Monterey
Situated near the midpoint of California’s coastline, the Monterey County wine region spans a 100-mile valley framed by the Santa Lucia and Gabilan Mountains. It begins just north of Monterey Bay and extends south to the San Luis Obispo County border. Spanning 40,000 vineyard acres and 10 sub-AVAs, this vast and diverse region is shaped by its varied soils, microclimates, and geography. Fun fact: Monterey’s winegrowing history dates to 1771, when Franciscan friars at the Spanish mission of Soledad planted the first wine grapes.
Windswept and unrestrained, Monterey County is a cool-climate haven for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling near the coast, while its warmer interior suits heat-loving varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon. La Crema sources from vineyards along coastal benches, where strong oceanic winds and scarce rainfall slow ripening, reduce yields, and preserve vivid acidity. Small berries hang longer on the vine, developing complex flavors. These winds are driven by a geological marvel off Monterey Bay’s coast—the Blue Grand Canyon. Learn more below!
Chardonnay Characteristics
With a reputation for vibrant acidity and layered complexity, Monterey County Chardonnay balances bright fruit flavors with coastal freshness. La Crema’s crisp expression shows exotic notes of stone fruit, citrus, melon, spice, and minerality.
Pinot Noir Characteristics
Monterey County Pinot Noir offers cool-climate elegance with its lush texture, vibrant red fruit, and earthy undertones. La Crema’s expression adds a plush touch, featuring rich notes of red fruits, earth, and tea.
Rosé Characteristics
Monterey County Rosé is vibrant and refreshing. La Crema’s juicy expression brims with bright strawberry, peach, and orange creamsicle flavors, balanced by flinty minerality and a crisp finish.
Pinot Gris Characteristics
Monterey County Pinot Gris shines with lively acidity and bright layers of citrus and stone fruit. La Crema’s juicy expression showcases Meyer lemon and nectarine flavors with a fresh, rich finish.
SHOP MONTEREY
Blue Grand Canyon
The Blue Grand Canyon, equivalent in size to the Grand Canyon, is a deep-sea trench off the coast of Monterey Bay that drives the region’s climate. Spanning 60 miles, it holds some of the deepest, coldest water in the Pacific, which rises to the surface and generates the cooling wind and fog that make it possible to cultivate cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay this far south along California’s coast.
Beyond Wine
Monterey County offers more than just exceptional wine; it’s a destination brimming with natural beauty and coastal charm. When in Monterey wine country, consider driving to Big Sur for its dramatic ocean views, visiting the towns of Carmel and Monterey—famous for its aquarium and Cannery Row—and exploring the Pebble Beach tide pools.
