The Wine Experience: A Place to Taste, Blend and Create in Monterey

A hip new attraction has opened on Cannery Row like nothing you have ever seen or experienced. The Wine Experience is much more than just a wine tasting venue; it’s a place to learn about the craft of wine making and how to create your very own personalized wine blends.

Traveling with someone who isn’t the biggest wino? No need to worry, with a wide selection of beers and small plates this urban eatery/craft winery has what it takes to please the toughest of taste buds.

Located just across from the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, The Wine Experience is a cozy setting for those looking to simply sip on a locally produced wine or completely delve into the wine making process for themselves.

Wine Blending

What really differentiates The Wine Experience from other tasting venues is its interactive blending service. Here you can blend any of their wines on tap to create your very own customized wine suited to your palate’s preference.

After you have concocted the perfect balance, your wine bottle comes complete with a signature label of your choice. Prices are very affordable starting at just $16 per bottle. Now that’s a gift that is sure to leave an impression!

Wine Tasting

The “urban micro-winery” currently offers nine wines (two whites and seven reds), from local wineries including Figge Cellar and Puma Road all of which are served on tap, yes tap. The variety of casks along the “tap wall” serves dual purposes as the tasting room’s main focal point as well the device to serve delicious vino. This uncommon container keeps the wine fresh and is eco-friendly, who knew! Wines are reasonably priced and start at just $2 for a small pour.

Light Bites and Brews

Nothing pairs better with wine than some light bites. Chef Joshua has created an enticing menu of appetizers including addictive marcona almonds with truffle salt and cheese and charcuterie plates almost too pretty to eat.

In the mood for a craft brew? Try one of their local craft beers including Mad Otter Pale Ale and Carmel Valley Brewing Blonde.

Wine Courses

Need to brush up on your wine tasting skills? Starting in late January The Wine Experience will offer several classes and seminars on topics ranging from “Intro to Wine Drinking” for beginners to “Wine Sensory Analysis” for those looking to hone in on their tasting palates.

Groups

Having a small get-together, how about a blending party? The Wine Experience is the perfect spot for groups looking to interact and engage with each other, all over a glass of wine, or three.  

The Wine Experience is open Wednesday-Sunday from 12pm-8pm.

It's Always Tea Time at Eddison & Melrose in Monterey

Take a trip to Cornwall without leaving Monterey!

Put on your most dapper ensemble and head to Eddison & Melrose on Soledad Street for a truly traditional English tea experience. Located in the heart of Monterey this charming tea room serves a delightful cup of joy from beginning to end.

The whimsical tea room is reminiscent of a scene from the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party with pale pink and blue painted walls with lovely garden landscapes. Eddison & Melrose’s cutesy décor and ambiance simply defines quaint, “pleasing and delightful” which is also the perfect adjective to describe its hospitality.

Owner, and tea extraordinaire, Karen Anne Murray meets guests at the door with a proper greeting and a smile. Originally from England, Karen sure knows how to host a credible tea party.

Before grabbing a seat at one of the wicker chairs deck yourself out with provided costume apparel including tiaras, boas and pearls. Once you feel your Sunday best it’s time to choose your tea selection.

Karen walks guests through the tea menu with all sorts of loose leaf teas including traditional teas like Earl Grey and English Breakfast as well as some unexpected flavors like Apricot Brandy and Masala Chai. The Strawberry Rooibos tea is particularly delightful with a sweet aroma and strawberry jam aftertaste.

Tea not your thing? Try the cranberry lemon sparkler!

One of the best parts about having tea at Eddison & Melrose is the dishware. Guests are pampered with unique pieces of china teacups, silver spoons and decorative plates which adds an immediate sense of sophistication, and conversation topics.

After a few warm sips it’s time for treats! Karen’s main passion is cooking which truly shows in the food. Menu options include dainty tea sandwiches and hearty sausage rolls, all of which are made fresh and homemade. The Ritz Cucumber is particularly refreshing!


