Monterey County
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Monterey County is located in California’s Central Coast. The region is often associated with the natural beauty of its rugged coastline, oceanside villages and spectacular golf courses. Largely unplanted with vines until the early 1960s, an explosion of activity thrust Monterey County onto the global wine scene by the mid-1970s. Vineyards were planted in long rows along the floor of the agriculturally-important Salinas Valley and unique microclimates were found throughout the region. Today, this Central Coast county is one of the great bastions of cool-climate viticulture. The bulk of its 40,000 vineyard acres is located in the 80-mile long valley on the county’s eastern boundary. Monterey County is home to seven AVAs, each distinct and deserving its own voice. They are Chalone, Arroyo Seco, Santa Lucia Highlands, San Lucas, Hames Valley, Carmel Valley and the large Monterey AVA encompassing the Salinas Valley. San Bernabe, Delicato Winery's immense estate vineyard south of King City, is destined to become the county's next AVA.

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In the southern Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Georgia vineyards are small and few, yet the establishment of the Upper Hiwassee Highlands could bring much more.  [>] continue


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Monterey County

BLUE BOOK PROFILES

Blue Book Taste Profiles for the Monterey County County Appellation

Albarino

Malbec

Muscat Canelli

Pinot Noir

Sauvignon Blanc

Alive & Well here


Chardonnay: You are the world’s greatest star. Your fame has infiltrated every nook and cranny of the globe, regardless  [>] continue

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Featured Wines

Thomas Fogarty Winery 2007 Gewurztraminer Our 2007 ‘Gewurz’ veers towards fresh ginger, rose hips and pineapple. The mouth is vibrant and balanced with fine acidity and threshold sweetness that adds body and really allows the fruit to ‘pop.’ Drink early and often!
buy wine $18.00


Escafeld Vineyards 2002 Merlot A Merlot with aromas of black cherry and raspberry…flavors of cherries, strawberries, chocolate, vanilla and a hint of eucalyptus.
buy wine $19.95

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Winery sponsors of Appellation America’s coverage of the Monterey County appellation.