Monterrey - Carmel

Monterrey - Carmel

ROAR Wines

glass of wine

Gary and Rosella Franscioni founded ROAR Wines with the conviction that Pinot Noir had a bright future in the Santa Lucia Highlands, coupled with the aspiration that their farming expertise would translate into exceptional grapes and wines. In 1996, they planted Rosella’s Vineyard on their home ranch, followed by Garys’ Vineyard in 1997 in partnership with the Pisoni family. The inaugural vintage of ROAR was released in 2001, crafted from these two vineyards. From the outset, the couple’s mission was to create wines they themselves would enjoy drinking, a vision that garnered critical acclaim almost immediately. About a decade later, they expanded their endeavor by planting two additional vineyards: Sierra Mar and Soberanes. Today, Gary and his sons continue to enhance and innovate in both the vineyards and winery, striving to produce the highest quality wines their land can offer.

Georis Winery

grape clusters - Pixabay

The tasting room is located at 1 Pilot Rd., Carmel Valley, California. This adobe-style tasting room evokes the early California Mission architecture, featuring tall ceilings, a large fireplace, and hand-hewn oversized beams supporting an impressive roof adorned with antique handmade Spanish tiles. The surrounding gardens boast lush, mature landscaping and include a small decorative vineyard planted with Petrus Clone.

Visitors can enjoy the stylish interior while tasting the fine wines or choose to stroll through the gardens to find a favorite spot. The knowledgeable staff is prepared to provide insights into the winemaking philosophy and offer detailed information about the world-class wines.

Guests are welcome to visit the tasting room Wednesday through Monday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with exceptions for weather conditions and holidays. For inquiries or to make arrangements for large groups, please call (831) 659-1080. The team appreciates advance notice to ensure a delightful experience while savoring some of California’s finest wines.

Morgan Winery

Chardonnay grape clusters - by photographer Randy Caparoso

 

Discover Morgan Winery: A Taste of the Santa Lucia Highlands

With over thirty years of experience, Dan Lee has made Morgan Winery a name to know for anyone who loves artisan, vineyard-centric wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey.

Originally hailing from a small town in California’s Central Valley, Dan was on a path to study veterinary medicine at UC Davis. However, as fate would have it, he discovered a passion for enology late in his college career—combining his love for science and agriculture in a delicious way! He quickly enrolled in the graduate enology program and landed a winemaking position at Jekel Winery in Monterey County.

After honing his craft at Jekel, Dan moved to Durney Vineyard, where he continued to create exceptional Monterey wines. While making wine full-time, he dreamed of launching his own label. At a Monterey County Winegrowers Association meeting, he shared his vision with a banker who would not only become his business advisor but also his wife, Donna Lee.

In 1982, Dan and Donna opened the doors of Morgan Winery, and their very first Monterey Chardonnay snagged a Gold Medal at the LA County Fair and a Platinum Medal from Wine & Spirits Magazine. Since those early days, Morgan Winery has blossomed into one of the Central Coast’s most celebrated labels, earning “Winery of the Year” honors from both Wine & Spirits in 1996 and the San Francisco Chronicle in 2003.

As Dan’s expertise grew, so did his focus on the Santa Lucia Highlands and single vineyard releases. In 1996, he and Donna made a significant investment by purchasing the Double L Vineyard, which has since become one of California's most renowned vineyards. Dan’s leadership was further recognized when he was named the first Board President of the Santa Lucia Highlands Winegrowers Association in 2005.

Today, Morgan Winery is synonymous with high-quality, artisan wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey appellations. Located conveniently off Rio Road at Highway One in the Crossroads Shopping Center of Carmel, Taste Morgan invites wine lovers to immerse themselves in the family’s history and craftsmanship through a relaxed tasting experience.

Tasting Experience

Guests can enjoy tastings indoors or on the pet-friendly, heated patio, where they can savor a flight of four locally grown and produced wines from a curated tasting menu. Each flight is just $25, and the fee is waived with a $50 purchase. Club members enjoy complimentary tastings!

