Wines from Monterey

Established in 1984, the Monterey AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in eastern Monterey County, California. With approximately 40,000 acres under vine, this large wine region encompasses the entire Salinas Valley, as well as part of Carmel Valley. The northern portion remains rather cool with a relatively long growing season lending itself to Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir grapes. The southern part of the Monterey AVA can reach up to 100 degrees at times and is known more for wines produced from traditional Bordeaux red varieties according to our Monterey Wine Guide. Within Monterey are the smaller sub-regions of Arroyo Seco AVA, Hames Valley AVA, San Bernabe AVA, San Lucas AVA, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA which are mostly known for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines as noted in our Monterey Wine Ratings. With a focus on tourism and hospitality, Monterey was also named one of the top 10 Wine Travel Destinations by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Check out our Monterey Wine Guide below for more information on the region.