Best Monterey Wineries and Wine Experiences

My husband and I visited the Heller Estate Organic Vineyards the day we purchased our Christmas tree. Completely clueless about where to go for the tree, we headed down Carmel Valley Road. We didn't find a tree (we got the at Safeway) but we DID find Heller and immediately did a tasting - our first at one of the Monterey Vineyards.

So what did I think? I don't remember any of the wines now except the Chenin Blanc. I forget the year, sorry. I love a good white wine for sipping and serving with seafood and other light fare. And I love how all the wines are organic.

It's worth a visit! I'd go back, if for nothing else but to get another bottle or two of the Chenin Blanc.

Visit their site: http://www.hellerestate.com/

Before I even went to Chateau Julien for the first time, I had driven by it on multiple occasions and always wondered what it was. It's an impressive structure with beautiful grounds. I've done the tour twice and just the other day my husband and I popped in for a glass of Gewurztraminer - by far my favorite wine that they have.

Each time I did the tour, I learned something new as each guide had their own style. There's a popular hiking spot down the street - I always thought it would be fun to take my post hike picnic lunch to Chateau Julien and wash it down with a glass of wine.

Visit the site: http://www.chateaujulien.com/

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We visited the Hahn Estates tasting room in Soledad, CA twice. The first time, we were simply driving through the area and exploring the scenery. We had a vague idea that we wanted to visit a winery, and we chose this one because A. it was open and B. they're wines are award winning.

This is by far the most fun tasting room we've been to. The people who work there are ultra passionate about the wines they're pouring out. I liked them all - some better than others. I believe I purchased the Cabernet Franc but there were others I enjoyed, too. Being around such a passionate crew really enhanced the experience.

Visit the website: http://www.hahnestates.com/

We just recently went to Boekenoogen for a tasting. We actually planned the excursion this time, though we didn't know which place we wanted to go to. It's located on Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Village. There are several tasting rooms in the Village (that's the general area where Heller is) but we were attracted to this one because of the sitting area outside.

The tasting room was pretty typical. The 2007 Chardonnay was not - it's the most memorable Chardonnay I've tasted since moving to California - and it's the best. I don't like the tannin residue that a lot of chardonnays leave off. A little tannin is okay, but I don't like when it's overbearing. This one is clean and crisp and excellent for sipping. Most Chardonnays NEED food to temper some of the tannin, but this one is delightful on its own.

Visit the site: http://www.boekenoogenwines.com/.

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