Monterey Wine Trail Tasting Rooms
Are you asking yourself, “Is there a wine trail near me?” If so, you’re in luck because the Monterey Wine Trail is historic and scenic, and it yields Burgundian wines that provide visitors with a taste of Europe on the California coast.
Monterey Wine Trail
The genesis of the Monterey Wine Trail can be traced back to the arrival of the first Spanish missionaries and conquistadors, who planted the first vinifera plantings, in the 1790s.
However, the Monterey Wine Trail we know today was established centuries later in the early 1970s, with initial plantings by Rich and Claudia Smith at Paraiso, the McFarland Family at Sleepy Hollow, Phil Johnson at La Estancia, and Nicky Hahn at Smith & Hook.
Approved in 1991 as a unique AVA, the vineyards in this region sit high up on the southeast-facing terraces of the Santa Lucia mountain range and overlook the Salinas River Valley. This elevated position enables plantings to capitalize on morning sunshine before experiencing cool afternoon breezes rolling in from the ocean.
Comparable to Burgundy, the Monterey Wine Trail is categorized as Region I and enjoys a particularly long growing season, enabling grapes to fully mature and realize maximum varietal potential. Cool weather-loving Burgundian varietals thrive here, such as:
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Syrah
Furthermore, winegrowers here have left a legacy of innovation, which they continue to exemplify. Each vineyard is a living laboratory with new clones, trellising systems, and farming regimens continuously explored and improved. Browse our tasting rooms below.
