Chateau Julien
Trip Ideas
Explore Further
The biggest name in the Carmel Valley is Chateau Julien (8940 Carmel Valley Rd., 831/624-2600, www.chateaujulien.com, Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.). The European-styled white estate building with the round turret is visible from the road.
The light, airy tasting room is crowded with barrels, wine cases, souvenirs, and tasting glasses. When you enter, you’ll be offered sips from the wide selection of Chardonnays, Cabernets, Syrahs, Merlots, and more. If you’re lucky, you might find yourself tasting a rare Reserve blended red or a 10-year-old port.
For a treat, call ahead and reserve a spot on the twice-daily complimentary vineyard and winery tours. These tours conclude with a special tasting outside on the flagstone patio when weather permits.
© Liz Hamill Scott from Moon California, 2nd Edition
Buy Moon Travel Guides
Search
Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.