The Dutch owner of Bernardus set out to grow traditional Bordeaux grapes and make superior wines. In doing so, he chose the upper Carmel Valley to plant his vineyard and create his wines. Of the 220 acres, 50 acres have been planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc. He also sources Chardonnay grapes from multiple vineyards to combine differing fruit and acidity levels into his final product.

Wines are aged in oak tanks and barrels specially crafted for Bernardus in the French regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy. Oak is purchased from many different coopers in France in order to allow for blending of different flavors, which is known as "the spice-rack approach". Their flagship wine is the Bordeaux blend “Mariunus” which is the owner’s middle name and the name of his vineyard property. Bernardus also produces a Pinot Noir from the Bien Nacido Vineyard in the cooler Santa Maria Valley. A six-foot transparent tube is also on display showing the various layers of rock, shale, and soil that make up the soil profile of the vineyards.

The tasting room is the “corner office” of their single-story business building located in the heart of the village of Carmel Valley. Inside the cozy space are tile floors and two long tasting bars. There are photographs of their vineyards and relief maps on the walls. Large-format bottles, along with logo clothing, glassware, and wine accessories are displayed for sale. For upscale accommodations in the Valley, visit the 57-room Bernardus Lodge just a few miles down the road.