Monterey's breathtaking vistas, sprawling terrain, and coastal splendor perfectly complement our exceptional wines and unequaled hospitality. Discover, explore, and embrace the pride of Monterey for an unforgettable experience, and become a part of the Monterey Wines Community. Visit the Tasting Rooms of Monterey, Carmel By-The-Sea, and beautiful Carmel Valley. Enjoy Monterey's coastal beach-side charm and intimate venues to learn why Monterey/Carmel was voted as one of the top five worldwide wine destinations by the Wine Enthusiast. Carmel Valley has had a wine history since the 1800s. As you visit you will detect vineyards that peppered this rugged, rustic region. Plan Ride Stay Eat Wine Vineyards Varietals Events. Monterey's wineries and tasting rooms offer a taste of Europe on the California coast. Monterey Wine Country is unequaled for its tasting rooms and here are found in a few locations.

History/ The Monterey AVA's : Visit The Wineries & Tasting Rooms

Visit Tasting Rooms Carmel By-The-Sea & Monterey

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a top-rated wine destination with 18 tasting rooms all within walking distance from your hotel or inn. Did you know Monterey County is one of California's largest premium wine regions? Carmel-by-the-Sea is the place to taste the county's award-winning wines. The people who will help you with your wine-tasting rooms are friendly and casual, and you'll often meet the winemaker.

Carmel Valley Monterey Wine Trail

Plan Ride Stay Eat Wine Vineyards Varietals Events. Monterey's wineries and tasting rooms offer a taste of Europe on the California coast. Monterey Wine Country is unequaled for its tasting rooms and here are found in a few locations. You'll find more in the more densely developed hubs of Carmel Valley. Plan Ride Stay Eat Wine Vineyards Varietals Events. Monterey's wineries and tasting rooms offer a taste of Europe on the California coast. Monterey Wine Country is unequaled for its tasting rooms and here are found in a few locations.

Carmel and Monterey, located on California's beautiful Central Coast, offer a range of excellent dining options, from fresh seafood to farm-to-table cuisine. Here are some of the best restaurants in Carmel and Monterey, known for their quality and diverse menus:

These are just a few excellent dining options in Carmel and Monterey. Keep in mind that reservations are often recommended, especially for popular restaurants, so it's a good idea to plan ahead, particularly if you're visiting during peak dining times or weekends.

Carmel-by-The Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a delightful little village where tasting rooms seem to lurk around every corner along with boutiques of all sorts and eating establishments.

River Road Wineries

There's River Road, which cuts through the farms and vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands, with a half-dozen spots peppered along the 20-mile route. You are bound to find a tasting room to your liking where you can sip delicious wine. On River Road, start at Wrath Wines tasting room on the northern edge of the appellation, where winemaker Sabrine Rodems makes vivid Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. There are also more avant-garde offerings like Falanghina aged in Amphora. Toward the southern end is Hahn Winery, perhaps with dinner or a Sunday brunch. Reservations are a must.

Salinas Valley Tasting Rooms

The Salinas Valley in California is known for its agricultural significance, particularly for growing lettuce and other vegetables. However, it may not be as well-known for the wines and the tasting rooms compared to some other regions in California.

Dining Near the Sea

Carmel and Monterey, located on California's beautiful Central Coast, offers excellent dining options, from fresh seafood to farm-to-table cuisine. Here are some of the best restaurants in Carmel and Monterey, known for their quality and diverse menus:

The Sardine Factory: Every city has that one-can’t-miss restaurant, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, The Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes, and entertainment icons. Enjoy award-winning chef-prepared delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef. The Sardine Factory has received Restaurant Hospitality Magazine’s “Best Wine List in America” award among so many other culinary, wine list, and service awards. Happy Hours and an affordable menu are a casual alternative to the other dining rooms.

The Restaurant at Mission Ranch: Enjoy picturesque views of the meadows and ocean while dining on classic American dishes and seafood at this historic restaurant.

Casanova: This cozy restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and offers a romantic, European-style ambiance with charming indoor and outdoor seating.

La Bicyclette: A popular spot for brunch and dinner, La Bicyclette offers a menu of rustic French and Italian dishes, including wood-fired pizzas and pastries.

Grasing's Coastal Cuisine: Known for its fresh seafood and farm-to-table approach, Grasing's serves a variety of dishes in a casual yet elegant setting.

Dining in Monterey:

Passionfish: This sustainable seafood restaurant features a diverse menu with innovative and delicious dishes, including many vegetarian and vegan options.

Old Fisherman's Grotto: A classic seafood restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf, offering seafood platters, clam chowder, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Montrio Bistro: Located in a historic building, Montrio Bistro focuses on farm-to-table cuisine and offers a creative menu with dishes like wood-grilled artichokes and pork belly sliders.

Sea Harvest: A casual seafood spot that offers fresh catches of the day, including a variety of fish and chips options, clam chowder, and more.

