Our Story

Missionaries plant the first vines in Monterey County, which are Spanish Mission grapes, a variety of Vitis Vinifera, at San Antonio de Padua Mission and Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Mission in the Salinas Valley. They use these grapes to make sacramental, table, and fortified wines.

Commercial wine production begins in the area. In 1919, Frenchman Charles Tamm planted the first grapes at what is now the Chalone Vineyard when his family became homesteaders on the Gabilan (also known as the Gavilan) Mountain Range. Tamm believed Chalone’s limestone soils were analogous to France’s famed Burgundy region. This historic 3.79-acre block still exists today and recently received Historic Vineyard status. Years later, during prohibition, growers sell their grapes to make sacramental wines to sustain the vineyard.

• In 1960, growers plant the first plantings of vineyards, including those of Wente, Mirassou, Paul Masson, J. Lohr, and Chalone, and Chalone produces its first wine label.
• In 1960, UC Davis Professor Albert J. Winkler develop a technique known as the Winkler Index to classify climates of different wine-growing regions. The Index categorizes Monterey County as Regions I and II, meaning the region's climate is comparable to Bordeaux and Burgundy's. These classifications reveal the potential of the area to become a premium wine-growing region to wine growers.
• In 1962, Mirrassou plants 1,000 acres of vineyards for Paul Masson.
• In 1965, Karl Wente plants 300 acres in addition to creating a nursery to supply vintners with wine, vine cuttings, and rootstock. Over 50% of today's Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc planted in California are planted off Wente Clones.
• In 1967, Durney Vineyards plants 60 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon in Carmel Valley. These vineyards produce wines branded under their label. 
• By 1969, Monterey County has almost 2,500 cultivated acres of grapes, most of which are French Colombard (a varietal no longer grown).

• In 1970, the cultivation of wine grapes spreads across the county. In the Salinas Valley, the first grapes are grown on the east side of the Gabilan Mountain Range (Chalone - 1919). The cultivation then spreads to other areas, including the west side on the foothills of the Santa Lucia Range and further south in the San Antonio Valley, San Lucas, and Hames Valley. Early on, grape cultivation also expands to the Carmel Valley. 
• The region's untapped potential continues attracting growers based on Winkler's recommendations and favorable tax benefits.
• Between 1971 and 1974, growers plant 25,000 acres, which include the world's largest contiguous vineyard at 8,100 acres. This signals the beginning of a new wave of vineyards.
• Over this same period, Al Scheid plants 2,100 acres, and Doug Meador plants the 365-acre Ventana Vineyards in Arroyo Seco. Also, Rich Smith plants the Paraiso vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands, while Gerald McFarland and Phil Johnson plant 9,600 acres. Dick Graff and Phill Woodward also expand their vineyards and winery at Chalone in the Gabilan region.

• In 1982, growers establish and the TTB approves both Carmel Valley’s and Chalone’s AVAs.
• In 1983, growers establish and the TTB approves Arroyo Seco’s AVA.
• In 1984, growers establish and the TTB approves Monterey’s AVA.
• In 1987, growers establish and the TTB approves San Lucas’ AVA.

• In 1990, growers establish and the TTB approves Santa Lucia Highlands AVA.
• In 1994, growers establish and the TTB approves Hames Valley’s AVA.
• In 1995, wine tourism begins, following the establishment of 5 tasting rooms at wineries and vineyards in Salinas Valley and Carmel Valley.

• In 2004, growers establish and the TTB approves San Bernabe’s AVA. 
• In 2006, growers establish and the TTB approves San Antonio Valley’s AVA. 
• In 2008, growers begin implementing sustainable growing methods in vineyards to protect their communities, workers, and environment. Several Monterey County growers are instrumental in establishing the SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certification. These practices include active social responsibility, water conservation, safe, ethical pest management, energy-efficient practices, tools, and machinery, active habitat preservation, and ongoing enhancements. (Innovation in sustainable vineyard, employee, and community practices continues today.)

• In 2010, the region adopts the Agricultural and Winery Corridor Plan as part of the Monterey County General Plan on October 26th. The Corridor Plan streamlines the process for new applications and formalizes the establishment of the winery corridor running along River Road below the Santa Lucia Highlands.
• In 2013, Wine Enthusiast Magazine rates Monterey County one of the 10-Best Wine Travel Destinations in the World.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=SamX25NpWLI&feature=emb_title

• In 2015, the Wine Spectator Magazine rates Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir the highest of all California Pinot Noir vintages, continuing its reign on top for the 4th consecutive year.

• In 2022,  growers establish and the TTB approves the new Gabilan AVA on the southeast side of the Chalone AVA.