Located in the northern Central Coast region of California and bordering the Pacific Ocean, Monterey County has proven to be a superb growing region. The county begins 100 miles south of San Francisco and extends to 30 miles north of Paso Robles. Monterey County’s wine region is bound by the Monterey Bay, as well as the Coastal mountain range, and extends into the Carmel and Salinas Valleys. Monterey Wine Country encompasses eight certified growing regions or American Viticultural Areas (AVA). Included in the AVA is Santa Lucia Highlands.

The potential of Monterey County as a wine producing area was not realized until the early 1960's. During this time, a study conducted by the University of California at Davis ranked Monterey County among the top areas in the world for growing premium varietal wine grapes. As a result, the area's acreage grew substantially. Currently the county's wine industry boasts over 45,000 planted acres of wine grapes which makes Monterey County one of the largest premium grape growing regions in North America. The areas various microclimates allow for over 40 different grape varieties to find their niche here. Grapes here, on average, enjoy an extra 45 to 60 days of developing on the vine every year when compared to other northern viticultural areas.

Monterey
Though often confused as an appellation that encompasses the entire Monterey County, the Monterey AVA is the largest in the County. This AVA covers the range of the valley below the 1000 foot elevation (above 1000 feet are the Chalone and Carmel Valley appellations). This area enjoys differing microclimates, allowing for a diverse selection of wine grape varieties to flourish. The differing microclimates are due in part to the varying proximity o Hahn Estates Winery f the growing areas to the cooling effects of the Monterey Bay. Monterey County's long growing season supplies the white wines with rich tropical fruit characteristics and red wines with bright colors and a smooth style. Over half of this region is planted with Chardonnay, while Reisling, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon also do well here.

Wine Regions Represented by MDM

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