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!