Monterey has several wineries and a couple of dozen Vineyards to tour and these only will guarantee a nice stay in California.
Whether you want to visit only one or all of them, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.
Wine is the most popular drink of choice in Monterey County. For visitors and locals alike, wine tasting and vineyard tours are available throughout the region, particularly highlighting the famous Santa Lucia Highlands and Carmel Valley.
But what are the best wineries and vineyards in Monterey? Are they really worth the journey and the time spent there?
You don’t have to fly all the way to Europe to get that “authentic” experience with your family or friends. All these wineries in Monterey provide an experience like no other, blending world-class viticulture with stunning coastal scenery.
This is what you’ll discover here below. We will elaborate on everything you need to know before your journey, from the best wineries to the most sophisticated wine and where to relax after a tasting session.
Best Time To Visit Monterey
With so many wine-related activities in Monterey, when is a good time to visit this amazing part of California?
Keeping in mind that the Monterey Wine Festival typically takes place in June, we would highly recommend staying in town during that period to enjoy the festivities. However, if you’re looking for fewer crowds, visiting during the “secret summer” (autumn) or earlier in the spring is also a great idea.
According to travel experts, the best window to travel to Monterey is in **April and May**. You’ll get to enjoy more pleasant temperatures, food festivals all around, and significantly fewer tourists than the peak summer months.
All in all, there is always something nice to do in Monterey, and the maritime-influenced temperatures are pleasant year-round, which makes your travel planning easier.
How Many Days Do You Need In Monterey?
With many activities in Monterey such as visiting the world-famous aquarium, exploring incredible wineries, and relaxing on beautiful beaches, the number of days spent here depends on your pace.
As a whole, we recommend staying at least **3 nights** in Monterey to have enough time to visit the city center, go whale watching, and tour the best wineries and vineyards tucked into the valleys.
If you are heading north up the coast, Monterey should be the essential next stop on your list after visiting Big Sur.
What Wine Is Monterey Known For?
The climate is extremely important when growing grapes, and this is where Monterey has a clear advantage. The region is defined by the “Thermal Rainbow”—a phenomenon where temperatures rise as you move south from the cold waters of the Monterey Bay.
The climate of Monterey County, with its cooling fog from the bay and well-drained soils, makes it one of the premier locations for cool-climate viticulture.
The region is most famous for its **Chardonnay and Pinot Noir**. Because of the long growing season and steady maritime cooling, the grapes retain high acidity and complex fruit flavors. While Chardonnay and Pinot are the specialties, you will also find exceptional Syrah, Riesling, and Pinot Gris in the cooler corridors, and robust Bordeaux varieties in the warmer Carmel Valley.
Best Wineries In Monterey
Whether your trip to Monterey involves a romantic dinner or a relaxing afternoon with your family, these wineries offer tasting events that you should experience at least once.
Some of Monterey’s more notable vineyards and wineries include:
A Taste of Monterey – Wine Market & Bistro
- Location: 700 Cannery Row (2nd floor) Ste. KK Monterey, CA 93940
- Tasting Room Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 am – 6 pm; Friday-Saturday 11 am – 7 pm
- Tasting Fee: Starts at $25 per person
- Contact Number: (831) 646-5446
- Website: https://www.atasteofmonterey.com/
Visiting this location is the absolute best way to sample a broad spectrum of Monterey County tasting in one go. Located on the second floor of a former sardine cannery, the wall of windows offers a spectacular view of the bay.
They represent over 95 local wineries, many of which don’t have their own public tasting rooms. It is a fantastic place to compare different flights of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay while watching sea otters in the kelp beds below.
Most known for:
- Sublime panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean
- Comprehensive selection of local Monterey County wines
- Knowledgeable staff and a full bistro menu to pair with your tasting
Bargetto Winery of Cannery Row
- Location: 700-G Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940
- Tasting Room Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tasting Fee: $15 – $20 per person
- Contact Number: (831) 373-4053
- Website: https://bargetto.com/
Bargetto Winery is a historic staple and has been producing hand-crafted wines since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. Their Cannery Row tasting room brings their Santa Cruz Mountains expertise to the heart of Monterey.
They serve award-winning Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and Chardonnay. In addition to their traditional varietals, Bargetto is famous for its **Chaucer’s** line of fruit wines and Honey Mead, which offer a unique departure from standard grape wines.
