Widely traveled and endowed with impeccable taste, Founder Bernardus (Ben) Pon could have chosen anywhere in the world to establish his namesake Bernardus Winery, with the intention of cultivating premier class wines. He selected Carmel Valley, with its west-facing orientation, hot days and chilly nights, and stunning beauty, confident his vineyards there could produce wines to rival the greatest on the globe.
More than a quarter-century later, he accomplished that not only with his estate Bordeaux blend, called Marinus (after his middle name), but with a powerhouse portfolio of single-vineyard-designated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
More than a quarter-century later, he accomplished that not only with his estate Bordeaux blend, called Marinus (after his middle name), but with a powerhouse portfolio of single-vineyard-designated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Services
Our 2019 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir exhibits gorgeous, pure aromas of red cherries, cranberries and strawberries. The delicious flavors beautifully reflect the superb aromas without an excessive influence of new oak. The aromas of our 2019 Ingrid's Chard exhibit ripe white fruits and ginger cookie notes.
Joining one of Bernardus Winery's clubs is the best way to take full advantage of everything that Bernardus has to offer. From complimentary tastings to exclusive member events and promotions to discounted purchases, Bernardus Winery's clubs prove that, once again, membership has its privileges. Cepage: French for "grape variety".
We offer a flight of 4 two ounce pours of our single vineyard and reserve wines for $20 per flight. We also have cheese and charcuterie for $15.00 and an antipasti and crackers plate for $10.00 that are individually wrapped and disposable for your and our safety. Looking for more than a wine tasting?
Reviews (25)
Brittanyy W.
Jan 16, 2022
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Joyce Dianni
Dec 17, 2021
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Excellent wine however they sold me a 2017 and when it came time to ship the wine to me , they only had 2019. Sent the wine at same price. So much for the theory of different years of wines having more value. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED! I wasn’t offered a discount or an extra bottle of wine. I was visiting from Florida. I returned two months later. The 2019 is sold locally here in PG cheaper than what I was sold. Love the wine but customer service I give a negative -10.
Tareq Barakzoy
Dec 15, 2021
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Karen Donald
Nov 04, 2021
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Errol Greene
Oct 04, 2021
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IMHO, they tie with Shale Canyon for the best wine in all of Carmel, including the Valley. Don't get me wrong, there are some other exceptional wineries including Galante and Scratch amongst others, but for consistently high quality whites and reds, they stand out.
Their wine tasting room is an experience as well. Located in a former bank building in the Valley, it offers a beautiful patio for tastings on sunny days that is scenic and will make you want to check into real estate prices nearby.
We're wine club members because it's one of the few wineries that we will both like everything they
Their wine tasting room is an experience as well. Located in a former bank building in the Valley, it offers a beautiful patio for tastings on sunny days that is scenic and will make you want to check into real estate prices nearby.
We're wine club members because it's one of the few wineries that we will both like everything they
Danny S.
Jun 08, 2021
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Incredible; we did a walk of the vineyard with Matt the vineyard manager who gave us a complete tour and history of the property from when it started through today, and did a beautiful tasting in the middle of the vines on a stunning day. Absolutely wonderful and we cannot wait to be back! Oh and the wines were simply delicious!
Colleen T.
Mar 06, 2021
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A tale of 2 wineries. Bookenoogen - awesome wine, awesome service. Bernardus - terrible wine, terrible service. I understand the challenges businesses are having during COVID but angry, non-communicative service and terrible wine can't overcome - pandemic or not. A lot of wineries are doing it right. Bernardus isn't.
T. B.
Mar 07, 2020
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Ellen S.
Feb 18, 2020
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Was staying at the Bernardus lodge and they mentioned showing them your room key can get you a complimentary tasting ... 2 whites (sauvignon blanc and chardonnay) and 2 reds (pinot noir and their flagship wine). their reds were big and delicious. Next time will do an all red tasting.
This place was packed, I mean full house both inside and finding a place to park. But it's worth it. The people there are so nice, knowledge of wines but not pretentious and willing to educate and accommodate depending on your wine preference. We also ordered a cheese and charcuterie plate which was generous
This place was packed, I mean full house both inside and finding a place to park. But it's worth it. The people there are so nice, knowledge of wines but not pretentious and willing to educate and accommodate depending on your wine preference. We also ordered a cheese and charcuterie plate which was generous
George K.
Feb 17, 2020
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Very simple place. The staff was very friendly. My wife had the "Vault" flights and I the " Marinus". The pours were very generous and we enjoyed all of them except the Chardonnay. It was dry by design, so if that's how u like your chard's you can't go wrong. This place is a must try when in the valley.
Irina B.
Nov 08, 2019
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That was my worst wine tasting in 20+ years. Our server was too busy texting on his phone and we felt almost guilty for distracting him and trying to get some service. I work at the tasting room myself and can't imagine treating guests this way. We had to leave and go to another winery where our business was welcome. The sad thing is that we love Bernardus wines and were looking forward to the this visit.
Jon J.
