All Weekend

Check out the Art in Bloom this weekend at the Monterey Museum of Art- La Mirada. Some of the top floral designers from the Central Coast will showcase beautiful designs using delicate plants and flowers. This inaugural event hosts a variety of activities including an opening night gala, lectures, demonstrations and special afternoon teas. Wednesday-Sunday, 720 Via Mirada, Monterey. Various ticket prices.

Get all of the latest and greatest running and training garb at the Big Sur International Marathon Health & Fitness Expo! The Monterey Conference Center will be packed with over 80 vendors providing fitness apparel and equipment. Marathon participants can also pick up their bibs and other race day materials. Friday from 12pm-6pm and Saturday from 9am-6pm. 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey. Free event.

Need a laugh? Catch a performance of “9 to 5, the Musical” at the Paper Wing Theatre this Friday or Saturday. The musical version of the popular movie starring Dolly Parton is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with songs like “Joy to the Girls” and “Shine Like the Sun.” Friday and Saturday at 8pm, 320 Hoffman Avenue, Monterey. $22-$25.

Friday

Young professionals are invited for a night out at the Monterey Museum of Art- La Mirada. The Mo + Co Happy Hour is a great way to see all of the museum’s exhibits after-hours. 5pm-7pm, 720 Via Mirada, Monterey. Free event.

The young and vibrant musicians that make up the Enso Quartet grace the stage at the Sunset Center this evening. The four-some will perform works from Mozart, Britten and Beethoven. 8pm, San Carlos Street at Ninth Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. $15.

Saturday

Kids can get Wild for Flowers today at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. This Science Saturday will take a close look at wildflowers where kids can participate in a scavenger hunt, flower dissection and other fun activities. 11am-3pm, 165 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove. Free event.

Kids needing to get out of the house? Bring them over to the Museum of Monterey for Kids Create! Today they will learn about whales and participate in a hands-on arts project. 12pm-1:30pm, 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey. $15.

Get a peek inside Monterey’s Naval Postgraduate School during International Day. The free event will host a variety of activities for the whole family including live music, dancing, games and food from over 20 different countries (sold separately). 12pm-4pm, enter on Sloat Avenue at Tenth Street, Monterey. Free event

The Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea presents Monterey Ensemble: War Requiem. Tonight the Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra, Cantiamo, the Cabrillo Chorus and the Children’s Chorus perform Benjamin Britten’s War Requiemas. 8pm, San Carlos Street at Ninth Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. $42.

Sunday

Big Sur International Marathon

Get ready, get set and go for the Big Sur International Marathon! Marathon runners take off early this morning for one of the most beautiful 26.2 stretches of highway in Carmel and Big Sur. Cheer along the runners as they cross the finish line near The Crossroads in Carmel. 6:45am, Carmel & Big Sur. Free to spectators.

Lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails with guides from the Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District. Today hikers discover the beautiful canyons and expansive vistas at Kahn Ranch in Garland Park. The 3.7 mile hike is expected to last 3-4 hours. Don’t forget to bring water, snacks and to wear good hiking shoes. 9:30am, Kahn Ranch, Carmel Valley. Free event.

Join guides with the Elkhorn Slough Foundation for an Edible Plant Walk. Today you can learn about the edible plants at the Elkhorn Slough and their cultural uses by the Ohlone Native Americans who once called the region home. 1pm-2:30pm. 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. $14.

Come on out for a Spring Celebration at Carmel Valley’s East End Wine Row. Six wine tasting rooms along the row have teamed up for an unforgettable day of food, wine, and cooking demonstrations. 1pm-5pm, 19 East Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. $35.

Chef John Cox from the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur dishes out his recipe for Monterey Bay Spot Prawn Consommé. Click here to see what Chef John Cox likes to do beyond the kitchen in Monterey County, from hitting his favorite coffee spot to biking around the peninsula.

Pacific to Plate, Recipe of Monterey Bay Spot Prawn

Ingredients

• 1# Fresh Spot Prawns
• 2 gallons water
• ½ cup white soy
• 1 stalk lemongrass
• 1 yellow onion
• 1 tsp chopped ginger
• 3 cilantro stems
• 3 mint stems
• 2 crushed garlic cloves
• 3 eggs

Table Side Presentation

• 1 Five Cup Coffee Vacuum Siphon
• 1 Kaffir Lime Leaf
• 2 Sprigs Cilantro
• 2 Branches Thai Basil
• 1 Sprig Mint
• 2 slices ginger
• 1 slice galangal root
• 4 slices lemongrass
• 1 thai chile cut in half

Separate out the 4 largest spot prawns that have roe and set aside. Use a pairing knife inserted behind the head to kill the remaining prawns. Separate the heads from tails. Remove the innards from heads. Peel tails and set meat and shells aside separately. Cover the spot prawn heads and shells with cold water. Bring water to steep and barely simmer for 1 hour.

