When you spend three perfect days immersing yourself in Monterey Wine Country, you’ll leave with a deep sense of the character, history and excellence that infuse Monterey Wines. From the coastal tasting rooms in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea to the sunny countryside feel of Carmel Valley and the sweeping vineyard views of the Salinas Valley, all wine lovers will find a wine to satisfy their palate. Who knows? You might even discover a new favorite wine!
Monterey County wineries have your health and safety at the highest priority, and many tastings are by reservation only. Please remember to plan ahead, wear masks in public (when you’re not sipping vino), practice social distancing, and leave no trace behind.
Coastal Connoisseur: Carmel-by-the-Sea & Monterey, California
Begin your first day of wine tasting by walking through the charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This one-square-mile town has become a bonafide destination for tasting wine, with over a dozen unforgettable tasting rooms located just steps from each other.
Stop by Scheid Vineyards Wine Lounge on San Carlos and 7th for award-winning Pinot Noirs in a contemporary yet cozy setting. Try a few bold reds at crowd favorite Galante Vineyards, and Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from the Santa Lucia Highlands at Wrath Wines in the Carmel Plaza. Finally, savor the 100% estate-grown Burgundian varietals at Talbott Vineyards.
Next, take a short drive to Monterey to explore a few more urban tasting rooms. A Taste of Monterey overlooks the Monterey Bay, and is a great place to sample an array of local wines. It also has an added bonus: The chance to spot marine animals like sea otters, harbor seals and migrating whales!
Known as the “Blue Grand Canyon,” this marine habitat is the deepest submarine canyon on the West Coast of the Americas, with a cooling effect that contributes to the unique character of Monterey wine. The cool temperatures and winds in the vineyards allow grapes to ripen more slowly and evenly in an elongated growing season. The increased “hang-time” leads to exceptional wines with intense fruit flavors, deep color extraction, fresh acidity and full varietal expression. Sample some of these coastally influenced wines at any of the several tasting rooms nestled along the recreation trail in Monterey and throughout Cannery Row.
Read on to see how you can spend the day(s) wine tasting in Carmel Valley and Salinas Valley.
Plan your trip to Monterey Wine Country at www.SeeMonterey.com/Wines.
See Day 2: Carmel Valley >>
See Day 3: Salinas Valley >>
Last Updated: May 5, 2023
