When one thinks of Monterey - Cannery Row, The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Steinbeck, Big Sur, Pebble Beach is the mental picture that flashes in the mind unless you are a wine lover. Surprise!
Well you don't have to be a wine lover to enjoy the magnificent wineries that snuggle in the hills of stunning Monterey County.
The experience
Visiting any of the wineries is a serendipitous experience. Approximately 85 vintners and growers are established throughout Monterey County. The beauty of the area is unmatchable. Each day this wine country area is akin to looking at a painting and seeing something new at each viewing. Add the friendly atmosphere, architectural designs of the wineries and tasting rooms that offer wines nurtured with a combination of care, thought and knowledge. Complete with a tad of originality a lot of panache and sometimes a sprinkle of "je ne sey quoi" thrown in for good measure, and you have the Monterey County wineries.
The beginning
More than 200 years ago, Franciscan friars in the area tried their hand unsuccessfully planting grapes. Not until the early 1960's when a report was published classifying grape growing districts by climate, did planting take. Monterey County was compared with premium regions of Napa, Sonoma, in California and Burgundy and Bordeaux in France. This led pioneer winemakers Marrisou and Wente to plant the first vineyards followed by Paul Masson, J. Lohr and others. The land, climate and creative techniques growers and winemakers made for a formidable competitor to its sister wineries in Napa and Sonoma. Today Monterey County has more than 45,000 acres planted in varietal winegrapes, including 40 different grape varieties.
Grape growing 101
All grapes grown in Monterey County are wine grapes - there are no table or juice grapes. Their unique flavor creates a grape that goes into the award-winning Chardonnay, which makes up 40 percent of the grape acreage.
Award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel red grapes are grown in the warmer southern areas of the county.
Dynasties and winemakers
The Monterey County vintners are a unique, eclectic group that vies for perfection with pride and a friendly competitiveness.
The winemakers strive for the perfection. They glory in their final output and adore and care for their grapes as they would their children. The owners, for the most part, have a partnership with the winemakers that runs from grand admiration, respect and awe and is embedded in each others lives. Families have dynasties from at least three to four generations. The sons and daughters are now sent to universities to learn the most scientific, updated methods to grow, create and market wines successfully.
The wineries
Here are a few that should not be missed. There are many fine vineyards in the county and the following are only a few that space permits.
n Chateau Julian Wine Estate
Located in the Carmel Valley area, it is a glorious joy to visit. The ambience of the winery meets the magnificent varieties of wines produced by Patty and Bob Brower with winemaker Bill Anderson.
Tasting: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends
Tours: 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m., Monday to Friday; 12:30 & 2:30 p.m. weekends; Picnic area
Details: 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel; (831) 624-2600 or chateaujulien.com.
n Pessagno Winery
Located in the Salinas area, it has some superb offerings and an enjoyable area to relax and taste. Nestled in the Santa Lucia Highlands.
Tasting: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday to Sunday.
Tours: by appointment; Picnic area
Details: 1645 River Road, Salinas; (831) 675-9463 or www.pessagnowines.com.
n Boekenoogen Vineyard and Winery
A family run operation with some interesting wines and a friendly boutique tasting room, in the Santa Lucia Highlands.
Tasting: daily at Carmel Valley Village 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; at winery at Fairview Road, Santa Lucia Highlands 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Details: 24 West Carmel Valley Village; (831) 595-7741 or boekenoogenwines.com.
Where to go
A visitor can spend days wine tasting and enjoying the glorious surroundings. Accommodations range from basic to upscale B and B's and hotels. Fine restaurants abound.
For an ultimate stay, the InterContinental: The Clement Monterey offers every amenity and service.
For the budget and fun minded, the Los Laureles Lodge is the place. Once a stable and renovated into 31 comfortable, charming rooms. Rate from $90.
Details: 313 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley; 1-800-533-4404 or loslaureles.com
Monterey County is where just about every type of amusing and educational activity can be found but their best kept secret is their out of this world wines. Do yourself a favor, top your "be good to myself list" to visit the area and taste the wines. You will be glad you did.
Camille Bounds is the travel/food and wine editor for the western division of Sunrise Publications and Inland Empire Business Journal.
Camille Bounds Camille Bounds is the Theatre and Arts Editor for Sunrise Publications.
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