Albatross Ridge

I am a caterer and wedding planner in Monterey County and I think Albatross Ridge Winery is by far the most gorgeous property in Carmel/carmel valley area. The land is private, yet expansive, with 360 degree views of mountains and in the distance, even the ocean of Carmel. The property owners are wonderful to work with. There is a care and professionalism with their team, that is how a wedding venue should feel. We love working with Albatross and cannot wait to plan and cater more events on the ridge! This is a truly special property.

This review is long overdue for no reason other than that I thought I'd already done this. My husband and I were lucky enough to find the paradise of place that is Albatross Ridge. We wanted to get married in an idyllic location that had mountain views, ocean views and embodied all of the natural beauty that we love about California. Additionally, we made it clear to our planner that our venue had to be special. It had to be exclusive; I didn't want weddings there every week or a golf course wedding type of location. We live in Texas and all of friends and family live between Texas and the East Coast so our venue had to be more than worth the trip. It had to be memorable, stunning, jaw dropping. We found it! The team at Albatross could not have been better. They are so professional, so chill, easy going and so much fun to work with. Nicole is amazing, I must say. We make sure to pop into the tasting room and say hi whenever we are in town and have a chance to stop in because she's so amazing! The vineyards are also spectacular! Driving up the mountain and the anticipation that builds as you wonder where you're going... where that random deer or two just came from...you're in awe once you arrive. You're able to see the Pacific on a clear day. You're able to see stunning rolling hills, grapes on the vine if you're lucky and there at the right time. But honestly, even when the grapes are not ready for harvest and the grounds are bare, this place is magical. Unmatched beauty for sure. It is peaceful. It is romantic. It is the perfect place to stand on a mountain and commit your life to your partner (and then afterwards, you get to drink some good wine!). By the way, their Pet Nat (Pètillant Naturel) is something special! You won't find a better Pet Nat and you definitely won't miss champagne! We had Pet Nat at our wedding instead of champagne and to this day, our wedding guests still talk about it (and some have gone back to Carmel specifically to get a few bottles to bring home). If an outdoor wedding is what you're looking for and you don't want the typical country club, golf resort, or even your typical stuffy vineyard wedding; if an experience and memories of a lifetime are what you are looking for, this is the place. You don't even care that you have to bring all of your supplies, furniture, transportation. No inconvenience is significant enough to overshadow the beauty of this location. All of our wedding guests have asked us to renew our vows at our 5 year anniversary and have another wedding there just so they can experience the magic again. We plan to! That's how special this place is.