Approximately 85 vintners and growers call Monterey County "home", while vintners around the state purchase grapes from Monterey County growers recognizing Monterey's world-class reputation. Many of the Monterey County wineries have tasting rooms open to the public. These tasting rooms provide a relaxed atmosphere where guests receive knowledgeable, personal attention while tasting wines and learning about the winery.Several of the larger wineries offer tours of their facilities where one can learn about the winemaking process.

Larger than other California wine regions, Monterey County boasts over 40,000 acres planted in varietal winegrapes. Within the world-class designation of Monterey County, the region has nine American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) that have been identified as truly one-of-a-kind winegrowing districts: Monterey, Santa Lucia Highlands, Arroyo Seco, San Lucas, Hames Valley, Chalone, Carmel Valley, San Antonio Valley, and San Bernabe. These areas are referred to as "appellations" which is a term that identifies the winegrape's place of origin. A vineyard's location is made up of a synthesis of geography, climate, soil types, and viticultural practices. These elements combine to provide characteristics that make the grapes and the wine unique from that locale.