The area in and around the Monterey Peninsula holds the distinction of being one of the largest fine wine regions in the United States. There are more than 40,000 acres planted in vineyards. Nestled in the coastal hills of the Monterey Peninsula lies the Carmel Valley Appellation, a special wine-growing region similar to the valley on the Bordeaux Coast of France. The sunny, rolling hills of Carmel Valley will provide you with ample opportunity to taste the wines of the area and to visit some of the wineries.

What better way to experience the Harvest Season in Carmel Valley then with a premier wine tour from the comfort and luxury of a Your Maitre D Limousine. Begin your day with a Vineyard and Winery limousine tour of Chateau Julien Wine Estate located on 16 acres in the majestic Carmel Valley. Then head over to Robert Talbott Vineyards for a reserve tasting.

Monterey's famous hospitality is evident daily in the 16 Salinas Valley and Carmel Valley tasting rooms. There are over 20 winery facilities in Monterey County, with plans for several more. Many out-of-county wineries own vineyards in Monterey while several small artisan wineries buy Monterey County grapes, using other locations to assist in the winemaking.

If you are leisurely wine tasting, touring the wine country, or on a grape mission don't miss visiting the many wineries and vineyards this Wine Country Region has to offer from the privacy and safety of a limousine wine tour. Don't overlook the boutique wineries, or perhaps select varietals and map your day's travels based on locating the perfect Cabernet Franc, or syrah, or . . .

Wineries, tasting rooms, and vineyards are all legislated by their local governments and you will find appointments are necessary at some, some limit the number of people allowed through their doors, some charge to taste, some give away the glass, and others throw parties all day. Be sure to peruse our listings to find the winery that fits your itinerary.

• Chateau Julien – the only combined winery and tasting room in Carmel Valley
• Heller Estate – 100 percent certified organic, dry-farmed vineyards
• Joullian Vineyards – Delicious estate reds, three styles of Chardonnay
• Talbotts Vineyards – Chardonnay and Pinot Noir specialist
• Galante Vineyards – Three distinctive Cabernet Sauvignons
• Château Sinnet – Varietals, three champagnes, and exceptional fruit wines
• Bernardus Winery – wines made in the Bordeaux style
• Ventana Vineyards – Estate grown wines and other varietals.

		Chateau Julien Wine Estate 8940 Carmel Valley Road Carmel, Ca 93923 Phone: 831-624-2600 Tasting: 8-5 Mon-Fri; 11-5 weekends Tours: Mon-Friday 10:30 & 2:30; Weekends 12:30 & 2:30
Chateau Julien Wine Estate is located on 16 acres in the majestic Carmel Valley, a short 5-minute drive from Carmel. Guests are welcome daily for wine tasting and tours of the Chateau. Chateau Julien Wine Estate vineyards are located in the Monterey Appellation planted with Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Zinfandel and Syrah

		Heller Estate 69 W. Carmel Valley Road Carmel Valley, CA 93924 Phone: 831-659-6220 Tasting: 11-5 Mon-Fri Weekends 10 to 5
Durney pioneered the Carmel Valley viticulture area. Fed by underground springs, the essentially dry-farmed, organically grown grapes result in premium wines that are exceptionally age worthy. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc and Late Harvest Riesling.

		Galante Vineyards 18181 Cachagua Road Carmel Valley, Ca 93924 Phone: 1-800-GALANTE Tasting: By Appointment Tours: Special Events
Garden roses, vineyards and grazing cattle adorn Galante's 700-acre ranch in sunny Carmel Valley. Enjoy a tour, and taste our ultra-premium estate Cabernet Sauvignon and other wines. Call for a schedule of concerts and events. Galante Vineyards is located in the Carmel Valley appellation, planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.

		Joullian Vineyards 2 Village Drive Suite Carmel Valley, CA 93924 Phone: 831-659-8100 Tasting: 11 - 5 daily
Joullian's rich, complex and age worthy wines are hand-crafted in our estate winery from special clones of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel grown in their mountainous Carmel Valley vineyard. Joullian Vineyard is located in the Carmel Valley appellation.

If you are in town for the wine, don't forget about the charms of this costal region. The quaint shops of Carmel-by-the-Sea, historic Cannery Row, the fabulous Monterey Bay Aquarium, inviting white sand beaches, championship golf courses, fine dining and, yes, wine tasting.