Winter rainstorms benefit Monterey County vineyards

It’s a busy time for Joyce Vineyards in Carmel Valley. They’re now bottling up their blended wine, to ship out to their tasting room and store shelves.

“It’s looking like it’s going to be a really good harvest,” said Joyce Vineyards Assistant Wine Maker Todd Grice.

Winter storms have really helped to liven up the plants by diluting some of the salts that rob grapes of their proper nutrients and hydration.

“The last couple of years with the drought, the plants were really stressed out,” said Grice. “Getting all that moisture from the soil which brings the flavors in but there’s not a lot of grapes. So this year with the extra rain we’re seeing a lot more volume.”

Monterey County is also seeing a lot more interest from wine connoisseurs.

“To me, Monterey wines are exceptional,” said Linda Sponsler of Salinas.

“I love the wines that we’ve tasted here, I think they’re delicious,” said Jane Vine of Iowa.

In the last couple of years, Monterey County wines have been voted as some of the best in California and grows the most Pinot Noir in the state.

“Monterey really is the place, is the wine place in California,” said Kim Stemler, Executive Director of The Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association. “Right now we’re growing. People are interested in buying land here and starting vineyards here.”

Officials said it’s because Monterey County’s coastal influence helps grow a variety of different plants, there’s enough water here and the land is actually more affordable.

“A very exciting time in Monterey wine country,” said Stemler.

Monterey County’s wine industry pours more than $630 million dollars into the local economy.

Local wineries said they expect to be busy this weekend with Memorial Day travelers.