UnWINE’d at Sovino Wine Bar

Escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Monterey and unwine’d at the cozy Sovino Wine Bar. Just inside the esplanade towards Custom House Plaza, the charming wine haven is an easy lure with a tempting happy hour, large selection of libations and outdoor patio- perfect for people watching.

Sovino is truly one of the only wine bars in the area where you can enjoy a full glass of wine, craft brew or sample a wine flight.

You’re sure to be pleased with the bar’s expansive wine list including all sorts of California wines and a variety of award-winning Monterey County vinos available by the glass or bottle. And don’t miss their killer happy hour where wines by the glass are 50% from 4pm-6pm Monday-Thursday.

Regardless of which libation you choose, be sure to pair it with one of their tantalizing tapas. The charcuterie plate is the perfect appetizer before any dinner date!

The Wine Bar also plays host to uber-popular Paint & Sip Nights. Resident artist Bunny Paivine guides amateur artists on a journey to creating their own masterpiece all with a glass of wine in hand. Click here for upcoming event dates.

The wine bar is open Sunday – Thursday from 1pm-9pm and Friday and Saturday from 1pm-10pm.

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.

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.

jeninni kitchen + wine bar in Pacific Grove

Impeccable food, wine and service are the name of the game at the (almost) year old Pacific Grove gem jeninni kitchen + wine bar.

Seasonal menu items such as Spanish tapas, Mediterranean mains and charcuterie plates at jeninni kitchen + wine bar bring a surprising urban energy to downtown Pacific Grove. Peek into the open kitchen where stovetop flames radiate from the chef' latest edible installment before grabbing a seat upstairs at the sleek tile and wood bar, or a table for two in the modern dining room on the main floor.

Owner and sommelier by trade, Thamin Saleh and Chef Jeffrey Weiss are the dream team when it comes to serving up sensational wines with culinary delights. Thamin's extensive wine background is apparent in the ever changing wine list featuring over 90 selections! Chef Jeffrey's training in Spain and time spent with James Beard award-winning chef Jose Andres have fully developed his skills as a Mediterranean food god.

The duo's intimate 34-seat dining room and 14-seat wine bar have been the talk of the town since first opening bringing new flavors and combinations not yet seen on the Monterey Peninsula, all of which I experienced on my recent visit with some friends.
Jeninni's beverage service is not standard by any means. The extensive wine list, imaginative wine cocktails, craft beers and sodas are refreshingly unique; even the water is purified in-house! It's safe to say you won't be ordering a Pepsi at this place, and why would you want to with such delectable options?
I started off with their signature sin-gria which smelled like a nostalgic cherry Lifesaver! The sinful potion tasted like a refreshing and fruity summer version of Christmas mulled wine.

A must try is the craft gin and tonic cocktail served with cucumber; this drink could easily get me into trouble, luckily this gin has a lower alcohol level than the norm!

Now that we were hydrated it was time to eat! May I just say that the seasonal menu alone is a work of art? The simple (yet at times hard to pronounce) choices make this all the more intriguing. Thankfully there is a glossary at the bottom to fully explain unfamiliar terms and ingredients to ease any intimidations.
We started with a Greek inspired heirloom tomato salad with huge chunks of Feta cheese, olives and basil. The entirety was perfectly seasoned with a savory olive oil dressing.

Soon it was time to move over to some serious proteins. House-made chorizo sausages came out piping hot with a side of smoke apple puree and garlic aioli. The garlic aioli was phenomenal and gave the chorizo a much needed kick.

The show stopper amongst are group were the finger-lickin' good chicken wings, not be confused with those found at your local drive-thru. These wings were moist yet crunchy and zesty yet sweet all in one; I may even dare to say that they were the best that I have ever had!
Knowing Jeffrey's background and his recently published 400 page book on the art of Charcuterie and Spanish flavors, I was especially anxious to get my hands on his authentic Catalan Paella dish. The presentation alone earned five stars in my book. Savory rice, corn and chicken were topped with fresh arugula and full-bodied prawns.

The key to paella is to scoop up a hefty serving, top it off with a dollop of honey garlic aioli and finish it off with a fresh squeeze of lemon. The best part of all was the caramelized pieces left at the bottom of the pan, delish!