Monterey County is comprised of five appellations (also called
a VA, or viticulture area) planted with
about 30,000 acres of vineyard. Northern Monterey County’s
climate is cool and foggy, turning hotter and drier heading
southeast. Although there is a fairly wide selection of grapes
grown here, Monterey County provides over 50% of California’s
Riesling grapes.
MONTEREY VA:
Encompassing most of all the county’s grape production, the
Salinas Valley is known for outstanding Chardonnays and Rieslings.
It also grows 60% of California’s Pinot Blanc. Cabernet
Sauvignon comprises about 10% of Monterey VA’s grape production.
Because the valley is short on rainfall, irrigation is critical.
In fact, the growing conditions have prompted much of the state’s
wine technology advances.
ARROYO SECO:
A sub-zone of the Monterey VA, most of Arroyo Seco falls in a
protected area against the coastal range foothills. The terrain is
a gently sloping bench-land beginning south of Soledad , continuing
through Greenfield and fanning westward to form a triangle. There
are 5,000 acres of primarily Riesling and Chardonnay.
CARMEL VALLEY VA:
Carmel Valley is southwest of Carmel, California, the famous
resort village. Running parallel to the Salinas River and Valley,
which is further inland, Carmel Valley is at a higher elevation.
It is warmer and receives more rain than Salinas Valley, making it
better suited for red grapes.
CHALONE VA:
Situated high on the steep hills east of Salinas Valley
bordering San Benito County, Chalone is one of the highest VA’s
in California at 1,650 feet above sea level. Its rocky, volcanic
topsoil and heavy limestone deposits coupled with a dry climate
provide tough growing conditions. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are
the two most widely planted grapes with low, but intensely
aromatic and flavorful yields.
GREENFIELD VA:
At the southern end of the Salinas Valley on the Salinas River,
Greenfield has a cool climate that can become very breezy in the
summer. To prevent damage from the winds, mostly early ripening
varietals are planted. Riesling has traditionally been the primary
grape, with Chardonnay becoming increasingly popular.
Alban Vineyards
Bonterra Vineyards
Chalone Vineyard
Chateau Julien
Durney Vineyards
Estancia Estates
Georis Winery
Hess Collection Winery
Jekel Vineyards
Laetitia Vineyard & Winery
J. Lohr
Monterey Peninsula Winery
Monterey Vineyard
Morgan Winery
The Paraiso Springs Vineyard
Talbott Vineyard
Tessera
Ventana Vineyards
