Rugged, hilly and mountainous, Monterey Country runs approximately 145 kilometres from cool, ocean-influenced sites in the north to the warmer inland vineyard areas of the south. The differing temperatures and terroirs have led to the identification of eight distinct sub-regions: Arroyo Seco, Carmel Valley, Chalone, Hames Valley, San Antonio Valley, San Bernabe, San Lucas and Santa Lucia Highlands. Monterey winemakers work with more than 40 grape varieties but are best known for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The rolling hills, flatlands, rivers and mountains of Paso Robles are home to 200+ wineries, most of which are family-owned and -operated; a clue to the fiercely independent spirit that defines the region. Warm days and cool nights allow grapes to ripen while maintaining excellent freshness in a region that can produce burly Zinfandel, structured Cabernet Sauvignon, and intense Merlot. Paso Robles is also well-known for Syrah, Grenache, Viognier and Roussanne, as the conditions found here are ideal for Rhône varieties to flourish.
If golf is your thing, America’s greatest public golf course, Pebble Beach Golf Links, is waiting for you in Monterey. If you love fine dining, make sure that the Montrio Bistro is on your itinerary. And don’t forget the sun. This is true for all of California’s gorgeous coastal wine regions, but you don’t want to miss out on enjoying as many sunsets as possible, and Monterey Bay is the perfect spot, especially on the water after a day of whale-watching. Paso Robles is cowboy country and steeped in history, so while here, make sure you stop in at the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum and get a real sense of the region’s past. To get a taste of modern Paso, head over to the Paso Market Walk and saunter through the local culture, enjoying vegan cheese at The Vreamery or baked goodies at Just Baked, or take a wine-blending class at The Blending Lab.