Family owned and operated since 1982, this French-style Chateau rests on sixteen acres amongst plush vineyards and oak-studded mountains in beautiful Carmel Valley, a short 15 minutes from the Monterey Peninsula. Guests are welcome daily to taste hand-crafted Private Reserve wines, flagship Merlot and limited release Proprietary blends from the soils of Monterey County. A magnificent setting for picnicking on the Garden Cobblestone Courtyard or touring the Estate grounds and winemaking facilities.

Within the Estate there are various venues, each portraying a unique ambiance and atmosphere to capture the essence of every event. Picnic in the Garden Cobblestone Courtyard in the Carmel Valley sun; create a themed event in the winery’s magnificent Chai, home to over 1000 French oak barrels; or host an elegant, formal winemaker’s dinner in the enchanting Great Hall. Chateau Julien limited release wines from the soils of Monterey County will grace the palate as guests stroll through the Estate on a privately guided tour. Each tour is customized to meet individual group needs. In addition to our grand tour of the Estate, we offer several different options for personalized tours, such as grape stomps, cooking demonstrations and team-building activities.

Products or Services

• Private & Corporate Events
• Weddings
• Wine Clubs
• Winery Events
• Tours, Daily complimentary & Private
• Vintner Salon
• Corporate Gifts
• Wine-related gifts and merchandise

History

In the late 1970's, Bob and Patty Brower set out to fulfill their dream. Originally from the East Coast, they had a passion for wine and admired the French hospitality encountered while traveling in Europe. They saw the potential in Monterey County as a quality wine growing region, and in 1982 began building what is now known as Château Julien Wine Estate in Carmel Valley, California.

The winery's first release came in 1985 with Chardonnay and Merlot from the 1982 vintage. Today, the entire process of wine production takes place on the 16-acre estate, including the aging of nearly 2000 oak barrels of wine. Winemaker Bill Anderson joined the Browers in 1982, and produced the winery's first 100% Merlot with the premier vintage. Bill continues to produce wine at Château Julien Wine Estate, and has played an integral part in establishing Merlot as the winery's flagship varietal.

The Estate

Château Julien Wine Estate is located on 16 acres at the foot of the majestic Carmel Valley mountains. The winery boasts breathtaking vistas of the lush green valley where sunsets are unforgettable and rainbows bounce off the hills...

Bob and Patty Brower's commitment to hospitality began when the winery opened its doors in 1982. The building itself is a replica of a home on the French/Swiss border. The warmth and hospitality exudes from the moment guests enter the Chateau. A magnificent grand fireplace, open beam ceilings and well appointed antiques set the stage for tasting Private Reserve wines. A hand blown stained glass window sits majestically at the opposite end of the tasting room, or "Great Hall." There is no tasting bar in the Great Hall, but rather an eighteen-foot antique mahogany table for tasting wines. A comfortable, inviting atmosphere is extended to each and every guest. The winery is open to visitors daily for wine tasting and tours, and all guests are welcome to enjoy the ambiance of the garden cobblestone courtyard off of the Chateau. Within the Chateau, there are several separate venues for hosting private events. Each room offers a unique setting for guests to enjoy.

Nestled amongst six acres of Sangiovese grapes is the winery's "Chai" (pronounced "shay"). All of Château Julien's barrels are set in the Chai for aging. Built one story into the ground, the Chai is kept at a naturally cool temperature and humidity for aging wines. The walls are 12"-15" thick, with a natural ventilation system extending from the west of the building to the east. The addition of the Chai in 1998 has enabled the winery to barrel ferment one hundred percent of the Chardonnays and age wine longer in oak. Custom ambiance lighting and the dramatic stacking of oak barrels, make the Chai an ideal setting for private events.