Carmel-by-the-Sea has launched a self-guided Wine Walk tour. Why? Because 13 different tasting rooms can be easily accessed within just a few blocks in this one-square mile village, making for an easy and delicious afternoon stroll in this scenic California coastal town.

Galante Vineyards opened the first wine tasting room in Carmel in 2005, showcasing one of the best Cabernets in Monterey County. Owner Jack Galante is the great grandson of Frank Devendorf, one of the two founding fathers of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Like Galante, many of these wine tasting rooms represent long time winery families in Monterey County such as Caraccioli Cellars and Scheid Vineyards. Additional wine tasting rooms, Cima Collina and Wrath Wines, showcase the wines of female winemakers which is still a rarity in the business.

Some of the wine tasting rooms help accent other businesses including Figge Cellars in the Winfield (art) Gallery, and Scheid Vineyards in Homescapes, a local home décor business. The Cheese Shop, famous for tasting of cheeses from around the world also features wine tasting. Tudor wines are available for tasting in Andre’s Bouchee Bistro and the Bountiful Basket offers wine tasting along with olive oil tasting.

Southern Latitude Wines, Vino Napoli, LaBicyclette Restaurant and Nielsen Bros. Market offer wine tasting from Australia, New Zealand, Italy and other international climes.

For more information about wine tasting and planning your trip to Carmel, contact the Carmel Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, 800:550-4333.