70 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 WINE 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. Mission and 5th, Carmel. (831) 622-9704, detierra.com Galante Vineyards The tasting room in Carmel offers winners like the very limited-estate Cabernet Sauvignon plus Sauv Blanc, Petite Sirah and Malbec. Dolores between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 624-3800, galantevineyards.com Kori Wines What started as a small production label from the family vineyards has become a winery racking up points for their Pinot Noir. Kori remains a family winery. Mission between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 293-8217, koriwines.com Lady Somm Any place can pour wines or tempt you into a bottle to take home. But Lady Somm does more—from blind tastings to a variety of wine education programs and even fun events. So you can taste and learn. 3728 The Barnyard, Carmel. (831) 295-0612, ladysomm.com Lepe Cellars Winemaker Miguel Lepe lives by a few rules. Source organic grapes, for one. Keep in mind that wine should reflect a sense of place— that’s another. And push yourself, experiment. Dolores between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 597-2029, lepecellars.com Morgan Winery Sample the offerings from the organicallyfarmed Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah from their estate vineyard Double L, as well as Rosella’s, Gary’s and Tondre Vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands. They set a high standard. 204 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. (831) 626-3700, morganwinery.com Scheid Family Vineyards The Scheid family produces superb Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon among a large portfolio of varietals—and a sparkler. You can spot their vineyard in South County by its landmark windmill, a sign of their eco-conscious farming practices. 7th and San Carlos, Carmel. (831) 656-9463, scheidvineyards.com Scratch Wines See listing under Carmel Valley. Dolores between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. scratchwines.com Shale Canyon The winemaker works in small lots with a deference to Cabernet Sauvignon. But there are varietals not often seen here—like Mourvedre—that also show that hand-crafted touch. San Carlos between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 332-2227, shalecanyonwines. com Silvestri Vineyards At the Carmel tasting room, tastes of distinguished Syrahs, Chardonnays, Barbera and Rosé—plus Pinot varietals like Blanc, Gris and Noir—pair with mementos of Hollywood composer Alan Silvestri’s work. 7th and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 625-0111, silvestrivineyards. com Talbott Vineyards These meticulously made wines are estategrown in the Santa Lucia Highlands and deep Carmel Valley. The tasting space is part airy atrium, part wine wonderland, part sunny dreamland. Lincoln Street between 5th and 6th, Carmel. (831) 659-3500, talbottvineyards.com The Annex Tucked away behind Seventh & Dolores steakhouse, this wine bar offers bottles from the Folktale line and a neat setting to sip in. There are also wine-friendly bites. The entrance is off Dolores, if you’re still looking. 7th and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 309-9463, theannexcarmel.com Tira Nanza The family practices minimal intervention, allowing wines to give full expression to each different vintage. And they keep it on the estate, producing Viognier, Vermentino and Cabernet Sauvignon. Mission and 7th, Carmel. (831) 250-0584, tirananza.com Vin Wine Bar + Bottle Boutique A stylish little space for tasting and learning about California wines. The collection here represents AVAs from across the state, so it’s possible to gain a greater understanding of the terroirs that flavor California wines. 237 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. (831) 293-8715, vinbarcarmel.com Windy Oaks See listing under Carmel Valley. Lincoln between Ocean and 6th, Carmel. windyoaksestate.com Wrath Wines Superior and sustainable Santa Lucia Highlands fruit translates to complex Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Limited, site-driven wines helped make this label an aficionado favorite. Ocean and Mission, Carmel. (831) 6201909, wrathwines.com CARMEL VALLEY Bernardus The signature Bordeaux-style blend, Marinus, flows along with award-winning Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and singlevineyard Pinots. A gorgeous tasting room and garden patio. 5 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. (831) 298-8021, bernardus.com/winery McIntyre Vineyards
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