Carmel Valley Wineries

The special quality that allows Carmel Valley to transcend the ordinary is evident in the Carmel Valley wineries, tasting rooms and wine bars that are found along the dramatic valley floor. 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.

CARMEL VALLEY WINE TASTING

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 is 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.

SELF-GUIDED CARMEL VALLEY WINE-TASTING ITINERARY

Visiting Carmel Valley's wineries? Let someone else do the driving! Monterey-Salinas Transit bus 24, the Grapevine Express, stops at all the wineries on this itinerary. It departs from the Monterey Transit Plaza, conveniently located across from the Cooper-Molera Adobe in Old Monterey.

Visitors staying in Carmel-by-the-Sea can take the 4 or 22 bus from Mission and Sixth to Taste Morgan at The Crossroads, and from there connect to the Grapevine Express. 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.