The Monterey Wine Trail, formerly the River Road Wine Trail, is a renowned destination for wine enthusiasts. Recently renamed to better reflect its expansive offerings, it attracts visitors from all over the world with its scenic vineyards, exceptional wineries and delightful tasting experiences.
There are 7 wineries on Monterey Wine Trail for you to visit, each unique in its own way. Some popular wineries include:
Odonata Wines
Specialties: Sustainable, small-batch handcrafted wines
Odonata Wines is the perfect place to begin your River Road adventure. Their philosophy is centered around sustainability and small-batch production, creating wines that are both thoughtful and expressive. The intimate tasting room offers a relaxed, rustic ambiance where guests can sample unique varietals, including standout Rosés and Sparkling Wines. If you’re seeking a casual, friendly vibe to start your wine journey, Odonata will not disappoint.
Don’t Miss: Their refreshing Rosé and sparkling wines, perfect for a light, bubbly introduction to your day.
Rustique Wines
Specialties: Estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Rustique Wines is where rustic charm meets sophisticated flavor. Set in a 100-year-old barn, this family-owned winery is known for its warm hospitality and high-quality wines crafted from their Silacci Vineyard estate. The tasting experience at Rustique is one of authenticity, as guests sip wines surrounded by rolling vineyards and the tranquility of the countryside.
Don’t Miss: Their estate Pinot Noir, which reflects the unique terroir of the Silacci Vineyard.
Wrath Wines
Specialties: Estate-grown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah
For wine enthusiasts looking to explore small-batch, terroir-driven wines, Wrath Wines is a can’t-miss stop. Their modern tasting room features a sophisticated atmosphere where you can enjoy limited-production Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. The bold, expressive wines here are known for their depth and complexity, offering a sensory experience that reflects the wild, untamed nature of the Santa Lucia Highlands.
Don’t Miss: Their Syrah and Pinot Noir flights, which highlight the distinct terroir of the region.
CRŪ Winery
Specialties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Rhône varietals
CRŪ Winery is a master of elegance and balance. Their tasting room provides a calm, relaxing space where you can sample their award-winning Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Rhône-style wines. CRŪ Winery has become a beloved fixture on the Monterey Wine Trail for its smooth, well-rounded varietals and scenic vineyard views.
Don’t Miss: A flight of Rhône varietals, which showcase a refreshing departure from traditional Pinot Noir.
Tasting Experiences
The Monterey Wine Trail offers diverse tasting experiences to suit every preference. Many wineries offer private tastings for a more intimate experience, often paired with artisanal cheeses or chocolates. Ideal for larger parties, group tastings provide a social atmosphere while sampling a selection of wines. Some wineries host tastings that include gourmet food pairings designed to enhance the flavors of the wines.
Special events such as harvest festivals, blending seminars and winemaker dinners are also featured throughout the year, offering visitors unique opportunities for Monterey wine tasting.
Scenic Routes and Vineyards
Traveling along the Monterey Wine Trail offers stunning vistas of rolling hills, coastal landscapes and vineyard-dotted valleys. Each winery along the trail has a distinctive backdrop, from panoramic ocean views to serene countryside settings. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives or bike rides through picturesque routes that showcase the natural beauty of Monterey County.
Tips for Visitors
To make your visit the best it can be, remember that many wineries require reservations, especially on weekends and during peak seasons, so it's advisable to plan ahead. The weather is typically pleasant year-round, but the grape harvest season (late summer to early fall) is the ideal time to visit – though it may be more crowded this time of year. To make your experience as smooth as possible, consider hiring a designated driver or joining a guided wine tour to fully enjoy the tasting experiences without worrying about driving.
Local Cuisine and Pairings
Along with its wineries, Monterey County is renowned for its fresh seafood and local produce, making it an ideal destination for enjoying wine and food pairings. Lucia Restaurant and Bar at Bernardus Lodge offers a seasonal menu that complements Bernardus wines, as well as offers chef's table private dining. Aubergine Restaurant at L'Auberge Carmel is known for its Michelin-starred cuisine and extensive wine list featuring local selections. Additionally, wine bars such as A Taste of Monterey provide a casual setting to explore local wines paired with gourmet bites like flatbreads and sharable plates.
From rustic charm to sleek modernity, the wineries along Monterey Wine Trail offer a wide variety of tasting experiences. Whether you’re looking for small-batch exclusives or bold Bordeaux blends, this scenic route is packed with unforgettable stops. So sip, savor and enjoy the best of Monterey’s wine country!