Chalone Vineyard
Photo courtesy: Monterey County vintners & Growers Association
Fast facts about wine in the Monterey Peninsula.
By Jill K. Robinson
Monterey County is a respected premier wine-growing region, and these numbers tell the tale — from history to the area's importance in California's wine production.
1771
Year Franciscan friars, at the Spanish missions of Soledad and San Antonio,
planted the first crop of Spanish Mission grapes
Soledad Mission
Photo courtesy: SeeMonterey.com
9
Smaller American Viticultural Areas (AVA) located within Monterey County
46,000
Acres of planted vineyards
349
Total vineyards in Monterey County
53
Different varietals used in local wine production
72
Bonded wineries in Monterey County
67
Tasting rooms to visit
9
Percentage that Monterey County represents in the state's total wine grape cultivation
1919
Year commercial wine production began in Monterey County, at Chalone Vineyard
4
Past consecutive Pinot Noir vintages that have rated highest of all California Pinot Noir regions
(according to Wine Spectator)