“I remember that the Gabilan Mountains to the east of the valley were
light gay mountains full of sun and loveliness, and a kind of invitation,
so that you wanted to climb into their warm foothills almost
as you want to climb into the lap of a beloved mother."
- John Steinbeck
Eden Rift is among the oldest, continually producing estate vineyards in California, having been under vine since 1849. Known for its picturesque valleys and historic contributions to the area, the Cienega Valley is John Steinbeck’s literary muse. For more than 150 years, these rich soils have inspired vintners and pioneers to cultivate a variety of grapes such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Zinfandel.
Nestled in the foothills of the Cienega Valley just 20 miles from Monterey Bay, the 230-acre estate vineyard and tasting facility boasts breathtaking views and is a beautiful setting for year-round weddings, thanks in part to its mild climate. Eden Rift is an idyllic spot for couples to say ‘I do’ that celebrates the natural beauty and vibrant history of this popular region.
Proprietor, Christian Pillsbury, a San Francisco native, had been searching for vineyard land, ideally Pinot Noir land, which meant he was looking mostly in Sonoma County. One trip to Hollister changed that. “As soon as I drove through the gates, I was done looking up north,” he says. It’s not hard to see why. The vineyard slopes dramatically in the eastern hills of the Gabilan Mountains, a tiny, enclosed valley in itself, each block of vines oriented toward a different point. Fog settles in, keeping it cool. In this coastal paradise, the San Andreas is a fissure - a rift in Steinbeck’s anointed Eden.
Couples get to experience first-hand the warm hospitality this estate has to offer, so your wedding day is cherished for generations to come. From walking down the aisle surrounded by remarkable vistas to an intimate dinner paired with a selection of estate grown wines, Eden Rift is comprised of indoor and outdoor spaces that can accommodate hundreds of guests. Built by a close associate of iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Dickinson House is a charming space with rooms to get ready, relax, and taste a delicious variety of wines and olive oils made on site. The outdoor premises are a beautiful backdrop for stunning photography.