Stretching from the coast of Monterey Bay down into the Salinas Valley, Monterey wine country is home to more than 85 vintners and growers.
This striking wine country offers anything you could ask for in a wine touring experience from chic tourist destinations to unassuming farming towns. For starters, consider these three perfect tour days:
Day 1: River Road Wine Trail
It’s a rush to head south on River Road with the Salinas Valley on your left and the Santa Lucia Highland mountain range on your right. The morning fog and moderate daytime temperatures create a perfect climate for sampling wines in the laid-back scenic tasting rooms.
Day 2: Carmel Valley
Just off scenic Highway 1, you’ll find “country charm” landscapes with equestrian ranches, boutiques, galleries, vineyards, and tasting rooms. Have lunch in one of the unique and delicious restaurants along the way.
Day 3: Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Hug the coast and find plenty to do with beaches, golf courses, spas, and museums, just footsteps from quaint B&Bs and luxury lodging.
LOCAL WINES
Currently, 42 varieties of grapes are grown in Monterey wine country! The aromas and flavors of Monterey wine, influenced by the deep cold waters of the ocean and Monterey Bay, have a true sense of place. To demonstrate the breadth of flavors, the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association (MCVGA) has assembled The Monterey Collection: four distinct varietals from four different wineries in Monterey wine country.
The 2011 Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc, grown in the Arroyo Seco appellation, has vibrant aromas of peach, melon, and grapefruit, and crisp, rich flavors showing complex essences of lime, grapefruit, and gooseberry.
The 2011 Hahn SLH Chardonnay, grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands, is reminiscent of golden delicious apples and ripe apricots on the nose, and Bosc pear and marzipan on the tongue.
The 2010 Pessagno Pinot Noir, grown south of the Arroyo Seco appellation, displays delicate aromas and flavor characteristics typical of Monterey Pinot Noir.
The 2009 Manzoni Home Vineyard Syrah hails from the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands, with cherry, plum and a whiff of white pepper followed by lush red berry and game flavors. It’s a delicious introduction to the distinctive flavors of Monterey! To learn more, visit montereywines.org.
LOCAL FINDS
Anytime is a good time to visit, but here are two fun, local events to take part in: the MCVGA Golf Tournament, May 13 and The Monterey County Winery Walk, Rock & Run, June 29.
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.
Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
