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Christy on the Vine

California Wine Blog

Monterey Wine Country, Wineries · July 30, 2021

Albatross Ridge Cottage, Carmel Valley, CA

Christy sits on a classic truck outside of Albatross Ridge's Tasting Cottage in Carmel Valley, CA.

The weather was so nice the other day, I just had to go out to Carmel Valley and take advantage of it!

I wanted to check out the Albatross Ridge Wine Tasting Cottage in Carmel Valley. I’ve been to their very chic tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea and enjoyed their wines.

Exterior of Albatross Ridge's Tasting Cottage in Carmel Valley, CA.

Albatross Ridge Winery is known for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a wonderful Pét-Natt Sparkling Rosé. Their Pét-Natt was the first one I’ve ever had.

Albatross Ridge is owned by father and son team Brad and Garrett Bowlus. They’ve been growing grapes since 2008.⁠⁠ Garrett is also the winemaker.

They offer two wine tasting menus at different price points. I opted for the Grand Flight which includes their Chardonnay, Pét-Natt Sparkling Rosé and three Pinot Noirs.⁠⁠

Note: the tasting menus at the Carmel Valley location and the downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea location on Dolores St. are the same.

Albatross Ridge's Tasting Cottage in Carmel Valley, CA.

Pinot Noir lovers will rejoice! Their are 3 Pinot Noirs on the tasting menu. Each Pinot Noir was so different and I really enjoyed tasting the differences. I liked the 2017 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir the best.

Christy holds a glass of wine at Albatross Ridge in Carmel Valley, CA.
Me before Pinot…

Until recently, I didn’t drink a lot of Chardonnay, but I really like the one at Albatross Ridge. Aged in a concrete amphora, this Chardonnay didn’t have any of the spices or butter that Oaked Chardonnay has. I usually look for Chardonnay aged in stainless steel, but going forward I want to try more Chardonnay aged in concrete. ⁠⁠

We had a great time at Albatross Ridge, everyone was so friendly. We loved learning about the wines from Melissa and Jon Karlo. You may recognize Jon from the informative reels he makes for their IG account.

Christy holds two glass of Pinot Noir wine at Albatross Ridge in Carmel Valley, CA.
My face after I get to try two Pinot Noirs side by side.
Albatross Ridge Pét-Natt Sparkling Rosé.
Pét-Natt Sparkling Rosé

Albatross Ridge Tasting Cottage
19 E Carmel Valley Rd
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Phone: (831) 298-7388
Website: www.AlbatrossRidge.com
IG: @Albatross_Ridge

Wine Tasting in Monterey and Carmel?

If you are visiting the Monterey and Carmel area, check out my other local wine tasting guides: Monterey Wine Tasting Guide: Cannery Row and Old Monterey and Carmel Wine Guide: Best Places For Wine Tasting In Carmel-by-the-Sea.

First time in the area? Don’t miss 7 Things to Know Before Wine Tasting in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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I’m Christy, a wine blogger based in Monterey wine country who loves exploring California’s diverse wine-growing regions and telling the stories of the wineries I visit.

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