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 transendent spirit is also imparted to the wine produced in the well-drained, gravelly terraces of the Carmel Valley wine appelation (granted an official AVA designation in 1983). Try Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varietals, which make up 70% of the Carmel Valley AVA.
Most of Carmel Valley's wine tasting rooms, such as Bernardus Winery, Chateau Sinnet, Joullian Vineyards and Parsonage Village Vineyard are located just a short stroll from each other, allowing visitors to take a Carmel Valley wine tour on foot. Chateau Julien and Taste Morgan are both located along the drive to the central Carmel Valley and are 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.
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.
Refer to the map below to plan your trip. Click on each blue placemark for details about the individual winery. Click on the link below the map to open the map in a new window, suitable for printing.
View Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Itinerary in a larger map
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 tour offers an insider's perspective on the wineries of Carmel Valley, as well as information on local history and a delightful social atmosphere.
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.
Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1770, Monterey, CA 93942 1-877-MONTEREY info@mccvb.org
In partnership with Monterey County and the cities of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Salinas,
Sand City, Seaside, Soledad, Pebble Beach, Moss Landing, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and Salinas Valley.
© Copyright 2009 Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
