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.

Folktale Winery & Vineyards- A Hip Hangout In the Vines

If you are looking for a true vine to wine experience, then the new and hip Folktale Winery & Vineyards is a can’t miss stop on your tasting journey through Monterey County.

The sprawling 15 acre property is just a few miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea, along Carmel Valley Road, in a majestic white Chateau that looks like it’s straight out of France's Loire Valley.

The colorful rose laden entrance welcomes you into this grown-up fantasyland. From the parking lot, a winding path leads between fragrant flowers and stately trees to the expansive outdoor courtyard. This isn't just a wine tasting; it's a wine experience.


The Experience
If you happen to like stuffy and haughty wine tasting environments, then this place is not for you. Folktale prides itself on creating a friendly vibe and kick-back surroundings, inviting guests to let their hair down and “hangout” in their absolutely gorgeous setting.

The wine tasting menu generally starts with a sparkling brut and features a mix of whites and reds for $20 per person. Head winemaker David Baird has done a fantastic job with Folktale’s line-up including a Chardonnay, Rosé and Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay is a standout with hints of vanilla and butterscotch.


What’s wine without cheese and charcuterie? Folktale sources fantastic small bites from local, sustainable vendors including The Cheese Shop, Salumeria Luca, Lafayette Bakery and Monterey Meringues. In my opinion, their stellar cheese board pairs perfectly with any wine tasting.

The best part is that guests are encouraged to take their appetizers and aperitifs out of the tasting room and on to their expansive seating areas; might I suggest their sprawling garden courtyard?



Tours & Entertainment
Learn about the wine making process, stroll through bountiful vineyards, taste grapes directly from the vine and view the exclusive barrel and cellar rooms on a Folktale Wine Tour. 45-minute tours are $15 per person and are available by request.

Folktale also features great local musicians every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In additions, they host events like movie nights, concerts, and special dinners set in the vineyard. Click here to view the complete events calendar.



An Event Venue Like None Other
Have a special event coming up? Folktale Winery & Vineyards has a nook and cranny to suite any party size and celebration. Whether you opt for the romantic garden courtyard, awe-inspiring barrel room, or whimsical vineyards you are sure to have your guests leaving with a lasting impression.


Folktale Winery & Vineyards is open daily from 11am-8pm.

Boutique Wines & Family Vibes at Boete Winery

Looking for a home away from home? Look no further than Boete Winery where delicious artisan wines flow freely and good ol' family hospitality is dished out daily.

Boete Winery's quaint tasting room is the first you encounter along scenic Carmel Valley Road. Tucked inside the charming Valley Hills Center, just past Quail Lodge, sits this cozy tasting room that's full of passion and character.
 
This boutique wine operation is a true family affair; even the name of the winery (pronounced bwah-TAY) is rooted in family. Named after winemaker John Saunders' grandparents, Francois and Jeanne Boete, this winery is a testament to the close-knit family.

Don't be surprised if the person behind the tasting counter is a member of the cabernet producing clan. The entire Saunders family plays a role in the business making your tasting experience positively personal. The surroundings alone will make you feel at home, a place where you can kick your feet up on the sun-drenched patio or have a relaxing conversation at the laid-back bar top.
 
The tasting room offers an estate sampling of their three premium wines including a Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Cheval Rouge. All of the grapes are grown at the Saunders family's 7 acre vineyard, just a stone's throw away on the east side of Carmel Valley Road.

This particular area is very similar to France's famed Boudreaux region, ideal for growing cabernet varietals. Let's just say that the family's dedication to their 6,000 grapevines sincerely shows in their flavorful vino. Once you have a taste of these 100% estate-grown wines you will never want to venture off!
 
Special Tip! On the last Thursday of every month, Boete Winery taps into three beloved things: wine, cheese and chocolate. Join them from 5pm-7pm for this delicious trifecta for just $10 per person, what a steal!

Boete Winery's tasting room is located in between the Wagon Wheel and Baja Cantina and is open daily from 12pm-5pm.