Whether visiting as a walk-in or reserving a spot in advance, everyone is welcome to indulge in the latest vintages— Join Morgan Winery for a delightful journey through the flavors of the Santa Lucia Highlands!

Chardonnay grape clusters - by photographer Randy Caparoso

Parsonage Village Vineyard

glass of wine - Pixabay

Parsonage Village Vineyard is planted on a seven-acre south-facing hillside bench 500 feet above the Carmel River and a half mile east of the Carmel Valley Village. The mesoclimate(yes, it's not a microclimate which encompasses a larger area than meso) here is ideal for the all red varietals--Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Verdot that make up the Estate Vineyard.

Otter Cove

Otter Cove Pinot Noir lable

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

Twisted Roots Vineyard

wine tasting with small bites

The name "Twisted Roots" originates from the deep and gnarled roots of Lodi old vine Zinfandel found in Julie Ruiz’s childhood vineyard, where the vines date back to the early 1900s. One day, while excavating vines, Julie's beloved uncle remarked, “Those roots are really twisted; that would be a great name for a winery.” This moment became a cherished memory for both Julie and her husband, Josh, marking the true birth of the winery.

Both Josh and Julie share a profound love for agriculture, community, and friendship. Josh's mission has been to cultivate a sense of community around wine, a beverage that was not common in his own upbringing. As an entrepreneur, he was determined to create a winery rooted in the legacy of Lodi Vineyards and to share those wines with his new home in Carmel Valley.

By fortunate circumstances, he partnered with several close friends to develop a dynamic winery and hospitality experience, offering a diverse selection of wines not typically found in the area, including Old Vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Hard Cider. Each wine is produced in small batches, carefully sourced from unique sites to ensure quality and meticulous attention to detail. Visitors are invited to explore the charming, newly renovated tasting room, the perfect setting for enjoying life’s most important treasures—connection with others.

Blackstone Winery

Rows of wine barrels - Pixabay

“Sonoma County is one of the most fabulous places in the world to live and make wine,” says Gary Sitton, Blackstone's winemaker. “There’s no place like it. The immense diversity—from the coastline to the mountains, valleys and rivers—still leaves me in awe. For me, tapping into this range of growing conditions is fundamental to making beautifully expressive wines.”

Pessagno Winery

glasses of white wine - Pixabay

Calling to book with Pessagno was super smooth and the tour itself was incredibly cheap! $10/person! The tour ran about 90 minutes, which included a wine tasting. The property was not big, but the personality of our tour guide Chris was huge; what a nice, generous fella! Huge tasting room- with records playing for background music. We were told we can even bring your own '45; if the staff approves, they will play it. They also had cheese platters available with Brie, Manchego, other varieties, nuts and dried fruits. Great Pinot Noirs, Ports and Port Varieties. This vineyard's production is low, but quality is significantly high, especially for the price point.

Cima Collina

glass of wine - Pixabay

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.

Calera Wine Company

grapes

Calera Winen Company is a winery with vision and that vision is expressed so well in the wines that are produced there. Rather than follow the recommended path, Josh Jensen became a pioneer in American Pinot Noir. Taking his cue from the great domaines of Burgundy, which have grown grapes in limestone soil for centuries, he set out in search of the perfect spot in California to create wines that are truly unique, yet in the style of the greatest wines of France. In his search he ventured off the grid to plant on the site of an old limekiln in the Gavilan Mountains of California's Central Coast. Today Calera Wine Company still express that pioneer spirit and are revered the world over. We are happy to say that not just California Corks has taken note of this winery but that even Robert Parker is convinced: "Calera is one of the most compelling Pinot Noir specialists of not only the New World, but of Planet Earth." Why not stop in and enjoy some a really wonderful Pinot Noir experience with the wines produced by Winemaker Mike Walker. You will be glad you did.*

Hours:

Open Daily: 11:00am - 4:00pm
Tasting Appointments: 11am - 3:30pm
Reservations are not required, but always appreciated.

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