Carmel Valley is a hidden gem where rugged terrain meets a Bordeaux-inspired climate, creating the perfect playground for bold, elegant wines. With warm days kissed by cool ocean breezes, this appellation coaxed Daniel and Aubrey Duerr into planting their dreams of Merlot vines back in 2016. Little did they know that their passion project would grow into Vincent Vines — a boutique winery where small-batch magic and big-hearted hospitality come together in every bottle.
Their leap into the wine world didn’t start with a finance spreadsheet or some vineyard pedigree. It began with a house with a patch of dirt and a “why not” attitude between the couple. Late-night chats about big dreams and Merlot vines. Sal Rombi, a well-known neighbor and vintner, encouraged them to plant. When your neighbors are Carmel Valley legends, it’s only a matter of time before something incredible ferments. That’s the genesis of CVVC and how Vincent Vines began.
Fast-forward through sunburns, second guesses, and the infamous “let’s plant just a few more rows” conversation — Vincent Vines is now one of Carmel’s best-kept secrets. The wines are still small-batch, pure passion projects. Their 2023 and 2024 vintages are raising eyebrows (in a good way) among wine lovers. The wine club? Let’s call it a fanbase in the making, built bottle by bottle.
But this place isn’t just about the juice in the bottle. Aubrey’s esthetician roots keep things fresh — literally. After all, great wine and good skin both start with what you put in and what you leave out.
As for the setting? Chalk up another win for Carmel Valley. Think Bordeaux vibes without the jetlag: Sunny days, moody evenings, and a patch of earth that delivers Bordeaux quality with California attitude.
The Vincent philosophy? Keep it real, fun, and a little bit wild. Keep the wine high quality, the production tiny. Wine sales via a literal self-vending fridge (I’m not making this up), at their vineyard chateau, and personal touches you don’t get from the big guys.
Some people chase perfection, Daniel and Brey have chosen to bottle it—one bold Merlot and breezy Carmel night at a time. This is the taste of two people living their wine-soaked dream, and honestly, that’s a glass worth raising every single time.