5 New Features at the Revamped Bernardus Lodge & Spa

Just when you thought the lavish Bernadus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley couldn't be anymore plush they go and up their game once again. The premiere luxury hotel nested on Camel Valley Road amongst vineyards and views of the Gabilan Mountain Range has just debuted its multi-million makeover.

Not only are there chic décor upgrades but the property also has gone through a dining and value-added services overhaul. Here's a round-up of five of the most noteworthy upgrades and services you can look forward to on your next stay.


1. Free Mercedes

No, this is not "Oprah's Favorite Things" but you can utilize a Mercedes vehicle for free during your booked stay. The new Mercedes-Benz Drive Program allows guests to check out some of Monterey County's scenic drives in a comfortable Mercedes GL or SL convertible; talk about a perk!


2. Lucia Restaurant

Don't worry, award-winning chef Cal Stamenov has not gone anywhere. Previous onsite restaurants Wickets Bistro and Marinus have morphed into the Lucia Restaurant & Bar serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Chef Cal Stamenov continues to "wow" with his "California Country" cuisine using fresh and local bounty. Might we add that the chicken fried quail is delicious!

This completely renovated space successfully blends together contemporary and country décor with both cozy booth seating and group table arrangements. The expansive outdoor patio complete with fire pits is perfect for soaking in the Carmel Valley sunshine.


3. Swanky Chandeliers & Décor

The main lobby gives you your first taste of the ritzy yet rustic refresh throughout the property. A glitzy light fixture is the first eye-catcher followed by warm up-lighting, Italian stonework, oak floors and elegant furniture which permeates into each of their 57 guestrooms. You can't help but stare into the light at all of the uniquely different chandeliers scattered throughout the property.


4. Sun-Drenched Pools

Bernardus Lodge clearly know how vital pools are in Carmel Valley. Two crystal blue pools and a hot tub attract guests like magnets with an outdoor bar and several surrounding lounging options. The two-person shaded canopy beds are great for couples looking to get cozy while the tented cabanas are great for families and those looking to mingle.


5. Wellness Program

Bernardus Lodge has introduced a completely revamped Wellness Program for those truly looking to find their inner-peace. The new service hosts everything from guided hikes, yoga classes, stretch classes to hypnotherapy. The onsite spa also offers a plethora of amenities sure to have you leave your stress at the door including a variety of therapeutic massages and a private steam room with invigorating Vichy shower.


Book your stay now!

Find Your Inner Peace at Carmel Valley Lodge

Carmel Valley- known for its grassy rolling hills, award-winning wines, ample sunshine and now a revived and rejuvenated Carmel Valley Lodge. The countryside lodge located just off of the Carmel Valley Road has recently just changed ownership; coming with it revamped rooms, outdoor fire pits and the introduction to their complimentary breakfast known as Rainbow Ssambap (more on that later).

The 31 room resort is sprawled out over 3 acres full of well-manicured gardens, an array of flowers and stunning views of the valley. Fully renovated rooms stay true to their cozy country roots with upgraded modern amenities including secluded outdoor patios and furniture, gas fireplaces, mini-fridges and free Wi-Fi.

Quite possibly the most integral selling point of the retreat is the crystal blue pool and stone outdoor fit pits, both a necessity in sunny Carmel Valley. You simply can not top this gorgeous setting with the rolling hills in the distance; a perfect area to bask in the abundant sunshine, enjoy a glass of Carmel Valley's finest Pinot Noir and at night congregate around a cozy outdoor fire with your loved ones.

The nearby gazebo and meditation tent are also new additions to the pool area where guests are encouraged to reflect and tap into their inner creativity.
The most unique feature about this property is their complimentary breakfast created entirely by Carmel Valley Lodge's owner Tong Kim. After his own personal research and exploration he has crafted a raw vegan concoction known as Rainbow Ssambap (Korean for burrito); he even has an entire book on this stuff!
The meal (which Mr. Kim eats exclusively for breakfast, lunch and dinner) is full of over 20 different ingredients including beans, berries, nuts and fruit. I had the pleasure of trying this interesting mashup and to my surprise was delighted with the combination of tastes and textures. Mr. Kim notes that the most important ingredient for the flavor is a Meyer lemon, so important in fact that he has planted over 100 trees around the property.
The cornucopia of fruits, veggies and legumes is certainly a nutritious way to start off the day. I am not sure I could eat this dish all day everyday but Mr. Kim's youthful energy and appearance may have turned me into a believer.
Want to try this Rainbow Ssambap yourself? Book a room at the Carmel Valley Lodge of just follow the easy recipe below.

