Bernardus Chardonnay
5 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley | (831) 298-8021, bernardus.com
Bernardus Winery is the dog’s bollocks. With over 25 wine tasting room competitors in Carmel Valley alone, they still manage to score this title annually. Bernardus makes a few Chardonnays, such as the Monterey County blend, and then there are their single-vineyard designates, which come from award-winning vineyards like Ingrid’s and Rosella’s, which each have well-deserved cult followings. You can savor owner Ben Pon’s dream at the tasting room and, after a flight, feel like a puppy with two tails to double wag out your happiness.