Tea is simply not complete without an English scone. You can smell Karen’s scones as soon as they emerge from the backroom kitchen. The warm biscuits come right out of the oven with fresh preserves, curd and cream; a lovely way to end an afternoon of elegance and flavors!

Eddison & Melrose is open for groups of all sizes ranging from a sophisticated tea for two or a magical birthday party for 20 toddlers. Reservations are available Tuesday-Friday from 11am-3pm and Saturday from 11am-5pm. Call 831-393-9479 to set up your next event which is sure to make an lasting impression!

10 Hours in Carmel Valley, CA

Among the rolling hills and picturesque grapevines of Carmel Valley you'll find a plethora of opportunities to relax, rejuvenate and unwind. Just a quick 15 minute drive down Carmel Valley Road from Highway One sits tucked-away wine tasting rooms, award-winning restaurants, championship golf courses and scenic hikes for every skill level which require a least a full day of play. Here a just a few ways to spend a full day in this enriching outdoor playground.

9:30 am

Kick off your day and play in the dirt at Earthbound Farms. Just five miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea this hard-working farm stand is where one of the largest organic produce producers got its start. The 2.5 acre farm stand is now home to various gardens, an organic grocery store and an all-organic kitchen and deli. After traipsing through the herb garden, labyrinth and berry patch, fill up with a fresh smoothie, hearty quiche and a bran muffin; you’re going to need it!

10:30am

You’ll quickly burn up that breakfast with an invigorating hike at Garland Ranch where there’s a trail for every skill level. For a jaunt on the leisure side take the Buckeye Natural Trail winding through shaded oak savannahs and beautiful vistas.

Adventure junkies love Snively’s Ridge Trail with steep inclines leading to the top. This challenging thigh burner is well worth the expansive views of Carmel Valley’s floor lined with vineyards and the lush Ventana Wilderness.

1:00pm

By now you have built up a solid appetite and earned the right to be pampered. Relax on the outdoor patio at Lucia Restaurant inside the swanky Bernardus Lodge and order up a delicious lunch from Chef Cal Stamenov. Soak in the incredible views of the Santa Lucia mountain range while indulging in a prosciutto di parma brick oven pizza or Bernardus burger with caramelized onions and house made pickles.

2:30pm

Just down the road is the charming Carmel Valley Village where your first stop is the Quail & Olive. Keep your heart in tune with complimentary olive oil tastings at this boutique olive oil vinegar shop. The quaint shop was opened by Cardiologist Dr. Stephen Brabeck to share heart healthy oils essential to preventing heart disease and other chronic illnesses. Lucky for us these olive oils are packed with a bounty of flavors including rosemary, basil, lime, and blood orange.

3:30pm

Now it’s time to truly unWINE’d! Wine tasting in Carmel Valley is unlike any other tasting experience where the winemaker himself might just be the one pouring. There are dozens of tasting rooms to choose from all with their own quirk and character.

Joyce Vineyards’ hip and contemporary digs on the East End Wine Row is perfect for those looking for a casual afternoon of tasty Pinot Noirs. Holman Ranch Vineyards, just a few doors down, produces delicious estate grown wines in a rustic atmosphere.

Cima Collina’s backyard patio spot is perfect for soaking in some Carmel Valley sunshine and sipping on a glass of their buttery Chardonnay.

6:00pm

No visit to Carmel Valley is complete without a stop at Will’s Fargo. Here you will feel like you have been transported to a scene in Bonanza with a bar saloon, warm wooden character and rural landscape images of the area. Not much has changed since opening in 1959 with a prime selection of steaks, seafood, and savory sides. Save room for dessert with tempting creations like a praline sundae, chocolate banana bread pudding and hot fudge sundae.

With so much activity in Carmel Valley it’s likely you won’t want to leave. Luckily there are several hotels, inns and lodges for any budget. Bernardus Lodge and Carmel Valley Ranch are perfect for those looking for a lap of luxury while Quail Lodge & Golf Club is a slam dunk for those looking to hit the golf course or enjoy a kick-back California ranch experience. For more lodging options click here.

