We’re doing a driving trip up the 101 from LA, and our first overnight stop is Monterey. We have no idea the timing of our arrival, but will have some time the next day before moving on to San Francisco. Any good wineries or tasting rooms open without appointment along the 101 through Monterey, Carmel or towards SF? How about in SF proper?
2nd Windy Oaks tasting room in Carmel. And if you will be there on a Friday afternoon, they include some fantastic cheese pairings from The Cheese Shop (in Carmel).
Concur on Windy Oaks, but it can be difficult to find. It doesn’t have a street address. You have to no out to the plaza it’s in and then walk in.
Le P’tit Paysan is also worth seeking out.
Also in Carmel is Albatross Ridge, who makes Pinots grown around Monterey Bay and Carmel.
In Monterey itself, on the east end of Cannery Row is Pierce Ranch, which makes an interesting selection of wines, including Portuguese and Spanish varieties.
Just to be clear, Big Basin is in Saratoga, which is about 90 minutes from Monterey. Their last several vintages have been especially good, fwiw.
We’re open in the village (about 20 minutes up the valley from Carmel) from 12-6 Wed-Sun. There are a couple of wines available for tasting that haven’t been seen much in the Berserker community and, I think, are pretty interesting, including our Enz Vineyard old vine Mourvedre and Bayly Cab Franc.
In Carmel, don’t forget about Caraccioli. They really do make the best grower fizz in the states. Hands down. Really nice rose that includes some vin clair as well. Windy Oaks and Albatross Ridge (one of the most interesting estate vineyards on the coast) are also great suggestions in Carmel, as is Pierce in Monterey. Pierce often hosts bands on Friday nights, so they might be open later.
Enjoy the trip. It’s a beautiful time on the Coast. If you do stop in Saratoga, check out Ser and Michaud.