Rainbow Ssambap Recipe:

You will need-

Nuts

• Almonds
• Cashews
• Walnuts

Fresh Vegetables

• 1 beet
• 3 tomatoes
• 20 cherry tomatoes
• 1 carrot
• Lettuce
• Cabbage
• Any other vegetables that you want to eat

Legumes

• Beans

Fruits

• Apples
• Blueberries
• Bananas
• Meyer Lemons
• Avocados 

1) Make a base - Put five sliced tomatoes the bottom of the blender, put one sliced beet, one carrot, two bananas, one avocado, 20 almonds, 20 cashews and five walnuts on top of it and blend them all together.

2) Pour it into a large bowl up to 1/3 of the bowl.

3) Add blueberries, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, one chopped apple, half of a lemon, some lettuce and any other vegetables, nuts or fruit you want to eat.

4) Mix and eat it.

Will’s Fargo Steakhouse & Bar in Carmel Valley

Recently, Carmel Valley's most iconic hitching posts was sold by the founder of Bernardus Lodge to the folks down the street at Holman Ranch. Will's Fargo Steakhouse & Bar, found in the heart of cowboy country, may have new owners but don't let that "steer" you astray. The landmark's fresh proprietors, Nick Elliott and Hunter Lowder don't plan on changing a whole lot; they like most patrons fell in love with its rustic charm, friendly service and some of the most luscious steaks in Monterey County.
Upon entering you are greeted by the bar and saloon (complete with bar stools) which looks like it was plucked right out of an episode of Bonanza. The cowboy culture continues into the dining room with warm wooden character and beautiful landscape images of the area.

Another untouched gem with the ownership transition is Chef Jerome Viel. The France native has been the restaurant's executive chef for the past 12 years and lucky for us isn't going anywhere anytime soon. His seasonal menu is chalked full of the high quality meats and local veggies sourced just down the road at Earthbound Farms.

On a recent visit I was fortunate enough to post up on their enchanting patio for light bites and sips. The cozy bonfire and twinkling party lights make this a perfect setting for a full-on steak dinner or apps and drinks.
Speaking of drinks, their wine and cocktail menu is a hard one to beat. The Ruby Red Cosmo in particular is the perfect refreshment on the outdoor patio which has just the right amount of citrusy kick without being overly sweet.
I highly recommend the smoked duck tasters. The tender poultry was paired with sweet plum chutney which played nicely with the duck's subtle smoky flavors.
If there's bacon on it I'm going to eat it, especially if it's wrapped around jumbo shrimp and slathered in BBQ sauce! This winning sweet and savory combo had me going back for seconds.
The showstopper of the evening, by no surprise, was the rib eye; the scent alone will have you salivating before the dish even hits the table. This perfectly seared steak is simply seasoned with a few dashes of good ol' salt and pepper, no fancy sauces needed! I hate to sound cliché but every morsel literally melted in my mouth, as if it was straight butter!
Will's Fargo located at Carmel Valley Road and is open nightly for dinner beginning at 4:30pm.

A Sunny Escape: Chamisal Tennis & Fitness Club and Courtside Bistro

Just off of Highway 68 lies a secret sanctuary that is waiting for you to discover. The Chamisal Tennis & Fitness Club sits just off of Los Laureles Road and is well-known to those in the tennis world as it holds several professional tournaments including the US Open National Playoffs.
I decided to scope out this mysterious property with a club tour. The drive from Monterey was a quick 15 minutes and lead me to the sprawling sports sanctum in no time. The fitness and tennis facility has been in operation for over 40 years with many of its inaugural guests still as acting members, and it's easy to see why.
The pristine and tree-laden property has 13 hard courts (eight of which are lighted), two outdoor swimming pools, two spas, childcare facilities, a fitness center and a plethora of group exercise classes.
The pools alone had me sold. Both the adult lap pool and family pool remain heated at a comfortable 78 degrees and are lined with plenty of lounge chairs, perfect for those who simply wish to enjoy the valley views.

