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Truly capture the essence of California’s Central Coast by spending time exploring the area’s natural beauty. To soak up the area’s culture, however, you must taste its local flavors as well! Monterey County is home to many wineries and vineyards. It’s a popular destination for wine lovers and is home to seven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). These areas are federally recognized wine growing areas around the country. Monterey County’s winemaking history dates back to the 18th century, so visiting the place isn’t complete without tastings its wines! Sample and learn about Monterey’s wine culture when you visit A Taste of Monterey.
A Taste of Monterey Wine Market and Bistro
Situated inside a converted 1918 sardine cannery along Cannery Row in Monterey, this wine market and bistro are appropriately called “a wine lover’s museum,“ dedicated to sharing all about the wine vineyards located in Monterey County. The center opened in 1993 when a few vineyard owners approached Ken and Robyn Rauh about creating a wine tasting and education center specifically to profile the winemakers of Monterey County. Now, the center highlights the area’s wines with private events, wine tastings, exhibits, and a monthly wine club. They feature over 250 wines from 85 local wineries.
Visiting A Taste of Monterey
The center offers daily wine tastings with breathtaking views of Monterey Bay as you sip on Monterey’s finest local wines. At the tasting, pick six wines from over 20 wines and munch on an appetizer or two.
The 4,000 square foot facility hosts hundreds of privately catered events throughout the year and has large glass windows that give you panoramic views of Monterey Bay. The center provides a wealth of information about local wineries and the grapes grown at its visitor center. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase many of the wines you sampled during your tasting.
The onsite bistro features a menu of small plates, appetizers, desserts, and more. The menu includes local favorites like clam chowder and crowd-pleasers like cheese plates, flatbreads, and paninis.
Monterey Wine Club
Bring the flavors of Monterey’s wineries home with you by joining the Monterey Wine Club. The monthly subscription wine club has nearly 3,500 members nationwide. It features anywhere from two to four bottles of wine delivered to your door each month and information about the winemakers themselves. Members also receive access to special events and can enjoy free wine tastings when visiting the tasting room in Cannery Row.
Explore winemaking in Monterey County
When you stay at the Ramada Hotel in Monterey, it’s easy to explore Monterey’s rich wine-growing culture and seven AVA sites. Learn more about the area’s wines with Monterey guided wine tastings. Or, spend a romantic evening tasting wines overlooking Monterey Bay in Monterey’s historic Cannery Row.
