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 Or several tastes, as it were |
700 Cannery Row Suite KK Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940 United States +1 831 646 5446/ +1 888 646 5446 |
Here is an intelligent solution to the dilemma of how to wine-taste while navigating curvy mountain road: just make one stop. Make it in downtown Monterey, where there is nary a deer in sight. Spend the whole day. At this place, you can sample from dozens of vintages collected from nearly 40 local wineries. Taste the riches of Carmel Valley, Monterey and Arroyo Seco. Buy a few bottles or a few cases, as you like. When it is time to get some solid food in your overtaxed stomach, simply stumble on over to one of the many restaurants on Cannery Row. See website for online shopping, wine club details, event calendar and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Seveny-five years running |
381 Cannery Row (Suite 3, at Drake Street) Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940 United States +1 831 645 9035 |
This winery's Monterey Zinfandel and Chardonnay have both won several silver and bronze medals in recent competitions. The family-owned operation has been in existence since 1925, and the tasting room in Cannery Row attracts many locals as well as tourists and wine connoisseurs. Step up to the marble bar and taste examples from all of California's grape-growing regions. The winery's California Merlot and Chardonnay make up the Scenic Cellars Collection, and the varieties of reds and whites in the standard collection are impressive. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Breathtaking winery |
8940 Carmel Valley Road Near Loma del Rey Monterey and Carmel, CA 93923 United States +1 831 624 2600 |
Spanning nearly 16 acres, this winery offers a breathtaking view. Step into the French chateau-style establishment and drink wine while seated at a huge antique table. Or, visit the conservatory, a glass building with handmade chandeliers and at night, a great view of the stars. The wines are Italian in style with a California flavor. The various whites, reds and varietals have won the winery quite a few awards. It's a must-see on any trip to the Monterey's wine-growing area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Award-winning, world-class wine |
1645 River Rd Monterey and Carmel, CA 93908 United States +1 831 675 9463 / +1 800 625 2610 |
The Pinot and Chardonnay fields of this cellar are nestled in the verdant Salinas Valley on the western side. The grapes that create its award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon are grown in the hotter climate of Carmel Valley. All three varietals can be tasted at the Salinas tasting room. While this winery is relatively new and on the small side, it is a good one to put on the wine-tasting agenda. There are picnic tables out front and a sunny tasting room inside. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Organic vineyards |
69 West Carmel Valley Road (at the corner of Crossroads Boulevard) Monterey and Carmel, CA 93924 United States +1 831 659 6220 |
Amassing 120 acres, this purely organic vineyard specializes in Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The estate also includes gardens filled with sculptures by Toby Heller, each of which is related somehow to the tasting experience at the vineyards. Started in 1969, the vineyard is now owned by Europeans and cranks out about 25,000 cases each year. The tasting room is top-notch, and also includes a doll museum and an outstanding gift shop. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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All estate-bottled |
18181 Cachagua Road Monterey and Carmel, CA 93924 United States +1 800 425 2683 |
This winery specializes in two distinct Cabernet Sauvignons, both of which are only available in limited quantities: Black Jack and Red Rose Hill. Both have received rave reviews from wine magazines and both are 100 percent Cabernet. The winery also offers a Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc as well as a Merlot. An Old West cowboy image is displayed with the names of the wines as well as the labels, which are replicas of handmade leather. The winery's Web site is also littered with cowboy quotes. Tasting is by appointment, and the 700-acre property is available for banquets and other events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Estate bottled wines from South Monterey |
24600 Blue Larkspur Ln Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940 United States +1 831 642 9200 |
Estate-bottled wines of the highest grade are made on this expansive estate in southern Monterey. Winemaker Stephen Pessagno is an experienced crafter and a dedicated oenophile. He and the other owners adhere to the strictest winemaking standards. The vineyard also sells grapes to other highly reputed wineries. It is the official wine of the Monterey Jazz Festival and is among the featured wineries of many other high-profile events. See their website for a schedule of upcoming tasting events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Old World techniques |
2999 Monterey-Salinas Hwy #10 Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940 United States +1 831 375 0741 / +1 800 644 6401 |
Utilizing very detailed and exacting wine making techniques, the owners of this estate put their decades of experience into each and every bottle of wine. The whole of their product is of very limited production. Tasting rooms are located in the Ventana Vineyards and their 1998 vintage is now available for online ordering. A tremendous degree of care is taken in the production of these wines, the soil structure, the age of the actual vine, the yeast strains, and the originating locale of the barrels all being taken into account. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Before you taste Monterey |
400 Camino Aguajito (Ste 1) Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940 United States +1 831 375 9400 |
Described by one winery as the "Convention and Visitor's Bureau of the Peninsula Wineries," this organization aims to inform tourists about all the ins and outs of the Peninsula wine industry. Find out which wineries are open to the public, which up-and-coming festivals should not be missed, and which stores and restaurants feature the best of the Peninsula varietals. For a Monterey County Tasting Room map and guide, please see the website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Original Wine Festival |
One Portola Plaza (Monterey Conference Center) Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940 United States +1 831 656 4282 |
The original California wine festival is now more than a quarter-century old. It all happens at this two-day festival: lectures, guided tours, wine tasting, auctions and much more. More than 800 wines from throughout the state are represented here. The festival often plays host to more than 4,000 enthusiasts who enjoy the many tasting events and gourmet cooking demonstrations. It is an absolute must-see for any wine enthusiast. At the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Thursday and the Monterey Fairgrounds on Saturday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Passport to Santa Cruz Wineries |
7605-A Old Dominion Court, Aptos Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association Monterey and Carmel, CA 95003 United States +1 831 685 8463 |
The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to around 50 wineries, most of which are small but create outstanding blends. The Santa Cruz Mountain Winemakers Association, therefore, holds its Passport Program to promote these establishments, and feature wines from virtually unknown wineries. The schedule includes wine tasting and sales, restaurant discounts, and more. When does all this take place, you ask? The third Saturdays of January, April, July and November! An individual passport costs USD25, and covers tasting fees. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Award-winning winery |
2999 Monterey-Salinas Hwy (near Olmsted Road) Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940 United States +1 831 372 7415 |
This winery has won more awards than any other winery in the country, the Dry Chenin Blanc and the Reisling being the biggest winners. The same team of winemakers has been here for over two decades and the aesthetic is European with a California flavor. The winery carries a wide stock of whites, reds and varietals. The property also has a retail store and a tasting room where you can sample the many award-winning wines. The winery grows their own grapes and in the last decade has planted over half a million new vines. Review © 2007, Wcities |
