A Wine-Geek's Adventure in Salinas Valley
Day Note:
Start early in Oldtown Salinas, so you can shop the weekly Saturday organic Farmers Market. Then tour the National Steinbeck Center, taste some Monterey Bay wines at the new A Taste of Monterey center next to the Steinbeck Center, then stuff yourself with further Steinbeckiana over lunch at The Steinbeck House. After all this culture, it's time for viticulture, so get on River Road and visit Marilyn Remark Winery (www.remarkwines.com) and Pessagno Winery...
read moreDay Note:
Breakfast is included at VisionQuest, and you won't want to miss it, especially if it's delivered by pachyderm. Then down River Road to the furthest winery, Scheid and its demonstration vineyard. Afterwards, work your way back through Hahn Estates, Paraiso, and San Saba. Grab lunch as you see fit, preferably a picnic at Paraiso. On your way back to Monterey, if you're not too late or tired, stop at Ventana Vineyards, one of the original, and most influential,...
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San Saba Vineyards
Contact:
- 831.678.2992
- visit website
Location:
- 35801 Foothill Road
- Soledad,CA93960
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Map
Description:
San Saba only plants 70 acres of wine, but they are making quite the name for themselves in the Salinas Valley. They focus on Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their Bocage label features estate-grown wines only.
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Paraiso Vineyards
Contact:
- 831.678.0300
- visit website
Location:
- Soledad,CA93960
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Map
Description:
Located in the beautiful Santa Lucia Highlands, Paraiso Springs has one of the most beautiful Monterey County vineyards as well as some of its best wines. They focus on Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Syrah, but also produce a nice Souzao Port and Pinot Noir Rose. The winery has picnic tables right outside the tasting room with breath-taking views across the Salinas Valley and the Gavilan Mountains. Pack a lunch!
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Hahn Estates/Smith & Hook Winery
Contact:
- 831.678.2132
- visit website
Location:
- 37700 Foothill Road
- Soledad,CA93960
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Pack a picnic and plan to spend the day (or at least an afternoon). Call ahead to schedule a VIP tour and request a barrel tasting. By the way, “Hahn” is German for rooster, which explains their label design.
Description:
A little off the beaten path (about 45 minutes from Monterey), you'll be transported to another world at Hahn Estates. The grounds are gorgeous, the staff is fun and informative, and the wine is wonderful. Pack a picnic and relax on their deck, sipping wine, basking in the sun, and soaking up the dazzling view. Especially good are their Pinot Noir, Meritage, and Syrah. On a hot summer day, the rosé is crisp and refreshing. The owners frequently host small events or parties on the deck. Joining their reasonably priced wine club will secure you an invitation to the members-appreciation barbeque bash, which is not to be missed. If you can only visit one vineyard, Hahn is the place – go and toast to the good life.
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Ventana Wines
Contact:
- (831) 372-7415
- visit website
Location:
- 2999 Monterey-Salinas Hwy
- (near Olmsted Road)
- Monterey,CA93940
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Map
Description:
This winery has won more awards than any other winery in the country, the Dry Chenin Blanc and the Reisling being the biggest winners. The same team of winemakers has been here for over two decades and the aesthetic is European with a California flavor. The winery carries a wide stock of whites, reds and varietals. The property also has a retail store and a tasting room where you can sample the many award-winning wines. The winery grows their own grapes and in the last decade has planted over half a million new vines.
