Chateau Julien Winery founders, 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 handblown 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. See the slideshow for pictures. 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 sits the winery's newest addition: the "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 enabled the winery to barrel ferment one hundred percent of their Chardonnays and age wine longer in oak barrels.

Chateau Julien Winery’s custom ambiance lighting inside the Chai, combined with the dramatic stacking of oak barrels, make the Chai an ideal setting for private events. Pictures shown on the Chateau’s website demonstrate the venues popularity and visual impact. Very impressive and exceptionally well maintained grounds; well worth the time for a tasting or full tour.

The Let’s Dine Out Group enjoyed, and highly recommends Chateau Julien Winery’s guided tour which walks guests thru the winery facilities and explains the wine making process. Along the tour course, which takes about 45 minutes, wines are available for tasting. Unlike simple wine tastings the guided tour leaves one with a better understanding of the valleys wine making process and appreciation for their wines quality.

Chateau Julien Winery was nice enough to also provide several bottles of their select wines which our Let’s Dine Out Group enjoyed sampling around the Casa Munro’s fire pit each evening.

Click Here to Read Article About The "Let's Dine Out" Contest Trip to Monterey... This is a sub-article about one of the trip activities.