Monterey Wineries
American Viticultural Area

This print by artist Kerne Erickson depicts the romantic golden hills with the majestic Blue and Valley Oaks that are indigenous in this region of California. The Monterey AVA was established in 1984 and is a sub AVA of the much larger Central Coast AVA. Within this AVA lie the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Arroyo Seco AVA, San Lucas AVA, Hames Valley AVA, Chalone AVA, Carmel Valley AVA, San Antonio Valley AVA and the San Bernabe AVA. This region, which has over 50,000 planted wine grapes, is predominantly planted in Chardonnay. The northern portion is a cool growing region and best suited to Pinot Noir. Although the southern part of the Monterey AVA can reach temperatures up to 100 degrees, temperatures rarely exceed 75°F (24°C). The soil is sandy to sandy loam requiring extensive irrigation. This area is home to over 150 vineyards and wineries producing some of California's top award wining wines.