Mention “Monterey, California,” and travelers think of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and the stunning Big Sur coast. But Monterey wine tasting should also be top of mind.
Most of our private travel planning clients heading there are on a classic California road trip. And while the coast is stunning, Monterey County has just as much to explore inland with its numerous farmstands and celebrated wineries.
But this wine region flies under the radar for most California travelers. So, on a recent trip with Discover California Wines, we got the lowdown on Monterey wine tasting and all happening in Monterey wine country now.
What is Monterey County known for?
A few specific spots (like Fisherman’s Wharf and Pebble Beach) and people (ahem, John Steinbeck) put Monterey County on the map. But it’s also a top spot for agriculture, as you can see when you dig into what is grown in Monterey. And, of that agriculture, wine plays a large part. Monterey is one of California’s largest wine-producing regions — with more than 46,000 acres planted to wine grapes — so there are a lot of opportunities for a Monterey wine tasting.
History Of Wine In Monterey
California’s wine is thanks to the Franciscan friars. In the 1770s, they planted the first grapes (for sacramental use) near Monterey’s Soledad and San Antonio missions.
The commercial wine industry began in 1919 when Lucius Charles Tamm planted Chenin Blanc and other grapes at Chalone Vineyard.
But it was in 1960 that the area garnered serious attention. The University of California at Davis published a report classifying grape-growing districts by climate. Monterey was classified as Region I and II, on par with the world-class regions of Napa, Sonoma, Burgundy, and Bordeaux.
Some early adopters are among the region’s best-known wineries, including Wente, Mirassou, and J. Lohr, where you can do a Monterey wine tasting.
The Central Coast AVA
Having read about the California wine regions, you’ll recall that there are essentially five main AVAs across the state: North Coast, Sierra Foothills, Inland Valleys, Central Coast, and Southern.
The Central Coast AVA covers over 250 miles from San Francisco to Santa Barbara and includes the state’s oldest and newest wine regions. A vital part of this AVA is Monterey County, which has nine smaller AVAs: Monterey, Santa Lucia Highlands, Arroyo Seco, San Lucas, Hames Valley, Chalone, Carmel Valley, San Antonio Valley, and San Bernabe.
How Many Wineries Are In Monterey Country?
The answer is a lot! There are over 350 vineyards and 82 bonded wineries across Monterey County today. So, this question is not about where to go for a Monterey wine tasting but how to go about it.
What Makes Monterey Wine Unique
There are many award-winning wines across the region thanks to talented winemakers as well as to the following factors:
- Climate: Monterey’s most unique feature is the Blue Grand Canyon™. As the largest and deepest canyon on the West Coast, the cold, deep waters of Monterey Bay bring fog and moderate temperatures and give the wine notable structure.
- Soil: More than 80% of the vineyards are planted in eight soil types, which are alluvial, porous, granite, and limestone-rich — perfect for grapevines!
- Sustainability: California’s commitment to sustainable winemaking is major, with 80% of California wine made in a sustainable winery. Local vintners and growers support programs like the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, Seafood Watch, and California Condor Restoration.
What Wine Is Monterey Known For?
There are more than 40 wine varietals planted in Monterey county but the two grapes that reign supreme are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The northern part of the region is cooler and better suited for growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling. Meanwhile, the southern part can get rather hot and is better suited to red blends and Bordeaux varietals like Merlot and Cabernet.
Pinot Noir
The defining characteristic of Monterey Pinot Noir is balance. Compared to wines of other regions, Monterey Pinot Noir is more fruit-forward due to the longer growing season provided by the Blue Grand Canyon.
Chardonnay
Monterey County has more Chardonnay acreage planted than any other California county, accounting for 40% of the total grape acreage. The extended ripening period means the wine grapes maintain acidity and make steely wines with lemon-lime and tropical fruit aromas.
Three Monterey Wineries To Know
Now that you know a bit about what to look for and where to go, here are a few wineries to visit for a Monterey wine tasting:
Caraccioli Cellars
This family-run winery is a relative newcomer (started in 2006) but has quickly made a name for itself. It is often listed as one of the best Monterey wineries and is credited with producing some of the most elegant sparkling wines in California. Head to Carmel-By-The-Sea or to the winery for a tasting, and be sure to try the Brut Cuvée and Brut Rosé, which are their prize wines.
Scheid Vineyards
Scheid Family Wines has been producing wine in Monterey for 50 years. Today, the company has nine wine brands, but Scheid Vineyards is the flagship. The winemakers are dedicated to sustainability practices, with 100% drip irrigation and 100% of their vineyard power coming from wind turbines. While Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the stars of Monterey, the other top varietals are Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Sirah.
Talbott Vineyards
The Santa Lucia Highlands is one of Monterey’s premier winegrowing regions and Talbott was one of the first wineries to establish themselves there. In nearly 40 years, they have honed the craft of creating distinct cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from their renowned Sleepy Hollow Vineyard. Head to their tasting room in Carmel-By-The-Sea to taste these legendary wines.