Feb 17, 2019
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Pros:
Quickly served. Nice sized pours. Friendly helpers. Tasty Chardonnays.
Cons:
Expensive tasting. Have to spend $75 for tasting to be waived. Personally, I didn't care much for the $125 red blend. I've had much better for much less.
Helpers spent more time emptying boxes and moving product around then spending with patrons. Very loud small tasting room.
Last impression:
I have been to a lot of tasting rooms, mainly in Paso and SLO, this one was a 5 out of 10.
Quickly served. Nice sized pours. Friendly helpers. Tasty Chardonnays.
Cons:
Expensive tasting. Have to spend $75 for tasting to be waived. Personally, I didn't care much for the $125 red blend. I've had much better for much less.
Helpers spent more time emptying boxes and moving product around then spending with patrons. Very loud small tasting room.
Last impression:
I have been to a lot of tasting rooms, mainly in Paso and SLO, this one was a 5 out of 10.
Laine M.
Nov 25, 2018
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Lyndsi L.
Oct 10, 2018
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Robert J.
Sep 08, 2018
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Chris K.
Sep 03, 2018
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Stopped in for a tasting. Kid and dog friendly. They have a cute patio sometimes with a band. The patio was full so we found a table by the front door. The wines we nothing to rave about. They tend to focus more on dark reds. The place was packed and understaffed. Had to literally flag one of the employees down to pay. Wont be back
Robert Bressan
Jun 24, 2018
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The 2016 Ingrid pinot noir is amongst the best wine i've ever had. Fruit forward.
When one goes wine tasting it helps that they have excellent wines. They have excellent chards and pinot. But what really puts these guys over the top is the value. They have excellent sales. It's a good place to,buy wine. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly.
Its my favorite tasting room.
When one goes wine tasting it helps that they have excellent wines. They have excellent chards and pinot. But what really puts these guys over the top is the value. They have excellent sales. It's a good place to,buy wine. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly.
Its my favorite tasting room.
Mary R.
Jan 23, 2018
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After a beautiful day along the Monterey Coast we turned inland to head back to Buellton and there were several quaint tasting rooms along the main drag of this little town in the valley.
Overall the wines were very nice but it's getting a 3-Star as the service was lacking, big time. I felt like we were an afterthought or in the way. Granted it was getting late in the afternoon but it wasn't like they were swamped with people. Perhaps because we were only sharing a tasting and not buying a case of wine like the older couple at the other tasting bar. At one point the gal serving us seemed
Overall the wines were very nice but it's getting a 3-Star as the service was lacking, big time. I felt like we were an afterthought or in the way. Granted it was getting late in the afternoon but it wasn't like they were swamped with people. Perhaps because we were only sharing a tasting and not buying a case of wine like the older couple at the other tasting bar. At one point the gal serving us seemed
Michelle L.
Jan 22, 2018
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Lovely area to sit and enjoy outside.
Tasting fee $12. One tasting fee refunded for every $75 spent on additional purchases
Served with crackers too
1st taste: 2016 Griva Sauvignon Blanc. $24
2nd taste: 2015 Monterey County Chardonnay $25
3rd taste: 2014 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir $35
4th taste: 2010 Marinus - Flagship Wine $65 served with chocolate covered coffee beans.
Tasting fee $12. One tasting fee refunded for every $75 spent on additional purchases
Served with crackers too
1st taste: 2016 Griva Sauvignon Blanc. $24
2nd taste: 2015 Monterey County Chardonnay $25
3rd taste: 2014 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir $35
4th taste: 2010 Marinus - Flagship Wine $65 served with chocolate covered coffee beans.
Sherri Jacobs
Dec 14, 2017
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Nils French
Nov 02, 2017
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Jenni Katajamaki
Nov 25, 2016
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Wow...nasty staff. We have been to a couple of tastings today but we are by no means rowdy or out of control. The staff says "ok, we'll just have to keep an eye on that." Wish we had walked out. We asked for one flight to share between 3 of us. She charged us for 3. The wine is terrible too. Don't waste your time...go to Talbots's.
Joan Ball
Jun 01, 2016
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Norm H.
Mar 31, 2016
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Kathy T.
Dec 14, 2014
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When I first walked in here, I thought it was going to be a a super high end snobby place since they own that fancy pants lodge nearby, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was a Saturday afternoon and we easily found a spot at the smaller bar area for a tasting.
They offer two kids of tastings, the Core for $12 and the Signature for $20. Since this was my 3rd stop already, I went for the $12 tasting. The Sauvignon Blanc was good, the Chardonnay better, the Pinot was fantastic, and best of all was the 2011 Marinus. OMG that blend was delicious. A light full bodied red with a great end. I could
They offer two kids of tastings, the Core for $12 and the Signature for $20. Since this was my 3rd stop already, I went for the $12 tasting. The Sauvignon Blanc was good, the Chardonnay better, the Pinot was fantastic, and best of all was the 2011 Marinus. OMG that blend was delicious. A light full bodied red with a great end. I could
