Carmel Road Winery
Barrymore by Carmel Road
About
Carmel Road produces three varietals: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. These wines thrive in areas where the temperature doesn’t get too hot during the day, and falls off rapidly at night. In fact, Monterey’s weather would be too hot for these cool-climate grape varieties were it not for the maritime influence from Monterey Bay.
Location Description
Located in the heart of Monterey County.
Features
- Where vines meet ocean winds.
Additional Information
- Meeting / Conference Facilities:
- Caves:
- Wedding Facilities:
- Picnic Facilities:
- Dog Friendly:
- Winery Tours:
- Wine Tasting:
- Art or Architecture:
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- Awards:
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- Lodging / Bed & Breakfast:
Winemaker
Kris is the father of twin daughters, who keep him busy when not at the winery. He also enjoys cooking with his wife, Jennifer
History
We were drawn to the area two decades ago, attracted by the combination of cool, foggy nights and warm, sunny, days that ripen fruit to perfection. Once thought too cool for vineyards, Monterey is now considered one of the premiere growing regions in California. Our sustainably farmed vineyards stretch across windswept benchlands, where the maritime climate and well-drained, alluvial gravel soils produce highly expressive wines. The first vintage of Carmel Road wines was released in 1999.
There’s a back road that stretches from the town of Carmel by the Sea, traversing the Arroyo Seco and through scenic gaps in the Santa Lucia hills, connecting the inland growing region with to the ocean. This winding trail was the inspiration for our name, our own Carmel Road.
Practices & Techniques
Land Restoration:
Rather than planting vineyards over a natural former stream bed, we restored the blueline stream, providing a natural place for diverting rainwater and maintaining the original environment.
Water Conservation and Quality:
Only drip irrigation is used to conserve water and the energy required to pump it. Winery rinse water from barrels and tanks is reused three times before being recycled for vineyard irrigation. One of the first wineries to introduce high-pressure barrel washers, we are now using 45% less hot water as a result of our efforts.
Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy:
Since 2008, we have retrofitted winery equipment to reduce our energy intensity nearly 15%. This has reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) associated with winemaking operations. As a next step, we are constructing an 840kW solar PV system at our winery to further decrease the GHGs associated with our electricity consumption.
Ecosystem Management:
Open space corridors allow wildlife to live in and about the vineyard and to travel freely to the natural resources of water, food and shelter. Habitat conservation provides biodiversity. Falconers are used to control rodent damage.
Integrated Pest Management:
Cover crops provide beneficial insect habitat and improve water holding. Leaf pulling reduces disease and we reduce road dust to control mite populations.
Estate Vineyards / AVA
Panorama Vineyard represents Carmel Road's highest aspirations for Monterey County wine. A rolling vineyard with views of the valley and nearby mountains, Panorama is planted to Pinot Noir with a few small blocks of Riesling. Along with the cool climate consistent to the entire area, three things combine to give Panorama the aspect of a great vineyard. soils, micro-terroirs and vineyard spacing.
CLARK & HACIENDA VINEYARDS
In order to capture the nuanced characteristic of Monterey’s terroir the Rincon, Clark and Hacienda vineyards are spread across the Salinas Valley. Elements derived from each vineyard’s unique locale are combined to bring our bright and expressive wines to life.