66 The Best of Monterey Bay ® 2024-2025 Carmel Albatross Ridge They’re committed to Monterey County’s most successful grapes here, with three Pinot Noir styles—and don’t worry, they do Chardonnay too. Dolores Street between Ocean and 6th, Carmel. albatrossridge.com Blair Estate A showcase of the Arroyo Seco AVA and the wonders of Pinot Noir. They make an impressive Chardonnay, as well. Mission and Ocean (Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 625-9463, blairwines.com Caraccioli Cellars Caraccioli delivers unique still and sparkling wines (some of this country’s best, by the way) using the singular Santa Lucia Highlands fruit to produce small quantities of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and also méthode champenoise Brut and Brut Rosé. Dolores between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 622-7722, caracciolicellars.com Chalone Chalone is where fine wine started in Monterey County. They have their own appellation. The vineyards are old and respected. The wines are stately and elegant. But the space, opened in 2024, is Chalone’s first Carmel tasting room. Ocean and Mission, Carmel. (831) 2230120, chalonevineyard.com Dawn’s Dream Winery Dawn’s Dream borrows from decades of experience over at sibling vineyard Galante to produce Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, a range of Pinots and much loved Rosé for those valley sunsets. 7th and San Carlos, Carmel. (831) 659-2649, dawnsdreamwinery.com De Tierra Vineyards The winery’s estate vineyard is 100-percent organic and the crew uses sustainable farming practices to grow several varieties, including Riesling and Cab Franc. And Pinot, of course. They also have a history of hosting trivia night and other games. Mission and 5th, Carmel. (831) 622-9704, detierra.com Winemakers don’t build palaces to themselves in Monterey County. While there are many gold medal, 90-plus point wines from local vineyards every year, the scene remains relaxed and fun. Sometimes you might even catch the winemaker pouring samples at the tasting room. The reason there are more than 50 grape varieties that thrive is the micro-terroirs formed by the varied elevation, temperature, sunlight and cooling fog that rolls in from Monterey Bay. Local winemakers take advantage of this to produce standout Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, of course, but also less familiar—but equally stellar—wines from Arneis, Valdigue, Vermintino and other grapes. With some 60 tasting rooms, a wine tour is a must. wine Folktale Winery
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