Scratch Wines in Carmel By The Sea is run by winemaker Sabrine Rodems, who sources grapes from some of Monterey County’s best growing regions—Arroyo Seco, Santa Lucia Highlands, and Santa Cruz Mountains. The winery launched in April 2017 and focuses on small-lot productions of Riesling, Grenache, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet, each one distinctly different depending on where the grapes came from. You’ll notice real variation between a wine made from cooler mountain fruit versus something from the warmer valley floor.

The tasting room itself sits right in Carmel By The Sea, so you can spend an afternoon checking out the galleries and shops on Ocean Avenue before or after your visit. Carmel Beach is also nearby if you want to walk your dog along the sand afterward. The tasting room has a relaxed feel—this isn’t a stuffy, formal experience. Rodems actually enjoys having dogs around during tastings, so you won’t feel awkward bringing yours along while you’re sampling wines. The space is comfortable enough that your dog can hang out while you take your time with the different varietals and ask questions about what makes each wine unique.

Since these are small-lot wines, availability can shift seasonally, and what you taste during a spring visit might be completely different from what’s there in fall. That’s actually part of the appeal if you’re curious about how vintage variation and different growing conditions shape the final product. The staff can walk you through what they’re currently pouring and help you understand why a particular wine turned out the way it did.

It’s worth checking their website or calling ahead to confirm current hours before you head over, especially on weekdays when smaller operations sometimes have limited availability.