Monterey County is known worldwide for its diverse and scenic nature, including the Big Sur coastline, the white sands of Carmel, and the lush soils of the Salinas Valley. These elements, combined with the climate and soil, provide the perfect environment for excellent wine production.
Monterey’s winemaking history dates back more than two hundred and fifty years, when Spanish Franciscan missionaries planted the first crop of wine grapes in the community of Soledad. Since then, the area has seen increased production with approximately 40,000 acres of vineyards. However, it wasn’t until the early 1960s that Monterey first received recognition as a wine producing region.
The European influence is evident in the varieties grown and the pursuit of quality and sustainability.
Monterey Wine Country is a unique wine region in California with world-class vineyards and climates reminiscent of Bordeaux.
Monterey implements sustainable regimes tailored to unique microclimates each year to produce 53 varietals in over 349 vineyards.
Red grapes grown in Monterey County include:
Barbera; Cabernet Franc; Cabernet Sauvignon; Dolcetto; Graciano; Merlot; Nebbiolo; Petit Syrah; Petit Verdot; Pinot Noir; Primitivo; Sangiovese; Syrah; Tempranillo; Zinfandel.
White grapes grown in Monterey County include: Chardonnay; Gewurztraminer; Moscato Giallo; Pinot Blanc; Pinot Grigio; Riesling; Sauvignon Blanc.
Monterey Wine Country is home to over 349 vineyards that produce balanced wines with intense, complex flavors that reflect the varietal.
The diversity of grapes is due to the multitude of microclimates, weather and natural phenomena, and soil types that make this region a surefire winner for the present and future of American wine.
