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3 Perfect Days in Monterey Wine Country (Day 2)

 

See Monterey

 

Day 2 – Rustic Charm: Carmel Valley, California

On the second day of your authentic immersion into Monterey Wine Country, explore the rolling hills and grapevines of Carmel Valley, California. Here, you’ll find plenty of quaint, tucked-away hotels, inns and lodges for every budget, many of which are walkable to tasting rooms and vineyards. Two lodging options include the esteemed Bernardus Lodge, located on the vineyards of Bernardus Winery, and Carmel Valley Ranch, which boasts a golf course, spa, lavender fields, and other amenities.

Spa at Bernardus

A quick 15-minute drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley offers a wide selection of award-winning wine tasting rooms, most within close proximity of each other.

The Carmel Valley AVA (wine growing region) begins at the mouth of Carmel Valley Village. The closest AVA to the ocean in Monterey Wine Country, the Carmel Valley AVA has the least coastal influence of any of the AVA’s in Monterey County because of the surrounding and protecting mountains.

Most of the 300-plus acres of vineyards in the region are located at least 1,000 feet (300 meters) above sea level, are sheltered by mountains, and experience less coastal fog and wind play than the Salinas Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varietals thrive here and make up 70% of the Carmel Valley AVA.

Folktale Carmel Valley

Once you arrive in Carmel Valley Village, spend time working your way through the wide variety of tasting rooms. All wine lovers will be able to find a wine to suit their palates, from the luscious wines and beautiful outdoor patio at Folktale Winery, to the wine on tap at Joyce Vineyards.

Read on to see how you can spend the day(s) wine tasting in Monterey & Carmel and the Salinas Valley.

Plan your trip to Monterey Wine Country at www.SeeMonterey.com/Wines.

See Day 1: Carmel-by-the-Sea & Monterey >>

See Day 3: Salinas Valley >>