Santa Lucia Highlands & the Salinas Valley

Inland from Monterey Bay, the broad Salinas Valley is famed as one of America's great farming regions. On its western side, vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands climb terraces along the mountains, facing east across the valley.

Strong afternoon winds from the bay keep the climate cool, producing celebrated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and cool-climate Syrah. Pinnacles National Park, with its volcanic spires, is a scenic side trip from Soledad.