Where To Go For Monterey Wine Tasting
There are more than 65 tasting rooms across Monterey County—here is a list of all the tasting rooms in Monterey Wine Country. It’s helpful to know that the tasting rooms are grouped in four primary areas: Carmel Valley Village, Carmel-By-The-Sea, Monterey, and River Road.
Carmel Valley Village
The Carmel Valley Village appellation is set a few miles inland from the famed California Highway 1. It’s tucked in the Santa Lucia range and is where you’ll find around 25 tasting rooms, chic restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.
Start off your Monterey wine tasting at a classic spot like Bernardus Vineyards or Georis Winery. You can also get a broader view of the area and try different producers at the Village Wine & Tap Room or The Wine House.
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Top of most Monterey Peninsula visitors’ bucket lists is a stop in the quaint town of Carmel-by-the Sea. But wine lovers note that there are various tasting rooms along Ocean Avenue. If you want to DIY, consider the self-guided Wine Walk-by-the-Sea.
Be sure to visit the tasting rooms of some of the most celebrated local wineries, such as Caraccioli Cellars, Folktale Winery, Hahn Family, Scheid Vineyards, and Talbott.
And don’t sleep on The Cheese Shop. This small gourmet market and wine shop has more than 200 cheeses and many unique wines, and they offer wine tastings at the back of the shop.
Monterey
Right in the middle of Monterey’s Cannery Row, you can do a Monterey wine tasting — a few classic options are A Taste Of Monterey and The Wine Experience.
River Road Wine Trail
River Road is nestled in the heart of the Salinas Valley among the Santa Lucia Highlands. About 15 wineries along a 20-mile route make up the Monterey Wine Trail, where you’ll find some of the top boutique wineries on the Central Coast of California, like Folktale Winery & Vineyards.
Three Tips For Monterey Wine Tasting
Here are a few tips to make the most of your Monterey wine tasting:
Visit One Area
Monterey wine country is big, so plan to visit just one area in one day. Otherwise, you’ll do more driving than wine tasting!
Mix It Up
Thanks to the region’s agricultural diversity, farm stands are tucked between vineyards. Take advantage of that and mix some non-wine stops, such as at the Hacienda Carmel or the downtown Carmel-By-The-Sea farmers market.
Make A Reservation
While many tasting rooms (especially in Carmel-By-The-Sea) are fine to just walk into for a Monterey wine tasting, the best-known wineries (including those listed above) require reservations. We suggest having at least one reservation so your Monterey wine tasting has a bit of structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Monterey County is renowned for its diverse wine scene, with numerous wineries offering unique tasting experiences. Some top wineries to consider visiting include:
- Bernardus Winery: Known for its excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, offering a sophisticated tasting room experience in Carmel Valley.
- Hahn Family Wines: Located in the Santa Lucia Highlands, known for producing outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with beautiful vineyard views.
- Scheid Vineyards: Features a spacious tasting room in Salinas and a wide variety of wines, known for its sustainable viticulture practices.
Monterey County offers a distinctive wine-tasting experience due to its varied microclimates and the maritime influence of Monterey Bay. Key factors include:
- Climatic Diversity: The region's climate varies significantly from coastal areas to inland valleys, allowing vintners to grow a wide array of grape varieties.
- Maritime Influence: The cooling fog and breezes from the Monterey Bay help to moderate temperatures, which is particularly beneficial for cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
- Rich Soil Varieties: The area boasts a range of soil types, contributing to complex flavor profiles in the wines produced here.
- Sustainability: Monterey is a leader in sustainable viticulture practices, with a high percentage of vineyards certified under various environmental standards.
Yes, Monterey offers several wine-tasting tours that allow visitors to explore multiple vineyards in a single trip. These tours can be a great way to learn about the region’s winemaking and sample various wines without worrying about driving. Options include:
- Guided Wine Shuttle Tours: These often include transportation, commentary on the wine region, and stops at several selected wineries.
- Private Tours: Customizable and ideal for groups seeking a more personalized experience.
- Bike Tours: Some companies offer cycling tours that combine light exercise with wine tasting for a leisurely way to enjoy the vineyards.
Where To Eat In Monterey
After all that Monterey wine tasting, you’re going to want a delicious meal. Check out our local recommendations for where to eat in Monterey as well as where to eat in Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Have Us Plan Your Trip
Did you know we’re also a boutique travel agency specializing in California vacation planning? If you’re looking to plan a wine country or road trip to California, our California trip planner services are here to help you plan your perfect itinerary.
Photo Credit: Opening photo and photo of woman wine tasting by Jayme Burrows; photo of Fisherman’s Wharf by nicolas decorte; all other photos by Alison Needham for California Wine Institute
