The Monterey winegrowing region is vast—more than 43,000 acres—stretching from the Santa Cruz County border, south to Paso Robles. It encompasses distinct growing regions, including Arroyo Seco, the Santa Lucia Highlands, Chalone, River Road, Carmel Valley and the area along Laureles Grade in the Carmel Highlands, which may one day be approved as the Carmel Coast AVA.
That’s a lot of territory to discover. And several centuries of history as well, beginning with the establishment of the missions in the 1700s, followed by commercial wine production in the early 1900s in the Salinas and Carmel Valleys, then really taking off in the 1960s and 1970s, when some of the largest vineyards were established by visionaries who understood the region’s uniquely beneficial weather conditions.
With so many acres planted, Monterey County’s AVAs today grow more Pinot Noir and coastal Chardonnay than any other winegrowing region in California. The county is vital to the grape economy of California, and grapes are fundamental to both the agricultural and the tourist economies of Monterey County, contributing $1.4 billion in annual economic activity.
While Monterey County is often referred to as the Salad Bowl of the World, it should equally be known as the Garden of Eden for Grapes, to borrow from the area’s most renowned author John Steinbeck, who spent much of his life in the Salinas Valley and endeared generations of Americans to this special place he called East of Eden.
Pioneers like the Wentes from Livermore and the Mirassous from San Jose, along with savvy investors like the late Al Scheid and early visionaries like Nicky Hahn, Jerry MacFarland, Dick Graff and Robb Talbott, established premium vineyards that benefit from the maritime-influenced climate. Later, the Santa Lucia Highlands, led by the Pisoni and Franscioni families, became ground zero for a new style of Pinot Noir, bringing a new wave of investment and interest. Winemakers from all over the state seek out grapes grown in Monterey County, knowing they will have balance and ample acidity, two things vital to making great wine that is drinkable today and can age for many years to come.
Much of the region is easily discoverable off Highway 101 and to promote visits the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association (MCVGA) is launching The Monterey Wine Trail, which will be marked with simple directional signage to make wayfinding as easy as possible for visitors. With the recent barrage of storms, signs have been delayed, along with practically everything else, but rest assured, they are coming.
The Monterey Wine Trail is conveniently located off the Highway 101 corridor, surrounded by the Santa Lucia and Gabilan Mountain ranges. Visitors can immerse themselves in the heart of Monterey Wine Country along the trail and enjoy the quintessential wine country experience.
Monterey Wine Country offers diverse tasting experiences that can easily be split up over three days. From oceanside tastings in Monterey and Carmel to the incomparable country charm of Carmel Valley, to the stunning vineyard views of the Monterey Wine Trail in the Salinas Valley, guests will find wines and views to satisfy everyone’s palate!
“In The Vines” Event Series
To help provide local and out of area visitors alike with educational and inspirational experiences, MCVGA is partnering with local wineries on a new In The Vines program, which provides intimate visits to the vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms where the magic happens.
The first event, in the “In the Vines” series will be a charcuterie board assembly class held at CRŪ Vineyards in Soledad, on May 6.
When: May 6, from 10:30am—1pm
Where: CRŪ Wines in Soledad (formerly Paraiso Vineyards tasting room)
What to expect: Charcuterie board assembly class
- Learn the art of making charcuterie boards while tasting some of the finest CRŪ Santa Lucia Highlands wines.
- An expert from The Grazing Table will guide guests through creating their charcuterie board and selecting the best meats, cheeses, and other accompaniments that perfectly complement the wine. Guests will learn about the history of charcuterie and how it has evolved over the years.
- Upon completion of the charcuterie board, it’s time to sit down and eat, as guests sip on CRU wines and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
This is a perfect early Mother’s Day gift to share!
Reserve tickets: May6CRU
30th Annual Winemaker’s Celebration: June 10, 2023, Downtown Carmel
Everyone is invited to the 30th annual Monterey Winemaker’s Celebration which brings together the entire region for one afternoon, from 1pm until 4pm, in conjunction with the Carmel Culinary Week. The festival takes place on Dolores Street between Ocean St and 7th Ave 7th Avenue between Dolores and San Carlos Carmel-By-The-Sea. Meet the winemakers, growers, and hospitality teams behind the wine labels you know and love and discover some new ones, too. The region is always growing, and this is the place to get current.
Tickets and info here: June10WinemakersCelebration
Monterey Wine Country Ambassador Program
MCVGA, in partnership with the wineries of the Monterey Wine Trail, is also launching the Monterey Wine Country Ambassador Program, to bring local partners in hospitality on tours of the Monterey Wine Trail. By reaching out to restaurant wait staff and hotel staff including concierges, front desk, and group sales, the goal is to familiarize them with the vast opportunities for tasting and discovering the bounty of Monterey. During the month of May, tours will be held on Tuesdays, with transportation to various tasting rooms along the Monterey Wine Trail and other sub regions of Monterey. More information can be found at MontereyWines.org.
About the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (MCVGA)
The MCVGA is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to elevating, promoting, supporting, and protecting the Monterey County wine industry. The MCVGA will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024.
About the author
Laura Ness is a longtime wine journalist, columnist and judge who contributes regularly to Edible Monterey Bay, Spirited, WineOh.Tv, Los Gatos Magazine and Wine Industry Network, and a variety of consumer publications. Her passion is telling stories about the intriguing characters who inhabit the fascinating world of wine and food.
