About Bernardus
Bernardus is a Carmel Valley winery in Monterey County, on California’s Central Coast. It was founded by Dutch entrepreneur Ben Pon, who recognised the area’s capacity to produce both ripe Bordeaux varieties and refined wines shaped by Pacific influence. The Bernardus name is closely associated with Carmel Valley, while the winery also works with carefully selected vineyard sources elsewhere in Monterey County.
Carmel Valley is relatively sheltered and warmer inland, yet its proximity to the Pacific brings useful cooling. This contrast allows Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to ripen while retaining freshness. For Pinot Noir, Bernardus also draws on fruit from the Santa Lucia Highlands. This long appellation is strongly affected by cool winds and fog from Monterey Bay, creating a long growing season and helping Pinot Noir preserve lively acidity.
The leading red is Marinus, a Bordeaux-inspired blend in which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot play central roles; the exact composition may vary by vintage. Parrot Ranch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is another important Cabernet expression in the range. The Pinot Noirs show a different side of the estate: Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir reflects its regional origin, while Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir focuses on the character of a renowned individual vineyard.
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are also integral to the Bernardus range. Broadly, the winery aims for clarity of fruit, structure and balance rather than extremes. Its wines bring together the riper profile of Carmel Valley and Monterey County’s coastal coolness. Bernardus therefore offers a useful introduction for drinkers interested in California Cabernet and Bordeaux-style blends as well as the more finely etched Pinot Noir associated with the Santa Lucia Highlands.
- Based in Carmel Valley, Monterey County
- Founded by Dutch entrepreneur Ben Pon
- Marinus is the Bordeaux-inspired flagship blend
- Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands
- Vineyard-designated wines from Garys’ Vineyard and Parrot Ranch Vineyard
All wines from Bernardus
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Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir
Red · Pinot Noir · Santa Lucia Highlands
Profile coming soon
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Marinus
Red · Cabernet Sauvignon · Carmel Valley
Profile coming soon
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Merlot
Red · Merlot · Carmel Valley
Profile coming soon
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Parrot Ranch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Red · Cabernet Sauvignon · Carmel Valley
Profile coming soon
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Pinot Noir
Red · Pinot Noir · Monterey County
Profile coming soon
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Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
Red · Pinot Noir · Santa Lucia Highlands
Profile coming soon
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Sauvignon Blanc
White · Sauvignon Blanc · Central Coast
Profile coming soon
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