Did you know that National Wine Day is just around the corner? National Wine Day is an annual celebration of wine by wine lovers on May 25.

Although we don’t need an “official” day to open a bottle of wine, this National day is the perfect excuse to get together with friends and visit some of our favorite wine shops.

Humans have enjoyed wine for thousands of years. The taste is pleasing plus it has nutritional value and psychotropic effects. Traditionally, National Wine Day festivities revolve around indulging in and celebrating with friends and family. It’s a time to gather to uncork your favorite bottles or to splurge on that expensive wine you only save for special occasions.

California leads the U.S. wine production, accounting for 90% of wine production, and is home to over 4,000 wineries. With so many wineries, it can be overwhelming to choose where to celebrate. But don’t worry; we are here to help and have narrowed it down to our top three places to drink wine at The Crossroads Carmel, just for you.

Taste Morgan

Morgan Winery has been synonymous with artisan, vineyard-centric wines for almost four decades. Morgan Winery believes ‘conscientious, innovative farming regimens allied with traditional, “minimalist” winemaking techniques craft wines of balance, elegance, and distinction.’

Winemaker, Dan Morgan, strives to produce authentic wines that are true to the variety. He maintains vineyards and wines that show proper balance and complexity while ensuring they are enjoyable to drink.

With this focus, Morgan Winery has produced a record of award-winning wines. Morgan delivers consistency from bottle to bottle by nurturing sustainable relationships with their vendors.

Taste Morgan at The Crossroads Carmel brings the family’s history and craft to life through a relaxing tasting experience. Here you can taste some of their latest vintages, only available at the source. 

Taste Morgan offers both indoor and outdoor tastings. You can taste through a flight of four of their locally grown and produced wines from a tasting menu. They also offer wine by the glass and bottle so you can linger on and continue to enjoy your favorite wine after the tasting. 

Some of the award-winning wines you’ll want to try include their 2019 Highland Chardonnay and the 2019 Twelve Clones Pinot Noir, of their flagship releases. And of course their 2019 Cotes du Crow’s – always a crowd pleaser.

McIntyre Vineyards

McIntyre Vineyard Estate lies in the middle of a long stretch of benchland known as the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. This sweet spot is renowned for producing wines with great character and complexity. Winegrower Steve McIntyre farms some of the finest grapes in the Highlands. 

McIntyre Vineyard was among the first properties to become SIP (Sustainability In Practice) certified. This certification shows that they have accepted the challenge to review, implement, and amend farming practices that impact the earth, people, and future generations. It also offers buyers and consumers a trustworthy seal that guarantees quality.

Their tasting room at The Crossroads Carmel is contemporary and warm and has a natural, earthy feel. 

With their new outdoor park-let, you can enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting. Their tasting studio offers bottle purchases, in-person pick-up, and wine tasting outdoors. The park-let is family and dog-friendly so everyone can enjoy the celebration.

Some of the wines you must try are their new vintage, the 2018 Estate Vineyard Chardonnay, or the 2016 Estate Block K1 Chardonnay. There are so many wines to try, so we recommend making a reservation.

This tasting room offers more than just wine tasting, they also sell specialized glassware, wine-related art, and other wine accessories at their tasting room. 

Vin Bar

Vin Bar is a stylish wine bar, bottle boutique, and wine concierge service. They handpick their selection of wine from boutique vineyards in California and beyond. 

The wines featured at Vin Bar are from small production, non-mainstream vineyards, and made by experts who love the craft. Their focus is all on the wine. Using small production vineyards means that the wine is high quality but not necessarily high priced, and most importantly, it tastes incredible. 

Vin Bar’s Chief Wine Officer, Roslyn Anderson, is passionate about the wine industry, boutique wines, and meeting vintners. Her vision is to expand people’s wine horizons by introducing them to boutique vineyards they would never have found on their own. 

Vin Bar hosts a wall of wine which includes everything from sparkling to Pinot Gris and rosé. They even have a small selection of Italian and French wines if you’re feeling adventurous. The wall represents Anderson’s passion for finding small producers who might be unfamiliar to her customers.

Anderson has created a comfortable space for wine lovers to come and taste a large variety of wines and even discover a new favorite.  

Vin Bar offers tailored on-site or virtual wine tastings for you and your wine friends. Now nothing is stopping you from celebrating National Wine Day. 

How Will You Honor National Wine Day?

Having read about some of the best places to drink wine this National Wine Day, how will you honor the tasty beverage? Could it be tasting some award-winning wines from Morgan Winery at their tasting room Taste Morgan? Will you bring the kids and dog and enjoy wine tasting at McIntyre Vineyards’ outdoor park-let? Or will you get out of your comfort zone at Vin Bar and maybe find a new favorite wine? 

Whatever you decide, share your experience with us on Facebook or Instagram and use #thecrossroadscarmel.