Top Things to do in Monterey County
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What to do and see in Monterey County, Monterey County: The Best Wineries & Vineyards
Monterey offers a host of historic attractions from Cannery Row to the famed Monterey Aquarium. This incredible sliver of oceanfront offers an amazing bounty of things to do, with marine, floral and vine-fresh delights to savor. Monterey-Salinas Transit and Amtrak let you take your eyes off the road. Charming towns, world-class golf courses and idyllic inns lie at the hem of the glittering Pacific. Whether you're looking for calm or noisy beachside fun, the Monterey Peninsula has it in buckets.
Restaurants in Monterey County
1. Holman Ranch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 63 reviews
This stunning 750 acre property includes a fully restored historic stone hacienda, overnight guest rooms, vineyards and wine caves, olive grove, and horse stables. Holman Ranch is available for private events and weddings, and is accessible BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call to arrange a tour of the property.
Reviewed By sttr0421 - Laguna Hills, United States
One of the only options right now for actual winery tours that meet all required Covid guidelines. We paid for the off-road experience and had the best tour guide, Peter. He took us all over the property, stopping in to see the wine caves (you can peek in), through the vineyard (even ate grapes off the vine) and ended with our own personal tasting outside the Hacienda. It's picturesque and no wonder a hot spot for weddings. The wines are excellent and don't forget to snag a bottle of their olive oil. Tasty!
2. Smith & Hook Winery
3. Pierce Ranch Vineyards Tasting Room
4. Joullian Vineyards & Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Joullian Vineyards and Winery is committed to growing superb grapes that create memorable wines. We are dedicated to producing the finest wines from the area. Our tasting room in the village offers three different tasting flight menus. It also has a new barrel room which is perfect for rehearsal dinners, private tastings, and charity events. Joullian also offers tours of the Vineyard and Winery.
Reviewed By BnRadventures2015 - Los Angeles, United States
Favorite tasting room in Carmel valley!! Laura our server was a pleasure to chat with and super knowledgeable about wine. Loved the atmosphere, the wines and the service.
5. Chesebro Wines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
6. Cima Collina
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We returned to Cima Collina as they have fabulous red wines. Staff is amazing. We also like the patio area. its a great place to taste wine and enjoy. If so inclined, its also a good place for a picnic.
7. Big Sur Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By 377brianf - Scottsdale, United States
You MUST come here if you are wine tasting in the Valley! Lenora is a small batch craft vineyard that harkens back to the day of artisanal wine making. Her wines win many awards with good reason!! Her Reserve Pinot Noir is absolute perfection in a glass. The more it ages, the better it gets. Stop by and have Lenora regale you with stories of life and wine!!! Both Lenora and her wine are fabulous! You’re gonna hate yourself if you don’t stop in and join the fan club!
8. Idle Hour Tasting Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
We focus on single-vineyard designated wines: Pinot Noirs from select Santa Lucia Highlands and San Benito County Vineyards, Madera County Viognier and Syrah and Clarksburg Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Tannat, and Cabernet Franc. Our wines are produced in small lots. We use sustainably grown grapes and make the wine gently, using native yeasts, gravity flow and other traditional methods.
9. Blue Fox Cellars
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Blue Fox Cellars is a family-owned winery producing elegantly balanced wines including unique varietals. Tastings conducted with the winemaker/ owner. So bring your taste buds and your questions for a fun and educational experience. Charcuterie Plates, comprised of meat and cheese from local family owned artisan producers, are available to accompany your tasting. Ask about our tasting classes!
Reviewed By jeperry - Bloomington, United States
We stopped in on a whim while visiting Cannery Row and were so glad we did. The wine was really wonderful and talking to the winemaker about his craft made it even better. The tasting room with local art and a redwood bar makes a great place to relax for a bit. You'll end up taking home at least one bottle!
10. Comanche Cellars
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Comanche Cellars, a warm and welcoming tasting room where locals and travelers meet to sample delicious wine from local artisanal wine maker Michael Simons who creates small-batch vintages from grapes sourced from extraordinary California vineyards. Join our wine club for free tastings each month or stop in to taste and choose bottles to take home. We are child and dog friendly at Old Monterey’s “Most Welcoming Business!”
