Heller Estate Monterey County | Carmel Valley, CA

Heller Estate Wine Tasting Notes

Inside the cute cottege-type storefront is a bright, kitchy, tasting room full of colorful wine schwag. In the back there is a small art gallery and a collection of Santon dolls on display, (maybe your grandmother would know what those are?). There is also a comfortable outdoor sculpture garden and picnic area off to the right side of the building, (with original sculptures by Toby Heller).

Tom, an older dude, poured some wine and told us about his days in San Francisco in the 1950's, (Tom was turning 80 years old this month and is a Korean war veteran). He says he remembers seeing Keroac and Ginsberg on a corner in North Beach smoking pot, and that cable cars were five cents a ride. He was full of great stories, but when it was time for Tom to leave, his shift was over during our tasting, he left.

Tom handed us off to a younger dude, Kevin, and the focus was back on the wines. Kevin was laid back, but very imformative. He poured us some extra stuff, the port (with some chocolate) and the sparkling... we bought both AND joined the wine club.

Relaxed atmosphere, not pushy or snobby. 100% certified organic wines. Miss Melody noted that she felt they understood the difference between making wine with organic grapes, and making organic wine. (In other words, Heller are wine makers who make organic wine, not organic farmers trying to make wine).

Joining a smaller family winery's wine club really helps them, and makes you a part of the family. For example, some club members came in to pick up their wines while we were there , and they were offered a free tasting of what was in their new package, as well as a port as a nightcap.

Heller wines are very reasonably priced and are good quality accross the board. We give Heller an overall solid rating of 3.5, and highly recommend you stop in when you trip to Carmel Valley.

WinoTripTip: Heller Estate tasting room is open late on the weekend, until 6pm, later than most other tasting rooms... so make Heller last on your list, after you close down the other tasting rooms.

Heller Estate Wines