Most known for:
- Historic winemaking heritage and approachable staff
- Unique fruit wines and meads
- Excellent location for walkers exploring the historic waterfront
Scheid Vineyards
- Location: San Carlos St & 7th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
- Tasting Room Hours: Daily 12 pm – 6 pm (extended to 7 pm on Fri/Sat)
- Contact Number: (831) 626-9463
- Website: https://www.scheidvineyards.com/
Scheid Vineyards is a powerhouse in the Monterey wine scene, producing estate-grown wines from 11 different vineyards spanning the length of the Salinas Valley. Their Carmel-By-The-Sea tasting room is a must-visit for its modern yet cozy aesthetic.
You can sample everything from their crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc to their bold, small-lot Tannat and Petit Verdot. Scheid is also a leader in sustainable viticulture, with their entire winery powered by a massive on-site wind turbine.
Most known for:
- Exceptional sustainability practices and wind-powered winemaking
- A diverse portfolio with over 30 different varietals
- Modern, high-end tasting room experience in Carmel
Comanche Cellars
- Location: 412 Alvarado Street, Monterey, CA 93940
- Tasting Room Hours: Tue – Sat 12 pm – 7 pm, Sun 12 pm – 6 pm
- Tasting Price: $20 – $25
- Contact Number: (831) 747-2244
- Website: https://www.comanchecellars.com/
Comanche Cellars is a boutique winery that specializes in small-lot wines made with grapes from the Monterey Peninsula and the Santa Lucia Highlands. Named after the owner’s favorite horse, this winery focuses on “honest” wines that let the terroir speak for itself.
Their Pinot Noir and Merlot are particularly well-regarded. The Alvarado Street tasting room is located in downtown Monterey, making it a perfect stop during a day of shopping or exploring the city.
Most known for:
- Top-tier Merlot and Pinot Noir from local vineyards
- A warm, dog-friendly atmosphere in the heart of downtown
- Personalized service often involving the winemaker himself
Folktale Winery & Vineyards
- Location: 8940 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93923
- Contact Number: (831) 293-7500
- Website: https://www.folktalewinery.com/
At Folktale Winery and Vineyards, the team has created an immersive experience that is about much more than just the wine in your glass. Located in the beautiful Carmel Valley, the property feels like a European estate.
Visitors can enjoy live music by local bands every weekend on their outdoor stage, participate in yoga sessions among the vines, or simply enjoy a curated lunch in the “Wine Garden.” Their wines range from sparkling Bruts to sophisticated Syrahs and Chardonnays.
Most known for:
- The stunning architectural design and “fairytale” atmosphere
- Excellent full-service restaurant and wood-fired pizzas
- Vibrant schedule of events including live music and seasonal festivals
Talbott Vineyards
- Location: SW Corner of 5th and Dolores, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
- Tasting Room Hours: Daily 11 am — 6 pm
- Website: https://www.talbottvineyards.com/
Talbott Vineyards is a name synonymous with high-end Monterey Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their flagship Sleepy Hollow Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands is legendary for producing complex, award-winning fruit.
The Carmel-By-The-Sea tasting room offers a sophisticated environment to sample their reserve wines. Talbott is especially famous for its “Diamond T” and “Sleepy Hollow” collections, which consistently receive top marks from critics and connoisseurs alike.
Most known for:
- Acclaimed Sleepy Hollow Vineyard fruit
- Some of the best high-end Pinot Noir in the Monterey region
- Refined and elegant tasting room atmosphere in Carmel
Also Read: 12 Best Organic Wine Brands
De Tierra Vineyards
- Location: Mission St & 5th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
- Tasting Room Hours: Mon – Thu: 1 pm – 6 pm, Fri – Sun: 1 pm – 7 pm
- Contact Number: (831) 622-9704
- Website: https://www.detierra.com/
De Tierra Vineyards is another “can’t miss” destination in Carmel. They focus on creating superior Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while also offering less common varietals like Riesling.
Their tasting sessions are known for being extremely pleasant and laid-back. The winery keeps a busy calendar of events, including trivia nights and local music shows, making it a favorite for both locals and travelers.
Most known for:
- Award-winning Syrah and Pinot Noir
- Welcoming atmosphere and fun community events
- Excellent wine club perks for returning visitors
Conclusion
Monterey has a rich wine history and culture. Home to over 150 vineyards, the region offers the perfect maritime climate for varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—cool enough that you’ll always find that characteristic coastal freshness that distinguishes it from Napa.
Monterey County produces some of California’s most distinct and flavor-driven wines. The scenery itself is enough to make it a must-see destination, especially for those who love the intersection of mountain valleys and ocean air.
In conclusion, if you’re planning a trip that combines whale watching, world-class golf, and elite wine tasting, Monterey is the place for you.“`