warm and welcoming manner, SLP recently launched its Inaugural Santa Lucia Preserve Food & Wine Festival, held on the evening of May 1, 2026, at The Hacienda – a 1920s Spanish Colonial-style building that has been hosting lavish affairs and intimate gatherings since the Roaring Twenties.
Designed to act as a boutique, community-forward gathering with the energy of a dinner party hosted by someone with impeccable taste and an extraordinary cellar, the Hacienda’s outdoor spaces filled gradually with exactly the kind of people you’d expect in a place like this — understated, relaxed, and jovial.
The wine and spirits lineup provided a diverse range of tastings from Paul Hobbs, Peter Michael, Realm Cellars, Dawn’s Dream, Chappellet, Mount Eden, Pisoni, PlumpJack, CADE, The Macallan, Michter’s, Flowers, DuMOL, Illumination by Quintessa, and Stags’ Leap, among many others.
Each pour showcased the splendor of California terroirs, threaded through with Old World anchors like Castello Banfi’s Brunello di Montalcino and the artisanal Langhe newcomers Cascina Penna Currado.
On the culinary side, the festival delivered with equal conviction. Chef Omer of Passionfish presented mussel dolma (stuffed mussels with kombu dashi and lemon-anchovy emulsion), which managed to be both deeply coastal and completely unexpected.
Cultura Carmel’s Michelle Estigoy plated a smoked trout tostada layered with corn pudding, Tsar Nicoulai caviar, and mustard flowers that was as visually arresting as it was delicious. The Preserve’s own Hacienda Chefs Luis Bonilla and Amando Contreras turned out Szechuan cold jelly noodles with crushed peanuts, scallions, and chili oil — a gluten-free, vegan stunner that was frankly one of the most interesting bites of the evening. Zaikaca brought unexpected depth with their Indian-inspired spread, including a kadhi badi chaat and spiced domb that rewarded the adventurous.
While we were dining at one of the white linen-covered cocktail tables, an affable couple walked up to join us. As the husband was about to bite into one of Zaikaca’s boldly spiced dishes (one that had already made its heat very much known), I naturally interjected: “You might want a splash of Sauvignon Blanc to balance that.” He paused, laughed, and then exclaimed, “You saved me!” To which I replied, “Well, just consider it a curated food and wine pairing.” By then, we were all laughing about the unexpected ice breaker. From there, the conversation flowed as easily as the wine being poured around us.
We quickly learned that the couple had purchased their lot at The Preserve in 1999 and finally built their home in 2008, making them one of the earliest homeowners in the community.
Their stories about life at the Preserve had the settled ease of people who have made peace with sharing their landscape: wild boar appearing on their property, unexpected creatures making themselves at home, and a natural world that keeps daily life both engaging and perpetually surprising.
What they described sounded like it was so much more than just an exclusive gated community surrounded by thousands of acres of majestic landscapes.
To them, SLP has offered them an environment that’s shaped by genuine community, diverse social programming, outdoor pursuits, and neighbors who happen to include Meta’s CTO alongside entrepreneurs and executives who chose this place not for status, but rather, for the substance and sense of inclusivity it offers. To those who reside here, they view it as a sanctuary – a place to slow down and savor life’s quieter moments.
The Inaugural Santa Lucia Preserve Food & Wine Festival was a natural extension of all of that. Thoughtfully curated, welcoming, and unpretentious – exactly as SLP’s Founder and Developer (Tom Gray) had first imagined this community would be one day become, back when he first discovered the breathtaking natural property over 25 years ago.
There’s something about The Preserve’s environment that lowers everyone’s guard in the best possible way. The beautiful natural setting does the work by offering an unhurried, calming atmosphere that enhances the experience of cultivating genuine connections.
By the time the last glass was poured, new connections felt more like old friends. The Santa Lucia Preserve has apparently always had that effect on people, which is precisely why, once they find it, they tend to stay.
[Disclosure: Media access provided by the Santa Lucia Preserve. All opinions are my own. Image credits: Christina-Lauren Pollack for Inspirations & Celebrations.]