Lepe Cellars — Attraction in Carmel-by-the-Sea

The wine was solid, but the hospitality was lacking. My wife and I came in about an hour before closing on a Sunday. We weren't greeted but asked to do a tasting and then maybe a glass depending on what we liked. We then proceeded to probably the worst of the 20+ tasting experiences we've had in the area: tiny pours, no explanations, and generally being ignored even after attempting to make conversation. The host bent over backwards to "impress someone who is French" (her words) who had come in, including giving them a taste of an open gamay they had. When we asked if we could also try it, we were told it was for members only and implied we could try if we joined the wine club, a joke after the...

Lepe Cellars was the highlight of our day of wine tasting. It’s a small bar tucked into a shared space with an art gallery, which adds a unique and relaxing vibe. You’re welcome to wander and enjoy the art between pours. The woman who helped us with our tasting was incredibly kind, friendly, and attentive. Her warm energy and genuine conversation made this stop stand out above all the other tasting rooms we visited. Great wine and even better...

My wife and I visited this week on the recommendation of another tasting room in the area. He said "If you want to taste a really good local zinfandel, go to Lepe. The wines are expertly crafted and Tira is incredibly personable. We took a moment and wandered the art gallery attached, sipping our wine. It was a great experience. Don't sleep on this winery. The winemaker knows...