About Monterey Wine Country
Monterey County is one of California's largest wine-growing counties by acreage, producing a broad range of wines from the wind-battered Salinas Valley floor to the sheltered warmth of Carmel Valley. The Santa Lucia Highlands, at 1,200 to 2,200 feet on the Salinas Valley's western bench, are the county's most critically acclaimed sub-region.
The afternoon winds that pour through the Monterey Gap from the Pacific Ocean are legendary — they've been compared to a refrigerator door held open all afternoon. These winds keep temperatures cool, extend the growing season dramatically, and concentrate flavors while preserving natural acidity. The result is Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of unusual intensity and finesse.
Carmel Valley, inland and sheltered from the fog and wind, produces Carmel Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in a warmer Mediterranean microclimate. Bernardus and Galante are the flagship estates of this quieter, more intimate wine valley.
Viticultural Areas
Winery Profiles
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