Bistro Moulin: A cozy French bistro known for its classic French dishes, wine, and charming atmosphere.

Fishwife Seafood Restaurant: A family-friendly seafood restaurant serving everything from fish tacos to cioppino in a relaxed setting.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a renowned aquarium located on Cannery Row in Monterey, California. It is known for its focus on marine conservation, research, and education. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, here's some information about the aquarium:

1. Exhibits: The Monterey Bay Aquarium features a variety of exhibits showcasing marine life from the region and around the world. Popular exhibits include the Kelp Forest, Open Sea, Sea Otters, Penguins, and the Splash Zone.

2. Conservation and Research: The aquarium is actively involved in marine conservation efforts and supports research initiatives. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the oceans and marine ecosystems.

3. Seafood Watch Program: The Monterey Bay Aquarium is well-known for its Seafood Watch program, which provides sustainable seafood recommendations to consumers, helping them make choices that support healthy oceans.

4. Education Programs: The aquarium offers educational programs for visitors of all ages, including school programs, camps, and interactive exhibits to promote understanding and appreciation of the marine environment.

Dining in Carmel Valley

Carmel Valley, a picturesque wine country region in Monterey County, offers a range of dining options that showcase the local wine and culinary scene. Here are some dining recommendations in Carmel Valley:

Bernardus Lodge & Spa - Lucia Restaurant: Located at the luxurious Bernardus Lodge, Lucia Restaurant offers farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. It's known for its California and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Cafe: A charming and relaxed cafe known for its delicious comfort food, including wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. They also have a great wine list featuring local wines.

Cafe Rustica: This cozy restaurant offers Italian-inspired cuisine, with a menu that includes wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, and a variety of antipasti. The ambiance is warm and welcoming.

Lokal: A modern eatery that combines the flavors of California and the Mediterranean, Lokal is known for its wood-fired dishes, seafood, and creative small plates. The restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor patio.

Wickets Bistro: Located at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club, Wickets Bistro offers a menu with a mix of classic and contemporary dishes, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients.

The Bench at Pebble Beach: While not in Carmel Valley, this restaurant, located at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, is known for its stunning views of the golf course and coastline. The menu includes a variety of dishes, including seafood, steaks, and California cuisine.

Holman Ranch Tavern: Located at Holman Ranch, this charming restaurant serves farm-to-table dishes in a rustic and inviting setting. The menu features dishes made with ingredients from their estate gardens.

Valley Kitchen: Valley Kitchen offers a casual yet upscale dining experience. The menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients and inventive dishes.

Roux: This French-inspired restaurant is known for its elegant and classic cuisine, including dishes like duck confit, coq au vin, and escargot.

Cafe Del Soul: A great spot for health-conscious diners, Cafe Del Soul offers a menu of organic, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients. You'll find a variety of salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.

These are just a few of the dining options you can explore in Carmel Valley. Given the region's association with wine and agriculture, you can expect to find a strong focus on local, fresh ingredients and wine pairings at many of these establishments. It's advisable to make reservations in advance, especially at popular restaurants, to secure your dining experience.

Fine Dining in Big Sur

Big Sur is known for its natural beauty, including its rugged coastline and redwood forests, but it doesn't have many traditional fine dining options due to its remote and pristine setting. However, there are a few notable upscale dining experiences in and around Big Sur that offer high-quality cuisine and ambiance. Here are some fine dining options in the Big Sur area:

Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn: Located in the Post Ranch Inn, Sierra Mar offers a breathtaking cliffside setting with panoramic ocean views. The restaurant focuses on local, seasonal ingredients and offers a prix fixe menu. It's an exquisite dining experience with an emphasis on California cuisine.

Nepenthe: While not a traditional fine dining restaurant, Nepenthe is an iconic establishment known for its stunning views of the coast. The menu includes a variety of dishes, including seafood, salads, and sandwiches. The outdoor terrace offers one of the best views in Big Sur.

Ventana Big Sur: Ventana offers an upscale dining experience in a rustic-chic setting. The restaurant features locally sourced ingredients and offers a varied menu with options like steak, seafood, and vegetarian dishes.

Big Sur River Inn Restaurant: This historic restaurant offers a casual yet upscale dining experience. It's known for its riverside setting, comfortable atmosphere, and a menu that includes classic American dishes, seafood, and more.

Deetjen's Big Sur Inn: Deetjen's offers a charming and romantic atmosphere in a historic setting. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, with an emphasis on fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

While Big Sur's dining scene is not known for Michelin-starred establishments or formal fine dining, the region offers unique and memorable culinary experiences that complement its natural beauty. Keep in mind that reservations may be necessary for many of these restaurants, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Hopefully, these suggestions will give you some food for thought. Which ever you choose there are some great deals for places to stay during the winter months and things are just less crowded as well as you enjoy your stay in Monterey or in Carmel.

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About the Author: John Krause is wine enthusiast and the founder of the website California Corks, a directory of California wineries.