Tucked away in the sun-drenched foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains, Carmel Valley is a hidden gem for wine lovers. With its unique microclimate, scenic vineyards and welcoming tasting rooms, Carmel Valley offers a wine experience that’s as approachable as it is unforgettable.
The special quality that allows Carmel Valley to transcend the ordinary is evident in the Carmel Valley wineries, tasting rooms and wine bars tucked away in the sun-drenched foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains. That transcendent spirit is also imparted to the wine produced in the well-drained, gravelly terraces of the Carmel Valley wine appellation (granted an official AVA designation in 1983). Try Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varietals, which make up 70% of the Carmel Valley AVA.
Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley Village
Most of Carmel Valley's wine tasting rooms, such as Bernardus Winery, Holman Ranch Vineyards and Joullian Vineyards are located just a short stroll from each other, allowing visitors to take a Carmel Valley wine tour on foot. Taste Morgan and Folktale Winery are located along the drive to Carmel Valley Village and are easily accessible. While often lively, Carmel Valley's tasting rooms are not overly crowded and provide a warm, personal interaction with tasting hosts and winemakers.
Nestled in the heart of the valley, Carmel Valley Village is a charming hub for wine tasting, offering a relaxed and walkable experience. Here, you’ll find a delightful mix of boutique tasting rooms, each showcasing the valley’s signature varietals in a cozy, intimate setting. Unlike larger, more commercial wine regions, the Village provides a unique opportunity to connect directly with winemakers and learn the stories behind each bottle. Stroll from one tasting room to the next, sampling everything from bold Cabernet Sauvignons to crisp Sauvignon Blancs, all while soaking in the Village’s rustic charm and friendly, laid-back atmosphere. With art galleries, cafes, and stunning mountain views around every corner, Carmel Valley Village is the perfect destination for a leisurely day of wine tasting.
SELF-GUIDED CARMEL VALLEY WINE-TASTING ITINERARY
Visiting Carmel Valley's wineries? Let someone else do the driving! Monterey-Salinas Transit bus 24. This bus goes through Crossroads Carmel and Carmel Valley. Check the Monterey-Salinas Transit website for schedules.
CARMEL VALLEY WINE TOURS
For a more intimate Carmel Valley wine tour, contact Ag Venture Tours. Their experienced guides will give you insight into the history of Carmel Valley and the techniques behind the wines.
Tours Monterey's five-hour Wine Trolley experience offers an insider's perspective on the wineries of Carmel Valley, as well as information on local history and a delightful social atmosphere.
Monterey Guided Wine Tours offers exclusive and private guided wine-tasting tours throughout the Monterey area on their party busses, town cars or stretch limos. They have complete wine-tasting packages that can be tailored to meet the tastes of any individual or group.
LEARN MORE
Once you've tried Carmel Valley's wines, you'll want to learn what Monterey County's other wineries have to offer. The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association website has extensive information on wine and wineries throughout Monterey County.
FILTER YOUR SEARCH
Tira Nanza Wines
Pelio Estate
Bernardus Vineyards and Winery
I. Brand & Family Tasting Room
Georis Winery
The Quail and Olive
Albatross Ridge Winery & Kitchen
Chesebro Wines
McIntyre & Boekenoogen Family Wines
Joullian Vineyards
Holman Ranch Tasting Patio