The fitness room upstairs is well-maintained and includes all of the cardio, weightlifting and circuit training essentials. The fitness center leads into separate men and women locker rooms which each have their own steam room.

After the tour I stopped into the Courtside Bistro which is luckily open to non-members. The restaurant's dining room reminded me of a cozy lodge complete with high vaulted ceilings, a large stone fireplace, rustic wood paneling and relaxing atmosphere. There is even a great bar with an extensive beer and local wine list, definitely not your average club café!

Being in Monterey's "sun belt" I opted to sit on the outdoor patio overlooking a few of the tennis courts. While soaking in the sun I couldn't help but notice a strange rock formation in the distance. Apparently it's known as "Castle Rock" and is referenced in John Steinbeck's novel "Pastures of Heaven." Word has it that it's particularly stunning during sunset when the formation has a golden hue.

Speaking of pastures of heaven, the bistro sources its produce straight from the Salinas Valley. The lunch menu was full of tempting (and fresh) appetizers, salads and sandwiches; I opted for the roasted beet salad while my buddy ordered the cheddar bacon cheeseburger.

We could literally smell the burger as it was being prepared. A large ciabatta bun oozed with white cheddar cheese and savory beef all topped with crispy bacon. The French fries were crisp and right out of the fryer.
My hefty dose of chopped Salinas Valley greens came topped with roasted beets, hunks of feta cheese and grilled chicken. The sweetness and acidity from the house made balsamic vinaigrette made the fresh ingredients shine!
At an average of $10-$12 per entrée this place is really a steal for its top-notched quality, exceptional service and relaxed atmosphere! The Courtside Bistro is open 7 days a week from 11am-9pm for lunch and dinner.

Interested in fitness and/or tennis memberships? Call (831)484-1135 to schedule a tour. Need a tennis lesson but not a member? No problem, lessons are open to the public.

Baum & Blume and The Carriage House in Carmel Valley

Transport yourself into a charming European café in the heart of sunny Carmel Valley Village. Baum & Blume and The Carriage House offer not one, not two but five things in one warm German-esque atmosphere. The Wenzler family affair includes a cozy café, Biergarten, catering company, gourmet take-out and boutique all in one!
Needing a dose of Oktoberfest I headed to the quaint café and shop tucked up El Caminito Road just across from Bernardus Winery's tasting room. The modest storefront resembles a humble home which is suiting since you feel like family once you enter.

As soon as I pulled up I was immediately greeted with a warm welcome by owners (and siblings) Derek, Deborah and Diane. It's truly a family run business as Deborah was manning the café, Derek was hard at work in the open-aired kitchen and Diane was tidying up the boutique gift shop, aka The Carriage House.
Before Deborah could give me the low-down on the day's specials Derek invited me into the kitchen for a sneak peek into their famous fruitcakes. Now these are not your stereotypical fruitcakes that you mass order from your grandma's catalogs. These specialty holiday cakes are treated with tender loving care; the trio even travels to the Central Valley to pick up fresh raisins and other fruits for the ingredients. The entire process takes several weeks and makes for a wonderful Christmas gift!

After my stint in Derek's kitchen I was seated in the sundrenched patio which also transforms into a German Biergarten Thursday through Saturday from 3pm-7pm with all sorts of food specials and beers, of course.

The menu was full of fall findings like a Harvest Vegetable Shepherd's Pie and an Oktoberfest Special with grilled bockwurst and red cabbage. I finally opted for the Autumn Salad while my buddy ordered the Pecan-Crusted Chicken.