The Wild Plum Café & Bistro: Where Sustainability Meets Community

Located in the urban area of downtown Monterey, The Wild Plum Café, Bakery & Bistro has been cooking from scratch and creating a sense of community for over 17 years.

The quaint eatery is reminiscent of a bistro you might find tucked away in Provence, think of your typical neighborhood cafe. The intimate seating area and cozy ambiance creates the perfect setting connecting long time local customers as well as first-time tourists to the area.


The Wild Plum prides itself on their love and passion for food which is truly evident in the freshness of their products. Made from organic and sustainable ingredients, each dish is concocted with an attention to detail and, most of all, flavor!

The Wild Plum is currently open for breakfast and lunch with incredible California cuisine inspired menus to match each meal. Insiders note- there are future plans to include a dinner menu and special grab-and-go counter.

Owner and chef Pamela Burns ensures each dishes quality by shopping at local farmers markets and sourcing from local vendors for everything from fresh vegetables, ripe berries to golden potatoes.

The Greek Goddess flatbread particularly showcases the region’s fresh bounty with oven roasted tomatoes, caramelized red onion, hunks of feta cheese and an out-of-this-world homemade vinaigrette.

Their Porchetta sandwich, made with slow roasted pork belly filled with pork shoulder, is so good that Food Network’s TV star Guy Fieri and even featured it on his popular Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show.

Save room for dessert! All of their pastries and cookies are baked in-house and are an imperative match with their organic coffees and specialty drinks.

Feeding the masses? The Wild Plum also specializes in catering and buffet meals. Boxed lunches are also available for those setting out for picnic or a day of wine tasting.

5 NEW Places Every Foodie Needs to Try in Monterey

As a mecca for all things food and wine it is no wonder why some of the best restaurateurs and wine makers are flocking to open up shop in Monterey County. New businesses are popping up all throughout the Peninsula and the latest five additions are sure to please the palate.

Boardwalk Sub Shop

470, Alvarado Street, Monterey
The Boardwalk Sub Shop is one of Monterey’s newest additions to the downtown dining scene. The Teplitzky brothers opened this one-of-a-kind east coast sub shop in honor of their strong Atlantic City roots and their killer talents in creating mouth-watering cheesesteaks and authentic Jersey sammies. Best of all, these comfort classics are offered up into the wee hours of the night, perfect for curbing those late night munchies.

Stave Wine Cellar

The Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach
Sticks, Roy’s and Peppoli now have a sister at The Inn at Spanish Bay. Stave Wine Cellar is the first, and only, wine shop and tasting room within the prestigious Pebble Beach gates and a prestigious wine collection to match. The luxurious lounge is much more than just a tasting room with over 30 wines and eight craft beers by the glass, 200 wines for purchase by the bottle, and an assortment of cheese & charcuterie plates. Bottles range from $15-$1,100 and be sure to ask the sommeliers and staff for their recommendations, they are spot on!

Il Tegamino

Ocean between Lincoln & Monte Verde, Carmel-by-the-Sea
It doesn’t get much more authentic than Il Tegamino. Carmel-by-the-Sea’s newest restaurant is the brainchild of the Panzuto brothers straight from Naples, Italy. The family run restaurant specializes in Italian comfort foods, who doesn’t like that, and focuses on flavors straight from their homeland. When you go be sure to try at least one of their many polpette, aka meatball, variations.

Carmel Road Winery

Lincoln between Ocean and Sixth, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel Road Winery has been producing exceptional Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs in Monterey County since 1999 and now there a storefront to sample these savory sips. The tasting room is nestled in the heart of charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, near the Pine Inn, where you can try a variety of their favorites including a special blend made by famed actress Drew Barrymore!

Saturday & Tuesday Dinners at Captain’s Inn

8122 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing
The Captain’s Inn in Moss Landing has just added a new foodie favorite! Every Tuesday and Saturday the charming B&B opens its dining room for a night full of delicious food and savory wines in a fun and community type of atmosphere. Watch as Italian native chef Alessio Casagrande prepares your themed meal in the adjoining open kitchen. Come with an appetite and leave with a handful of new friends and a full belly!