THE STORY
When my DC virtual wine group picked “viognier near you” as its September theme, I was delighted – I thought it was going to easy to find one from our local wineries. One winery told me they quit making it a long time ago; I guessed I hadn’t noticed. I spoke with Will Chesebro, winemaker at Chesebro, who informed me they grafted their viognier vines to Albariño. There was lack of demand, no buyers. Chesebro recommended Marin’s Vineyard, which took me to A Taste of Monterey, where you can find wines from our wineries with smaller production, among others. That’s where I found today’s wine.
I did some digging after making this purchase and found a few other bottlings of Monterey viognier from Scheid Vineyards and Odonata, plus there may be others I have missed or they have sold out. If you know of a Monterey County Viognier, please let me know!! Leave me a comment or email me.
According to the 2024 Monterey County Crop Report, in 2024 there were still 111 acres of viognier harvested here. Digging into past years’ reports, in 1995, Viognier started to be reported separately (vs “other whites”) starting at 26 harvested acres and ending the decade at 58 acres. From 2000 to 2010, there was tremendous growth in acres harvested, reaching 163 in 2009. In 2012 and 2014, there were 170 acres harvested, representing the peak of Viognier in Monterey County. And in the past 6 years, it has averaged 111 acres harvested. It’s still out there, people!
THE WINERY
From their website:
“At Marin’s Vineyard, we produce thoughtfully hand-crafted wines that reflect our grass root efforts and ranching heritage – specializing in Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec of southern Monterey County. Family owned and operated by Brenda, Duane, and Marin Wolgamott. Established in 1999. Our vineyard is located in Lockwood, CA and the newly opened tasting room is in Downtown Atascadero.”
THE WINE
Today I’m presenting just this one wine. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet, the bottle or their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
Marin’s Vineyard 2021 Stockholder’s Reserve Viognier, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $28 (#1666)
Winery Notes: “In this vintage I was playing around with how I want the aromatics to express themselves. It was a stainless steel tank fermentation and then aged in neutral oak barrels for 6 months. It’s a very classic Viognier style with lots of floral honeysuckle and an medium body finish with dried apricot.”
From the label: “…The desert cactus is stouthearted and beautiful, giving inspiration to our winemaking styles. This barrel aged Viognier displays characteristics of fresh apricot, with a round mouthfeel and rich golden color. Only 250 cases made.”
Wine Enthusiast – 89 points: Light aromas of honey, sliced apple and banana are fairly mellow on the nose of this bottling. The palate is fatter and ripe with dried peach, mango and banana flavors.” — Matt Kettmann, July 2024
My Review: Yellowish tan in the glass. Melon, peach and honeysuckle on the nose. Opened a bit tart and bitter, but mellowed into apple, pineapple, honey and floral notes on the palate, finishing with apricot. September 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
Because Lockwood is so much closer to the Paso Robles wine growing region, it opened its tasting room there.
“Marin’s Vineyard is a welcoming wine tasting room at the heart of Downtown Atascadero.
“Come visit our Tasting Room!”
Hours: Thursday and Friday 4:30-8pm, Saturday 2-8pm, Sunday 1-6pm
Location: 5983 Entrada Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422
Call or Text: 831-905-2692
If you make it there, tell them Decanting Monterey sent you!
© Decanting Monterey 2025
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