TASTING ROOMS - GENERAL INFO
Carmel Valley has about 20 wineries/tasting rooms. There’s a nice variety of award-winning wineries: family owned, small boutiques, and large producers so I recommend visiting a diverse sample.
The tasting rooms here are generally laid-back and approachable with personable staff. Most don’t require appointments in advance but some are open only certain days and hours so it’s a good idea to check each individual place before you visit.
The tasting rooms here are generally laid-back and approachable with personable staff. Most don’t require appointments in advance but some are open only certain days and hours so it’s a good idea to check each individual place before you visit.
WINETASTING FEES
Tasting fees average $10-15 with premium tastings costing a bit more.
You can buy a Carmel Valley Wine Experience Cellar Pass for $50 which gives you eight tasting flights at member wineries. However, it’s valid for 12 months from the purchase date so it would only be worthwhile if you plan to do a lot of winetasting during your visit or plan to return within a year.
GETTING AROUND
Many of the wineries and vineyards are located up in the steep hills so they have their tasting rooms in a more convenient accessible spot: the Carmel Valley Village. It has a number of tasting rooms, restaurants, and shops within walking distance so you can park your car and spend the afternoon there without worrying about driving. Additional tasting rooms clustered together a short drive away.
If you prefer not to drive at all, guided tours are available.
There’s also a Wine Trolley that you can board in Monterey.
And if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can take a tour on an open wagon pulled by an antique tractor.
WINERIES/TASTING ROOM RECOMMENDATIONS
Stay tuned for more indepth reviews on individual wine tasting rooms in Carmel Valley but for now, here are a few of my favorites:
Also check out my other post for recommendations on what varietals to taste.
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