Monterey County Named Top Ten Wine Travel Destination in the World

MONTEREY, Calif., Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau is proud to announce Wine Enthusiast has selected the destination as a 2013 Top Ten Wine Travel Destination in the World.  Monterey County is the only California wine region to make the 2013 list. 

"The wine country in Monterey County is less commercialized and provides a more authentic experience for the devoted wine enthusiast," said Tammy Blount, CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau, adding, "A wine country itinerary in Monterey County is perfectly complemented with our incredible array of intimate dining options, world class shopping and spa experiences, and the most beautiful coastline in the world."

The designation is the result of Wine Enthusiast editors who trek the globe each year in search of the most exciting places to visit.  Decisions are based on overall cultural experience, timeliness, travel infrastructure, and of course wine quality in the region.  The entire list is featured in the February 2013 issue of Wine Enthusiast, available on newsstands now.

"Monterey County offers so many unique and top-class experiences in not only wine and food but in everything from outdoor adventures to art to sightseeing. It has an undiscovered, offbeat, creative flair while at the same time offering very elegant experiences. We feel Monterey represents our reader - extremely modern, approachable, sincerely quality driven.  Glamour without pretense.  Progressive," said Wine Enthusiast Executive Editor Susan Kostrzewa.

Monterey County has seen a stunning forty percent increase of tasting rooms in the last year and is home to over 40,000 acres of premium vineyards.  Wine enthusiasts are able to take public transit to tasting rooms in rustic Carmel Valley which is home to the new East End Wine Row.  Shoppers can mix finding their latest treasure with wine tasting in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Fifteen  tasting rooms are now located in the walkable one square mile known for unique shops.  Vineyard experiences along River Road are also gaining momentum with A-T-V rides through the vines.

"There are amazing things happening in Monterey County, especially in wine.  I feel we are finally getting the recognition we deserve," said Sabrine Rodems, winemaker of Monterey County based Wrath Wines.

For more information about Monterey County visit www.SeeMonterey.com.

VISITOR INFO.

Monterey County is located 120 miles/192 km south of San Francisco and 345 miles/552 km north of Los Angeles along the classic California corridor.  The region boasts 99 miles of prime Pacific Coastline, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, three historic missions, 40,000 acres of premium vineyards, 24 golf courses and over 250 lodging properties.  Monterey County includes the Monterey Peninsula, Big Sur, North County and the Salinas Valley.  The Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), just three miles from historic downtown Monterey and minutes from the area's major attractions, is served by non-stop flights to and from Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN) and San Francisco (SFO).  www.SeeMonterey.com.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100707/MCCVBLOGO)

CONTACTS:
Colleen Chen, Monterey County CVB
831.657.6415; 800.555.6290; [email protected] 
John David Van Kirk, Monterey County CVB
831.657.6413; [email protected]

SOURCE Monterey County Convention and Visitor's Bureau