Wine is a drink that encompasses more than fermented grapes. It’s hard work, it’s art, it’s history, and when it’s poured into a glass it can tell a story. With dozens of proudly owned and renowned vineyards at our fingertips, we wanted to bring attention to our favorite 5 wineries near Carmel Valley, CA.
Folktale Winery and Vineyards
In 1982, the breath-taking property that is now Folktale Winery and Vineyards was established. With over 300-acres of crops only 10 minutes from Carmel Valley Lodge, this team works fervently to produce their award-winning and organic Rhône varietals. Folktale focuses solely on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and was voted “Best Winery to Visit” by Monterey County Weekly readers. They were also voted “California Winery of the Year” by the California Travel Association in 2016, only one year after they were newly acquired by the current owner, Gregory Ahn. Folktale Winery and Vineyards don’t stop at professionally crafted food and wine. They also host an array of events for guests to enjoy their wine in different environments. You can book a private shopping experience at the winery and purchase wine glasses made by their master glassblower.
Paraiso Vineyards
In 1973, the Smith Family made their mark on SLH. Paraiso Vineyards and Smith Family Wines own over 800 acres of vineyards, making them the largest grower in the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. Wine Spectator Magazine ranks Paraiso Vineyards as the top California AVA for Pinot Noir. The magazine has awarded the vineyard’s appellation 90-94 points for every vintage wine since 2007! Located about 50 minutes from our lodge, you can reserve a visit to explore these award-winning vineyards and truly enjoy an authentic and peaceful wine-tasting experience.
Hahn Family Wines
The Hahn Estate was born in 1980. Owning and Farming these 6 estate vineyards is a true passion that has paid off for the Hahn family. Their four top selections: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah earned them the Hot Sheet Award and the Shelf Talker Award from Impact Hot Brands in 2019. The family offers two unique experiences for wine-tasting. You can travel to the Saint Lucia Highlands where their family estate is and sip wine on the deck overlooking the rolling vineyards, in the cozy library, or you can even book an educational wine-tasting experience via Zoom. You can also visit the Carmel Tasting Room in Carmel Plaza where you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in five estate-grown, reserved, and single-vineyard Hahn Family Wines.
Bargetto Winery of Cannery Row
Established in 1933 in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Bargetto Winery began taking home awards for its wine in 1962 when it won a gold medal at the California State Fair. Now some 50 years later, they’re still winning awards. In 2019 alone they won nearly a dozen awards for both their red and white wines. This gorgeous estate is about an hour north of the Lodge and specializes in estate-grown varietals such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and several Italian varietals. For their tastings, they offer two locations. One in their Historic Santa Cruz Winery and Tasting Room in Soquel and the second in their Monterey Tasting Room on Cannery Row. Both include indoor and outdoor wine-tasting experiences every day where you are warmly welcomed by their knowledgeable wine counselor.
De Tierra Vineyards
If you’re looking for a true variety of organic, hand-harvested wines, De Tierra features Red Blend, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and their 2021 Bronze awarded Rosé from Sommeliers Choice Awards. Their public wine-tasting room is open Monday – Friday, you’ll never need a reservation, and it’s dog-friendly. They also will be open Sundays throughout the summer where they will feature their award-winning wines accompanied by live acoustic performances. If you’re looking to host a private event, they also have Carmel Valley’s largest event room which can hold up to 40 people so you and your friends can enjoy their sophisticated wine together.
We look forward to hearing about which of these 5 wineries near Carmel Valley, CA was your favorite. You can book direct for your next winery tour vacation. Enjoy ending a relaxing day of wine-tasting by curling up into one of our California King beds across from the fireplace and waking up to a delicious complimentary breakfast.
