Natural winegrowing for us means producing the finest quality wines while working in harmony with nature and protecting the health of the earth and its people. As a CCOF - Certified Organic winery, we encourage environmentally friendly practices at many stages, from conserving soils and water, managing pests and using a natural approach in winemaking
Bernardus Winery, founded by the well-traveled and discerning Bernardus (Ben) Pon, is situated in the picturesque Carmel Valley. Pon could have chosen any location worldwide for his namesake winery, yet he selected Carmel Valley for its ideal west-facing orientation, warm days, cool nights, and breathtaking scenery. He was confident that this unique environment would allow his vineyards to produce wines that could compete with the finest globally. Over 25 years later, Pon achieved this goal with his acclaimed estate Bordeaux blend, Marinus, named after his middle name, as well as a distinguished collection of single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Nearly two decades ago, Pon also anticipated the needs of wine enthusiasts by opening the first tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. He transformed the former Bank of America building into a welcoming space for wine tasting and education. Today, the Village hosts over 20 tasting rooms, with the Bernardus Tasting Room offering not only exceptional wines but also a charming outdoor patio, a private room for wine dinners, and a comfortable lounge.
Following Ben Pon’s passing in September 2019, Bernardus Winery continues under the leadership of his business partner, Robert van der Wallen. A fellow Dutchman and advocate for quality, van der Wallen shares Pon’s vision and commitment to maintaining the winery's high standards. He has also founded Bernardus Golf reflecting the same emphasis on innovation and excellence as Pon’s legacy. With a passion for fine art, golf, and wine, van der Wallen is dedicated to advancing the Bernardus legacy for years to come.
Originally planted in 1973, the 80-acre McIntyre Estate Vineyard (with 60 acres planted) is home to some of the oldest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Another estate property, the 81-acre Kimberly Vineyard in Arroyo Seco, complements the winery’s holdings. Proprietor Steve McIntyre, a highly knowledgeable viticulturist, also owns and operates Monterey Pacific, overseeing 16,000 acres of vineyards in Monterey County. The McIntyre Estate Vineyard was one of the first in the Santa Lucia Highlands to earn SIP (Sustainability In Practice) Certification.
The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA has quickly risen to prominence, with 6,000 acres of vines—primarily Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah—thriving on the terraces below the Santa Lucia mountain range. The region benefits from a unique climate shaped by daily morning fog and strong winds channeled through the Salinas Valley from Monterey Bay. This combination gives the Santa Lucia Highlands one of California's longest and coolest growing seasons.
Had an excellent time here. The gentlemen doing the tasting was very personable and informative, I highly recommend.
THE WINERY: Otter Cove Wines is a winery located in Santa Lucia Highlands, California. The wines and winery are produced by the owner Richard Oh. You can find Richard pouring in Carmel at the corner of San Carlos and 6th. THE WINE: Otter Cove Wines produces the following wine varietals: Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Syrah/Shiraz. The price of wine tasting is a fee waived with purchase. Visiting the Winery Otter Cove Wines has the following amenities you can enjoy: Family Environment, Gift Shop, Private Tastings, Reception Facilities, Restaurant, Retail Sales, Wine & Food Pairing and Wine Tasting. If you want to visit Otter Cove Wines, it is open at the following times: Monday-Saturday, 12-8pm. Sunday, 12-6pm
Cima Collina produces artisan wines sourced from small Monterey vineyards. The concept of "artisan wine" for them involves partnering with growers who meticulously cultivate their vineyards, selecting only the finest fruit, and crafting wine on a barrel-by-barrel basis.
Their focus on Monterey vineyards reflects an acknowledgment of the region’s potential to consistently produce wines that are interesting, compelling, and unique. The cool maritime climate, well-drained soils, and the vibrant energy of the local winemaking community contribute to a dynamic renaissance in the region, making it an exceptionally gifted area for growing grapes.
Experience the wines of Cima Collina, along with other offerings from Monterey Wine Country, confident that these selections will meet the highest expectations.
This is a great vineyard and they make fantastic wines! The view from the deck is beautiful. The tasting room itself is nice. The drive up to the tasting room is beautiful and they have a lovely estate with rows of roses and trees, next to the vineyards. The service is fantastic and they are generous with the pours! I highly recommend going for a visit and enjoying the nice weather and scenery. They make a number of really nice wines and bottle under a number of labels. You may be surprised just how many different labels they have. They have some nice little snacks in the fridge there, but they are just enough to stave off hunger, so don't plan on getting stuffed with their snacks before tasting. I recommend getting a bottle and sitting on the deck with your own salami and cheese assortment.
Silvestri Vineyards began in the Piedmont region of Italy as an immigrant's dream of a better life. The year was 1908 when a young girl from Castell'Alfero, and a young boy from Novara prepared to leave home and travel to America. Joseph (Joe) Silvestri and Eugenia (Jenny) Martinetto would later meet and marry in New York's 'Little Italy' where they worked in the restaurant business. With the arrival of their children, they moved across the Hudson River to Teaneck, New Jersey, with the hope of building a life and a business of their own.
In 1950 a grandson would be added to their legacy and it was in this grandson that the Silvestri family would once again feel the wanderlust that had brought them to this land of dreams and opportunity. Finding his voice in music, Alan Silvestri traveled to Los Angeles in search of his dream through the pursuit of his art. Music was his vehicle for expression but food and wine, the staples of life at home, were never far from his heart. After meeting his wife Sandra in 1978, they would often travel back east where family events and occasions were always marked by wonderful food served with Jenny and Joe's homemade wine.
