This Winery Is Permanently Closed.
Winery Rating
Located at:
Dolores St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
Wine Club Rating
Price Range For Tasting
Galante Vineyards has deep roots in Carmel—literally and figuratively. The Galante family has been part of the region’s history for generations, with ties dating back to the 1800s. Jack Galante, the man behind the winery, is the great-grandson of J. Frank Devendorf, one of the founders of Carmel-by-the-Sea. But while his family helped shape the town, Jack took his own path, focusing on another passion: winemaking, which he shares with his wife Dawn.
Galante Vineyards was established in the early 1990s with a mission to produce 100% estate-grown wines from the family’s Cachagua Valley ranch in the Carmel Valley AVA. This high-elevation, rugged terroir provides ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Petite Sirah, among others. With a background in cattle ranching, Jack brings a cowboy spirit to the wine world, blending Old West traditions with high-quality viticulture.
Today, Galante Vineyards is known for its bold, structured reds, particularly its Cabernet Sauvignon, which has become a signature offering. But the winery also experiments with other varietals, producing Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah, and even Sauvignon Blanc—all crafted with the same dedication to quality and authenticity.
We recently interviewed Jack, which you can find here.
The wines at Galante are crafted under the guidance of Greg Vita, a winemaker with decades of experience in California’s wine industry. Vita is no stranger to working with premium fruit from rugged, high-altitude vineyards, making him a perfect fit for Galante’s estate-grown philosophy.
Greg Vita takes a hands-off approach, allowing the fruit to express itself naturally while ensuring that each wine maintains balance and structure. His style leans toward bold yet refined reds, with deep flavors and well-integrated tannins. Galante’s Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout, offering rich blackberry and cassis notes with a touch of spice from French oak aging. Meanwhile, the Malbec (which we reviewed here) is another shining example of how the winery excels with deep, full-bodied reds.
Beyond individual varietals, Greg helps craft Galante’s limited-production blends, ensuring that each wine reflects both the unique Cachagua Valley terroir and the cowboy-inspired ethos of the brand.
Unlike many wineries, Galante doesn’t have sprawling vineyard views or an estate tasting room in the middle of rolling hills. Instead, their tasting room is located in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, making it an easy stop for visitors exploring the town’s charming streets, boutique shops, and art galleries.
Though the tasting room lacks vineyard scenery, it makes up for it with a warm, rustic ambiance that reflects the Galante family’s Western heritage. Decorated with cowboy memorabilia, leather accents, and plenty of wine, it feels like a cozy outpost where great conversation and great wine go hand in hand.
Visitors can choose to sip inside or enjoy the outdoor seating, soaking in the relaxed Carmel vibe while savoring their flight. The laid-back, friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect stop for both casual wine drinkers and serious enthusiasts looking for something special.
Galante’s Wine Gang Club is one of the most highly rated in the region, earning a 5-star rating for its quality, perks, and exclusive offerings. Membership comes with a host of benefits, including:
For those who love Galante’s signature style, the Wine Gang Club is a fantastic way to stay connected and keep your cellar stocked with small-batch, high-quality wines.
Tasting at Galante Vineyards is straightforward and enjoyable, with a $35 tasting fee that allows guests to explore a curated selection of their wines. There’s no need for a reservation, making it a convenient stop for those strolling through Carmel’s picturesque streets.
Visitors can expect a flight of estate-grown reds, often featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petite Sirah, as well as occasional limited-production whites like Sauvignon Blanc. The friendly staff is happy to guide guests through the lineup, sharing insights about the wines and the unique Cachagua Valley terroir that shapes them.
Galante Vineyards is a true hidden gem in Carmel-by-the-Sea, offering bold, expressive wines with a distinct cowboy character. While it may not have vineyard views, its downtown tasting room provides an inviting, no-fuss experience that pairs well with the charm of Carmel’s coastal setting. Whether you’re a Cabernet lover, a fan of small-batch wines, or just looking for a relaxed place to sip, Galante delivers an experience that’s both authentic and unforgettable.
So, next time you’re wandering through Carmel, step into Galante Vineyards—you might just leave with a new favorite bottle (or two).
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