Monterey: Frontier fever

With its dramatic vistas Monterey may seem like the Wild West, but its lack of rules and remarkable terrain are responsible for some of California’s most exhilarating – and often inexpensive – wines, reports Jane Anson

Monterey AVAs by numbers

1. Arroyo Seco

Approved 1983 c. 2,830ha

First vineyard 1962

2. Carmel Valley

Approved 1983 c. 120ha

First vineyard 1968

3. Chalone

Approved 1982 c. 120ha

First vineyard 1919

4. Hames Valley

Approved 1994 c. 890ha

First vineyard 1971

5. Monterey

Approved 1984 c. 16,190ha (includes land from other AVAs, except Carmel Valley and Chalone)

First vineyard 1961

6. San Antonio Valley

Approved 2006 c. 2,400ha

First vineyard 1996

7. San Bernabe

Approved 2004 c. 1,740ha

First vineyard 1972

8. San Lucas

Approved: 1987 c. 3,240ha

First vineyard 1970

9. Santa Lucia Highlands

Approved 1991 c. 2,390ha

First vineyard 1973

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