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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.

About christyonthevine

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@pasowinefest was a blast! Thank you @justinwine f @pasowinefest was a blast! Thank you @justinwine for hosting me in Paso this weekend. I had an incredible time trying different wines from across Paso Robles 11 sub appellations. 

While Paso is best known for its bold reds, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, a festival is a great opportunity to try new-to-you wines and producers. Sine it was in the 80s I decided it was a great opportunity to focus on trying different White and Rosè wines. 

If you want to learn more about the wines and wineries of Paso, the Paso Wine Fest Grand Tasting is a chance to try multiple producers in one place, especially ones that are new to you. 

Can’t wait for next year! #winepairings #winefestival #pasowine
The @slhwine Sun, Wind & Wine Festival is a practi The @slhwine Sun, Wind & Wine Festival is a practically a masterclass in tasting through the terroir of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. 

What other walk-around tasting can you compare multiple single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from the same producer, or even wines sourced from the same vineyard but made by different winemakers? 

While it’s impossible to taste through all of the wines and small bites at the festival, these are nine of my favorite sips and bites. Thanks again SLH Wine for the invite.
How are you celebrating @pasorobleswinemonth? If y How are you celebrating @pasorobleswinemonth? If you haven’t been to Paso Robles, you’re missing out- especially if you’re a fan of big, bold red wines #PRWMpartner. 

Thanks to its warmer climate grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel thrive in Paso Wine Country. 

That’s not all that grows in Paso, though. With 11 sub-AVAs, each with unique terroir and microclimates, there’s many different varieties including Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Albariño Also a growing number of producers have started making sparkling wine. 

So take some time this month to celebrate all things @pasowine and try some new to you producers. 

Thank you @pasoroblescab for the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Sauvignon Blanc. I look forward to trying them. #pasorobleswinemonth #prwm
May is @pasorobleswinemonth and what better way to May is @pasorobleswinemonth and what better way to celebrate one of my favorite California wine region than with a cheese spread and a selection of wines from Paso Robles? #PRWMpartner

If you’re not familiar with Paso Robles Wine Country, you’re missing out! Located about half-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco in San Luis Obispo County, this region is best known bold red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Rhone style blends. However with 11 sub AVAs, each with unique terroir, there’s many different varieties of wines to explore in Paso Robles wine country. 

Thanks to the @pasoroblescab I will be celebrating Paso Wine Month in stye with the following wines:

🍷 @serialwines 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabs are what Paso is known best for and this one was excellent. Serial is one of my favorite Paso Robles wineries. I’ve been to their tasting room in downtown Paso twice and have enjoyed all of the wines I’ve tasted. Especially their different Cabernet Sauvignons. 

🍷 @roberthallwinery Regenerative 2025 Sauvignon Blanc
Robert Hall winery is a leader in regenerative organic farming in Paso Robles, and one of only six Regenerative Organic Certified wineries in Paso Robles? 

🍷 @highcampwines 2023 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
High Camp is another Paso Winery I really enjoy. I haven’t had a chance to visit their tasting room yet, but I enjoyed their wines at last year’s Paso Wine Fest. 

🍷 @vinylvineyards 2024 Self Titled Wine
A blend of Cab, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this wine really showcases the bold reds that Paso Wine country is known for. 

🍷 @ancientpeaks 2022 Merlot
Merlot is another bold red that excels in Paso Robles warmer climate. While I often see it included in Bordeaux style blends from Paso Robles, I don’t always see it bottled on its own. I’m looking forward to trying it. 

When I used to live in Los Angeles, we would often take a three day weekend trip to Paso Robles to explore the wineries. Now, living in Monterey, I’m lucky enough to live much closer. I look forward to exploring new-to-me wines during Paso Wine Month. Cheers to celebrating all things Paso Wine! #pasorobleswinemonth
@lallagrill Promenade is about to become Marina’s @lallagrill Promenade is about to become Marina’s new hot spot. The latest addition to the Lalla Family of restaurants had their soft launch over the weekend, in preparation of their May 6, 2026 grand opening, and we were lucky enough to attend.

They have a great cocktail list, and their entrees were fantastic. We both went with steak, and I’ve never seen so many french fries with a steak frites entree. I was in heaven. 

If you’re looking for an upscale dinning experience in Marina, look no further than Lalla Grill Promenade. It’s worth the drive from Monterey and Carmel. 

Thank you for hosting us Lalla Grill Promenade, we can’t wait to come back. 

#montereybay #restaurantrecommendation
Another successful @slhwine Sun, Wind & Wine festi Another successful @slhwine Sun, Wind & Wine festival in the books! This celebration of wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands, is one of my favorite local events in Monterey Wine Country, because where else can you walk around trying single vineyard Pinot Noirs as you tasting your way through the vineyards of the appellation? 

 Wines in order of appearance:
🍷@pisonivineyards 2016 Pinot Noir
🥂@caracciolicellars Brut
🍷Selection of @cruwinery wines
🥂@tastemcintyre L’Homme Qui Rit Sparkling Wine
🥂@odonatawinery 2021 Blanc de Blac
🍷@joycewinecompany 2019 Escolle Vineyard Pinot Noir
🥂@privatepropertywines 2022 Brut Rosè
🍷@riboliwines barrel sample of Pommard clone Pinot Noir from Doctor’s Vineyard
🥂@dawnsdreamwinery 2023 Brut Rosé

Small bites in order of appearance:
🍽️@atasteofmonterey and @partyforyourpalate lamb lollipop pops
🍽️@thepocketcarmel sandwhich 
🍽️@santaluciapreserve beet cured hamachi
🍽️@ranchocieloyouth braised lamb ragu with gnocchi 
🍽️@qouignpastries truffles
🍽️@kleinfeldtfamilybbq brisket

And so much more! The wineries, restaurants and food purveyors brought their A game with excellent choices to sample from. It’s impossible to try everything, but I loved everything I did get to try. 

Thank you SLH Wine for the invite. We enjoyed the celebration. #slhwine #montereywines #foodandwinefestival
After dining at one of Pacific Grove’s newest rest After dining at one of Pacific Grove’s newest restaurants, @thecaledonianrestaurant and I can confidently say I had the best pork chop of my life. I’ve been wanting to visit the new @kimptonmirador and dine at their restaurant, the Caledonian, because I’ve heard great things from friends who went.

I love to start a meal with cocktails and appetizers, and the menu had unique craft cocktails, which made it hard to pick.

If you’re a fan of Martinis, be sure to try their Mirador Martini Service - they shake the cocktail and pour it right at your table.

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience. If you’re visiting the Monterey / Carmel area and looking for an elegant dining experience with craft cocktails and delicious food, make sure to check out the Caledonian. 

Thank you for hosting us, the Caledonian. We can’t wait to visit again. 

#seemonterey #pacificgrove #restaurantrecommendation
About Me

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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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