"Wine Making in Monterey County--History, Production & Instruction"

Greg Freeman, Winemaker, Chalone Vineyards

Our speaker will discuss winemaking in the Monterey Peninsula and the Santa Lucia Highlands, the history of some local vineyards, and Chalone’s unique past story as the oldest winemaker in the county. There will be photos, videos, and insight on the business, labels, terminology, wine production, and grape growing in the Central Coast. Freeman will also cover his curious path to the winemaker position and how this relates to bagpiping at Carmel Beach. As part of the presentation there will be a tasting of chardonnay and pinot noir (during his remarks, after the lunch). He will lead a discussion of these wines followed by a general question and answer session.

Greg Freeman has been making wine in Monterey County for 22 years. With a combination of microbiology and chemistry study, chef work in restaurants and as a traveling musician, his road to winemaker has been unique. Greg is currently stepping up as Board Chair for the Carmel Chamber of Commerce for the 2025 year, related to the Chalone Tasting Room in Carmel Plaza. He is a guitarist/singer and sometimes plays bagpipes at Carmel Beach before sunset. Greg lives in mid-Valley.