When one thinks of Monterey – Cannery Row, The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Steinbeck, Big Sur and Pebble Beach are the mental pictures that flash in the mind, unless you are a wine lover. Surprise! Well, you don’t have to be a wine lover to enjoy the magnificent wineries that snuggle into the hills of stunning Monterey County.
The experience
Visiting any of the wineries is a serendipitous experience. Approximately 175 unique vintners and growers are established throughout Monterey County. The beauty of the area is unmatchable. Each day in this wine country area is akin to looking at a beautiful painting and seeing something new at each viewing. Add the friendly atmosphere, architectural designs of the wineries and tasting rooms that offer wines nurtured with a combination of care, thought and knowledge. Complete with a bit of originality, a lot of panache and a sprinkle of “je ne sais quoi,” and you have the Monterey County wineries.
The beginning
More than 200 years ago, Franciscan friars in the area tried their hand at planting grapes – unsuccessfully. In the early 1960s, a report was published classifying grape growing districts by climate, and Monterey County was compared with the regions of Napa and Sonoma, and Burgundy and Bordeaux in France. This led pioneer winemakers Marrisou and Wente to plant the first vineyards, followed by Paul Masson, J. Lohr and other farsighted grape growers. The land, climate and creative techniques the growers and winemakers added to the mix made Monterey County a formidable competitor to wineries in Napa and Sonoma. The county is overtaking them in size and production. Today Monterey County has more than 45,000 acres of wine grapes, including 40 different grape varieties.
Grape growing 101
All grapes grown in Monterey County are wine grapes – there are no table or juice grapes. Their unique flavor creates a grape that goes into the award-winning Chardonnay that makes up 40 percent of the grape acreage. Award winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel red grapes are grown in the warmer southern areas of the county.
Dynasties and Winemakers
Monterey County vintners are a unique, eclectic group that vie for perfection with pride and a friendly competitiveness that make each winery a unique experience of delight and joy.
The winemakers glory in their final output and adore and care for the grapes as they would their children. For the most part, the owners have a partnership with the winemakers that stems from admiration, respect and awe. Families have dynasties of anywhere from three to four generations. The sons and daughters are now sent to universities to learn the most scientific, updated methods to grow, create and market wines successfully.
The wineries
Here are a few wineries that should not be missed. Keep in mind there are many other very fine vineyards and tasting rooms and these are only a few.
• Chateau Julian Wine Estate in the Carmel Valley area is a glorious joy to visit. The ambience of the winery meets the magnificent varieties of wines produced by Patty and Bob Brower.
Tasting 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends
Tours 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. weekends
Located at 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel. (831) 624-2600
• Pessagno Winery in the Salinas area, nestled in the Santa Lucia Highlands, has some superb offerings and an enjoyable area to relax and taste.
Tasting 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Tours by appointment.
1645 River Road, Salinas. (831) 675-9463
• Boekenoogen Vineyard and Winery, in the Santa Lucia Highlands, is a family-run operation and has some interesting wines and a bright pleasant friendly boutique tasting room. Located at 24 W. Carmel Valley Village. (831) 659-4215.
Tasting daily at Carmel Valley Village 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tasting at winery at Fairview Road, Santa Lucia Highlands on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winery and vineyard tours available. boekenoogenwines.com
Where to go
A visitor can spend days winetasting and enjoying the glorious surroundings. Accommodations range from basic to upscale B and B’s and hotels. Fine restaurants abound in every price range.
For an ultimate stay, the InterContinental: The Clement Monterey offers every amenity and service. Centrally located near everything in downtown Monterey at 750 Cannery Row. (831) 375-4500.
For the budget- and fun-minded, the Los Laureles Lodge is the place. Some rooms back in 1915 were once a working stable and renovated into comfortable, charming rooms. A lovely restaurant and saloon is also available with live entertainment on weekends. Casual is the password of everyday. Located at 313 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. (800) 533-4404 or visit loslaureles.com.
Monterey County is where just about every type of amusing and educational activity can be found, but its best kept secret is the out-of-this-world wines. Do yourself a favor: top your “be good to myself list” with a visit to the area and taste the wines. You will be glad you did.
