If you’re heading out to Monterey County, then you need to stop in the Carmel Valley and experience all the beautiful wineries the area has to offer. No vacation would be complete without a little relaxing with a beautiful landscape to enjoy while sipping on a delicious drink. So, why not heading to one of the many wineries in Carmel Valley?
Monterey and Carmel are filled with activities that can keep you going all day long, but you can also take a step back and relax on your vacation.
Always remember to double-check dates, opening times, and weather conditions before traveling.
These are a few of the wineries we love visiting when we’re hanging out in the Carmel Valley.
Best wineries in carmel valley
Chateau Julien Wine Estate
- Address: 8940 Carmel Valley Rd
- $10 tasting fee
Between the lavish picnic area and beautiful grounds, you’ll fall in love the moment you step foot into Chateau Julien Wine Estate. It is located six miles from Highway 1 and is an elegant winery with large vineyards.
If you’re short on time or in the mood to relax at one winery for the day, Chateau Julien is the one to go to. The winery offers tours, a tasting room, and a picnic area where you can enjoy lunch with your glass of wine.
Joullian Vineyards
- Address: 2 Village Dr
- $15-$25 tasting fee
Joullian Vineyards is known for their Chardonnay and produce over 12,000 cases a year. Chardonnay lovers will be happy to know that Joullian Vineyards offers three different types of Chardonnay to taste, all with different unique flavors.
Besides Chardonnay, they offer Sauvignon Blanc, estate reds, Merlot, Zinfandel, and more. The best part is all the grapes for these wines are specially grown in the Carmel Valley vineyards, so everything is local. Their tasting room offers three different flight options, and you can even get a cheese board to enjoy with your wine.
Massa Estate
- Address: 69 W Carmel Valley Rd
- $12-$15 tasting fee
Located in the Carmel Valley Village is Massa Estate, formerly known as Heller Estate. This 120-acre vineyard is located on a dry farm that is 100% organic. Their tasting room is small, but the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is lovely.
While enjoying a glass of wine, wander around the gardens and enjoy the sculptures on display. If you want to bring lunch with you, the vineyard offers a small, shaded picnic area to pair your lunch with their Merlot Rose.
Robert Talbott Vineyards
- Address: 2 Village Dr
- $8.50 tasting fee
If you’re a person that likes minimal options when it comes to wine, head over to Robert Talbott Vineyards. It is stationed right across from Joullian Vineyards, but this winery primarily focuses on two wines, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
Due to the unique climate in Monterey, grapes that produce chardonnay and pinot noir thrive, and the winery decided to focus their attention on these two wines. They offer two tasting options, and you can decide what you like at the tasting.
Besides that, there’s an outdoor picnic area where a deli lunch will be appreciated. Locals suggest trying their Kali Hart chardonnay.
Holman Ranch Vineyards
- Address: 18 W Carmel Valley Rd
Unlike Robert Talbott Vineyards, Holman Ranch Vineyards gives you a wide variety of wines you can try and enjoy. Their wine list includes Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and a rosé made from Pinot Noir grapes.
After trying all of these, you won’t know which wine is your favorite. Besides wine, they offer extra virgin olive oil produced from the fruits on the estate that are also available for tasting and purchase. It is a two for one deal.
Bernardus Winery and Vineyard
- Address: 5 W Carmel Valley Rd
- $20 tasting fee
Bernardus Winery and Vineyard is known for its Bordeaux style of wine. All their grapes are grown in the Carmel Valley or close by in Monterey County, and the owner loves to focus on wines made in the Bordeaux region of France.
The winery offers a few different tasting options, and if you’re feeling a little peckish, they provide small bites that you can order along with your tasting menu. If you’re in love with the winery, you can even stay at the Bernardus Lodge, which is right down the street from the winery and revisit the following day.
For some who aren’t ready to leave the house, they currently hold a virtual tasting option as well. You can learn more about it on their website.
Seabold Cellars
- Address: 3 Pilot Rd
- $15 tasting fee
Seabold Cellars is known for its sustainably grown, exciting and affordable wines. They have an extensive wine list that includes a dry Riesling, Alberino, Grenache Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more.
Unlike other wineries in the Carmel Valley, this cellar is a little smaller and cozier, featuring one of the pretties Carmey Valley tasting rooms. You will love the friendly staff, and the wine is to die for. Monterey County even voted their Syrah’s are one of the best in the area.
Cowgirl Winery
- Address: 4 Pilot Rd
Cowgirl Winery has an adorable farm aesthetic that is perfect for visiting families. Their wine option isn’t too large, which is great for anyone who wants to try just a little bit of everything.
While enjoying a glass of their blush rose, you can also nibble on a few of their food options, but the winery also encourages you to run over to Corkscrew Café across the street and grab some pizza to bring back with you. Their large outdoor seating area is perfect for relaxing while enjoying your time at the winery.
Carmel Valley is great to spend some time with your friends, family, or maybe just yourself. You can enjoy numerous different wineries that are all in close proximity to each other and have a great day trip or maybe overnight stay in the area…
You can even join one of the many Carmel Valley wine tours too. We can guarantee that one of these wineries will have precisely what you’re looking for.