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) 223-0120, chalonevineyard.com Cypress Grove Winery Formerly Manzoni Estate, the new owners kept the same winemaker and passion for wines. The first bottles under the new label are 2024 Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé. More will follow. Paseo Courtyard, San Carlos between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 6206541, cypressgrovewinery.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 summers. 7th and San Carlos, Carmel. (831) 659-2649, dawnsdreamwinery.com 68 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 One of the joys of a tasting room tour of Monterey County is the diversity. Yes, most wineries craft remarkable Pinot Noir, but there are almost 60 grape varieties produced by local vineyards. Couple that with a group of winemakers keen to take full advantage of the area’s micro climates and soils, and you have an opportunity to find new favorites. But there are other equally compelling reasons to explore, whether it’s strolling downtown Carmel, the warmth of Carmel Valley or bay views from A Taste of Monterey. There is the satisfaction of discovering wines that rank with the best, but without the Napa prices—and in a more casual setting. De Tierra Vineyards WINE
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