Scar of the Sea is a boutique winery founded in 2012 by Mikey and Gina Giugni, nestled in California’s Central Coast in San Luis Obispo. From the beginning, the winery has been deeply influenced by the Pacific Ocean, the fog, the coastal climate, the soils, and by a commitment to farming for the future. Mikey and Gina work with vineyard sites that practice organic or sustainable farming, and over time, they have moved toward a more estate-driven model, especially with the acquisition of the Bassi Vineyard. Their goal is to source most fruit from vineyards they farm themselves, ensuring a closer connection between land and wine.
The wines of Scar of the Sea are made with minimal intervention. They ferment with native yeasts, use mostly neutral oak (so the grape and the vineyard speak loudest), and avoid fining or filtration. Sulfur use is kept low and always carefully adjusted to preserve freshness without sacrificing stability. Each vintage is treated as a new chapter, its own story of climate, vineyard site, and seasonal variables, aiming to show the nuances of place, people, and nature.
In terms of wine styles, Scar of the Sea offers expressive Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, Chardonnay-rosés, sparkling wines (including méthode ancestrale), and more adventurous varietals like Zinfandel and Palomino. Some wines come from historic old vine plantings in the Santa Maria Valley, while others reflect coastal vineyards that see regular influence from maritime fog and cooling breezes. The Bassi Vineyard Chardonnay, for example, has been praised for its coastal minerality, bright acidity, and depth.
What stands out in Scar of the Sea’s wines is their sense of immediacy: forward aromatics, fruit depth, but shaped by elegance and balance. These are wines that are approachable, yet layered, ones you can enjoy young but that also reward time and attention. Their wine club releases, limited bottlings, and small lots give extra room for creativity and exploration.
Scar of the Sea isn’t just about wine; it’s about stewardship. The Giugnis see themselves as custodians of the land. Their agriculture and winemaking practices reflect that: working with growers who share their values, pushing toward more estate fruit, and tending soil health and ecological resilience. The picture here is one of respect: for the vineyard land, for the climate, and for every bottle as a reflection of many hands.
In each bottle of Scar of the Sea wine, you taste the ocean, the fog, the vine, and the people behind them, wines that tell stories of home, of seasons, and of mindful craft.
