In the 18th century, Spanish missionaries planted the first grapevines in Monterey County and today the region is one of the largest premium grape producers in California. Currently, more than 40,000 acres of vineyards produce over 53 different varietals of some truly incredible wine.
In order to fully enjoy the bounty of Monterey County's Wine Country, we have outlined the perfect itinerary in three distinct wine tasting regions: Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley and the Salinas Valley - each with their own specialties and charm. Cheers!
Day 1: Carmel-by-the-Sea
Sprinkled amongst the picturesque cottages and delicious restaurants in quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea is a network of local wine tasting rooms with exquisite outdoor seating areas. In the one-square-mile area of downtown, there are over 15 tasting rooms such as Talbott Vineyards Tasting Room and Scheid Vineyards - needless to say you will have a packed wine tasting schedule awaiting you! Reservations are recommended.
Insider's Tip: Head down to the soft white sands of Carmel Beach and enjoy a bottle of your recently purchased wine and soak in nature's spectacular sunset show.
Day 2: Carmel Valley
Escape the coastal fog and head inland for sunshine and the delicious wines of Carmel Valley. Leave the driving to the pros and hop on the Wine Trolley in Monterey. Once you arrive in the Carmel Valley Village, you can slowly work your way through the variety of tasting rooms that are all within a short walking distance of one another. From the luscious wines and beautiful outdoor patio at Twisted Roots, the 1920s era tasting room at Holman Ranch Tasting Patio, to a flight of unique, vintage wines at Joyce Wine Co., there is a tasting room in the valley to suit everyone's needs.
Insider's Tip: Call ahead to reserve your spot! Many wineries and tasting rooms are taking reservations at this time due to limited outdoor seating space.
Day 3: Salinas Valley
Fully immerse yourself in wine country with a jaunt down the Monterey Wine Trail in the Salinas Valley. Just down scenic Highway 68, is where some of the most fertile agricultural land in the world and serves as the perfect landscape for producing some seriously delicious grapes. Here you will find a plethora of unique wineries and tasting rooms nestled among rolling hills, lettuce fields and vineyards.
Insider's Tip: For an educational sneak peek into the wine making process, book a voyage with Ag Venture Tours, Kombi Tours or VineCycle Tours. These tour operators offer personalized wine tasting experiences, including walking tours, eBike tours, van and bus tours.