Little did we know, Derek prepared an amuse-bouche before our main courses. The tasty hors d'œuvres were made of bite-sized slices of pumpernickel toast, slathered with a chunky apricot chutney and topped with smoked salmon. The fruity chutney had a kick of ginger which went well with the mildly smoky flavor of the fish.
Soon after, my salad arrived which looked like it had just been picked straight from the garden. A mound of butter lettuce was carefully topped with sweet apple slices, shaved fennel, picked shallots, rye croutons and toasted walnuts. I was particularly pleased that it was very lightly dressed in walnut oil vinaigrette, not taking away from the natural flavors of the ingredients.
The pecan-crusted chicken smelled delightful ! Juicy chicken slices were topped with a rich and creamy Dijon-sour cream reduction sauce with a side of garlic-roasted carrots. I could not believe this gourmet dish was only $11.95!
Not wanting to leave I popped over to The Carriage House to scope out some of their always changing boutique items. I particularly love their assortment of craft jewelry and card offerings.

Doing anything November 8th or 9th? Head to Baum & Blume's Open House where Christmas comes early! Shop for curated gifts and decor in The Carriage House Boutique while enjoying hosted wine tastings from California vintners, hors d'oeuvres from the kitchen, chef demos, craft demos and more.

Baum & Blume and the Carriage house is open for lunch, dinner and take out Wednesday through Saturday from 12pm-7pm.

Sip and Savor at Chateau Julien in Carmel Valley

If you are looking for a true vine to wine experience then Chateau Julien is the place to check out while on your tasting journey through Monterey County. Here you can not only taste some exceptional blends but you can also take a tour through their working vineyards, view the wine Chai and literally stop and smell the roses.
Just a few miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea, along Carmel Valley Road, sits an off-white Chateau that looks like it came straight out of France's Loire Valley. This grown-up fantasyland is a dream come true from husband and wife duo Bob and Patty Brower. The old-world structure is a replica of a home located on the French-Swiss border that the Brower's drooled over while on a European vacation which now plays host as Chateau Julien's tasting room.

Wine tastings are available Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturday- Sunday from 11am to 5pm for $15. Public tours are also offered daily and are complimentary with a purchased wine tasting. Did we mention that this is the only full capacity winery on the Monterey Peninsula open for tours?

Melinda, my guide for the day, had me start with a white blend appropriately named French Kiss. Fresh floral and melon had me sold at first sip and I could easily envision myself with a glass, or two, on a hot summer day.
After this little warm-up I was poured a glass of their Royalty Red, their most popular wine, before embarking on a walk through the vineyards and property.

We first headed to the wine estate's Chai (pronounced "shay") which houses over 1,000 American and French oak barrels. The building is built 30 feet underground to keep the wine cool as it "matures" and would also make for killer party venue. I could easily envision a classy wedding reception or my upcoming 27th birthday party amongst the decorative casks.

Just on the other side of the Chai are six acres of Sangiovese grapes. Rows and rows of vines are nestled on the valley's floor making for quite the backdrop to Melinda's overview of the grape growing process as we wound back up to the Chateau. Once back in the main tasting room I enjoyed a dose of their Reserve Merlot. The rich and bold tannins made for the perfect way to end a di-Vine day.

Even wine drinkers can appreciate this 45-minute guided tour. The immaculate gardens and aromatic roses make this a noteworthy stop for just about anyone. Check out their calendar of events for concerts in the garden, special wine dinners and more.

MST’s Grapevine Express

What to do on a foggy Monterey day? Find the sunshine in Carmel Valley with MST’s Grapevine Express! The Grapevine Express is an inexpensive and hassle free way to truly un-WINE’d in Carmel Valley’s plentiful wine country. The Grapevine Express leaves every hour and has 13 designated stops throughout Monterey, Carmel and Carmel Valley for only $4 roundtrip.

