Carmel Valley is one of seven appellations which comprise Monterey County's diverse wine country; and of these, Carmel Valley is perhaps the most distinct. Nestled into the towering Santa Lucia Range, Carmel Valley geographically defies daytime zephyrs and fogs, yielding the sizzling summer afternoons that are especially favorable to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other red varietals. Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel also perform exceptionally well in Carmel Valley.

The 11.5 miles from Highway 1 to Carmel Valley Village are dotted with wine tasting rooms. At the 5-mile mark is the Chateau Julien Winery and tasting room housed in an elegant French-style Chateau built in 1982. Further on, Carmel Valley Village boasts seven additional tasting rooms: Durney-Heller Estate, Bernardus, Georis Winery, Joullian Vinyards, Talbott, Chateau Sinnet and San Saba.