On a cloudy day in downtown Monterey I decided to head for the hills of Carmel Valley. I checked the MST schedule online and I took the bus that left at 10:20am to have plenty of time to enjoy the warmth of the valley. I quickly made my way to the Monterey Transit Plaza and waited for my bus to arrive. I was surprised when a mini-coach pulled up with my bus line number on the front, #24 to be exact, as I was expecting a typical public bus. I paid my $2 bus fare and off we went at exactly 10:20am.
The inside of the bus was very clean and comfortable and held only 4 other passengers at the time. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenic drive with stops at Carmel’s Barnyard Shopping Village, Mid-Valley Center and Chateau Julien. I was also impressed with the punctuality of the bus and its consistent timed stops.

After a relaxing 45 minute drive we arrived in the heart of sunny Carmel Valley village. I was like a kid in a candy store with so many wine tasting options. Luckily I had done my research beforehand and saw Parsonage received rave reviews. That day they were sampling eight different wines, all of which were fantastic, especially the Rocco Reserve Syrah.

By now I had built up quite the appetite and headed to the Corkscrew Café for lunch. The Corkscrew Café is known for their fantastic outdoor seating area which of course I had to indulge in. The rustic yet classy patio was shaded but had plenty of space to soak up some rays.

I opted for the fish tacos and lavender ice cream to cream finish off the meal. The extra tint of lavender made it feel as though you were eating a creamy flower, different but delicious! I can see why Rachel Ray decided to feature the quaint restaurant on Food Network’s TV show $40 a Day.
I checked my bus schedule and found that I still had 30 minutes before I had to head back to misty Monterey. Delighted to have some extra time I headed to the Boekenoogen tasting room and borrowed their patio while tasting three other fabulous red wines.

At exactly 2:15pm MST’s friendly mini-coach pulled up to the curb to officially end my day in the sun and my wonderful experience in Carmel Valley.

The Wine Trail: Joullian Vineyards, Carmel Valley

Recently the winemaker for award-winning Joullian Vineyards invited us to experience the intricate process of creating Joullian wines.

We began our adventure at Joullian’s tasting room in quaint Carmel Valley Village, just 20 minutes from Monterey. I instantly fell in love with their adorable European stone cottage with its fabulous enchanted windows.

Deb and Bob, who hold down the fort at the tasting room, graciously greeted us like family. While I chatted with them and tasted some fabulous chilled Zinfandel Rosé, a gorgeous scenic photo hanging above a few wine bottles grabbed my attention. Deb told me that the photo was taken by winemaker Ridge Watson at the vineyard, which would be our next stop.

Mr. Ridge Watson himself accompanied the excited clan on the drive to his winery and vineyards in Cachagua. On the 45-minute drive, Ridge kept the crowd entertained with stories from Carmel Valley and the history of Joullian wines in particular. The Joullian and Sias families teamed up with Ridge in an effort to create some of the finest estate wines in the world. Joullian purchased the Cachagua property in 1982 which is currently home to 40 acres of vineyards with grape varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc.

After the scenic and windy ride we arrived at our destination, and boy was it worth it! The photo in the wine tasting room was just a small taste of the vineyards and oak trees lining rolling hills. And did I mention that it overlooks the entire Carmel Valley?

Before we got too side-tracked Ridge escorted us into the winery. We tasted wine straight from the barrel and learned about each from the winemaker himself. The wine from the barrel didn’t go down as smooth as the wine from the bottle but nevertheless it was still delicious.

Once we were satisfied with the fruits of his labor we took a stroll through the vineyards where we dove deeper into the process of winemaking and growing.

Luckily I had saved room for lunch which was also paired with,you guessed it, Joullian wine. Ridge and his staff had set up a fabulous lunch near his home which is surrounded by postcard- quality views.

I was in denial once it was time to round up the troops and head back to Monterey. I am pretty sure I have found a little slice of heaven right in Monterey County!

Want to experience the decadent wines of Joullian? Visit their tasting room in Carmel Valley Village off of Carmel Valley Road on Village Drive. Planning a big event? Maybe a small wedding? Guests can use the gorgeous backdrop of Joullian’s vineyard in Cachagua for any special event. Amy Love, alove@joullian.com, will be happy to help you with your event needs.