In a robotcoupe or food processor combine the cleaned prawn meat with vegetables and egg whites- pulse until roughly mixed. Strain the prawn stock and cool slightly. Put the prawn stock in tall pot and whisk in the egg white-prawn mix. Allow the egg white-prawn mix to float to surface. Allow the consommé to gently simmer through the “raft.” Continue for 40 minutes or until consommé appears clear. Filter through coffee filter.  Reserve.

Set up the coffee siphon. Pour the consommé into base of siphon. Put the prawn heads and aromatics in top of siphon. Turn on burner below siphon. Once consommé has entered top chamber turn to low. Steep in top chamber for 2 minutes. Turn off burner and allow consommé to percolate through filter back into bottom bowl. Remove top vessel and dispose of aromatics.

Prepare a bowl with Garnishes. Put the peeled raw spot prawn in middle of bowl. Top with raw prawn roe. Pour Consommé on top.

Score some points with Mom this Mother’s Day and pamper her in Monterey County. Perhaps some shopping, spa treatments or a Mother’s Day brunch? Here’s our round-up of some of the best Mother’s Day brunches offered Sunday, May 12, 2013.

Please note that all Mother’s Day brunches take place on Sunday, May 12, and prices do not include sales tax or gratuity.

Carmel

Carmel Mission Ranch celebrates dear Mom with one of their stellar Sunday brunches! There will be a carving station, a hot station, fruits, salads and lots of desserts. Brunch is severed 10am-2pm and is $56 for adults and $26 for children ages 4-12 . Call (831) 625-9040 for reservations.

Aubergine Restaurant at L’Auberge Carmel will host a spectacular brunch for Mother’s Day. Enjoy an array of hors d’oeuvres and appetizers while your menu order is prepared for service at your table. Brunch will be served from 11am-2pm and is $75 for adults and $32 for children. Call 831-624-8578 to reserve.

Take in panoramic ocean views and a delicious brunch at Pacific’s Edge this Mother’s Day. Brunch will be served from 10am-2pm and features an omelet station, waffle station, fresh seafood, assorted desserts and more! The cost is $80 for adults, $40 for children ages 5-12 and free for children 5 and under. Call 831-622-5445 for reservations.

Carmel Valley

Carmel Valley‘s Bernardus Lodge will feature a Mother’s Day Brunch showcasing local organic vegetables, naturally raised meats and farmhouse cheeses. The buffet is $75 for adults (13 and up), $32 for children (five to 12) and free for children under 5. Brunch will be served from 11am-3:30pm. Call 888-648-9463 to reserve.

Edgar’s Restaurant will serve up a Mother’s Day brunch from 9am-3pm. The brunch will showcase classic dishes as well as small plates options for children. For reservations call 831-620-8910.

Bring Mom to Carmel Valley Ranch and bask in the sun while enjoying a farm-to-table brunch. The brunch buffet includes prime rib, prawns, crab legs and more! Brunch runs from 11am-3pm and is $68 for adults, $34 for children ages 5-12 and free to children 5 and under. Call 831-620-6427 for reservations.

Monterey

The Sardine Factory will feature a 3-course brunch menu served 11pm-3pm and a special 3-course dinner served 4:30pm-8pm for that special Mom in your life. The earlier 3-course brunch menu will feature entrees including Dungeness Crab Omelet Florentine, Alaskan Halibut and Filet Mignon for $35. The special 3-course menu will include your choice of items like Alaskan Halibut Fillet, Prawns Alfredo Rigatoni and Prime Rib for $39. Call 831-373-3775 for reservations.

Jacks Restaurant at the Portola Hotel and Spa celebrates Mom with bottomless mimosas and a delectable Mother’s Day Brunch with a salad station, carving station and a dessert buffet. Brunch begins at 11am and is $39.95 for adults, $34.95 for seniors, $19.95 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Call 831-649-4805 for reservations.

The hip Restaurant 1833 in downtown Monterey will treat Mom like a queen this Mother’s Day. Their brunch menu includes items like spiced French toast, croissant BLT, braised pork cheeks and bacon biscuits and gravy. For reservations call 831-649-1833.

Pair Mother’s Day Brunch with fabulous ocean views at the Monterey Beach Resort. A brunch buffet will be served from 10:30am to 2:30pm and will include prime rib, roasted turkey, salads, omelets, waffles and lots of desserts. Reserve your space by calling 831-899-4544.

Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove brunch favorite Fandango has a diverse menu prepared for their Mother’s Day Brunch, including roast leg of lamb Provencal, honey glazed baked ham, eggs Benedict Florentine and more. The buffet is $34.75 for adults (12 and over) and $18.75 for children under 12 from 11:30am-2:30pm. Call 831-372-3456 to reserve.

Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach’s Stillwater Creek Bar & Grill will honor Mom with a delightful brunch. The special buffet will highlight items including a carving station, omelet station, chilled seafood, desserts and a special kid’s buffet. The brunch buffet will run 10am-3pm and costs $85 for adults (ages 12 and up) and $42.50 for children (ages 11-five). For reservations call 831-625-8524.

Every week we pick a newly submitted photo from the Flickr Group “See Monterey- Beautiful Photos of Monterey County.” This week’s winner is “Carmel Valley” submitted by tanngrisnir3.

“Carmel Valley” photo taken by tannsgrisnir3

Rolling hills, sprawling vineyards and an abundance of sunshine take over Carmel Valley.

Do you have an amazing shot of Monterey County that you think is worthy of “Flickr Photo of the Week?” Submit your photo to our Flickr Group and you just might get picked!

All Weekend

Stop by the Monterey County Fairgrounds this weekend for the FASH Monterey Springfest Horse Show. This competition features American Saddlebred and Fresian horses with national and world champion horses and riders. Wednesday-Sunday from 9am-2pm, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. Free event.

Sea Otter Classic

Tens of thousands of bike enthusiasts descend upon the Monterey Peninsula for the Sea Otter Classic this weekend. The four-day action packed event includes tons of competitions for both amateurs and professionals, family fun activities and one of the largest consumer bike expos in the world! Thursday-Sunday. Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Monterey. Various tickets prices.

Check out what’s in bloom at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. This weekend they play host to one of the largest Wildflower Shows on the Northern and Western Hemispheres with over 600 different wildflower species on display. Friday-Sunday from 10am-5pm. 165 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove. $5.

The Monterey Symphony presents “Merriment” this weekend with performances at Sherwood Hall in Salinas and the Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The symphony welcomes French pianist Philippe Binaconi as he plays works from Erick Satie, Maurice Ravel and Paul Hindemith. Friday at 7:30pm in Salinas, Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm in Carmel-by-the-Sea. $20-$78.

Need a laugh? Catch a performance of “9 to 5, the Musical” at the Paper Wing Theatre this Friday or Saturday. The musical version of the popular movie starring Dolly Parton is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with songs like “”Joy to the Girls” and “Shine Like the Sun.” Friday and Saturday at 8pm, 320 Hoffman Avenue, Monterey. $22-$25.

Friday

Get your fill of some fine whiskey at the Crown Royal Tasting this evening at the Salinas Sports Complex. Crown Royal and the California Rodeo Salinas host this special event which includes live music, food, mixing competitions and lots whiskey, of course. Cheers! 6:30pm-10pm, 1034 N. Main Street, Salinas. $50-$100.

Don’t miss a special performance from Storm Large at the Sunset Center tonight. The singer from the band Pink Martini flies solo with some of her original rock songs. 8pm, San Carlos Street at Ninth Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. $37.

Saturday

Take in the beauty of some of Carmel Valley’s colorful spring flowers at Garland Ranch’s lower trails during a Wildflower Walk with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District. The three mile hike is expected to last one to two hours. Don’t forget to bring water, snacks and to wear good hiking shoes. 9am, Garland Visitors Center, Carmel Valley. Free event.

Kids will love a live concert by Essence at MY Museum today! She will put on a silly and fun performance with songs from her latest album “A Dog Named Moo.” 10:30am-11:15am, 425 Washington Street, Monterey. Free with admission.

Want free admission to the Monterey Museum of Art? Stop by today during Family Day and check out the awesome exhibits at the Monterey Museum of Art. There will also be family-fun activities like sketching, a scavenger hunt, story telling and more.11am-4pm, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey. Free event.

Prepare to be amazed by local artists at Noche Bohemia at the Steinbeck Institute for Arts and Culture tonight. There will be quite the mix of poetry, song, art and photography. 5:30pm-10pm, 940 N. Main Street, Salinas. Free event.

Shake your groove thang at Fernwood Tavern in Big Sur with the Billy Martini Band. This energetic act plays original rock and covers dating back to the ‘70s. 9pm, 47200 Highway One Big Sur. Free event.

Sunday

Explore some of the Fabulous Flowers and Ferns at Garzas Creek this morning with guides from the Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District. The 3.3 mile hike is expected to last three hours. Don’t forget to bring water, snacks and to wear good hiking shoes. 9am, East Garzas Trailhead. Free event.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is celebrating children and families today during Día del Niño. Children 12 years old and younger will be admitted for free and will enjoy various activities like arts and crafts, live feedings and music from mariachi bands. 10am-6pm, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey. Free event.

The Listening Place, Readers’ Theatre performs “Foxfire” with songs by Hume Cronyn and Susan Cooper at the Monterey Museum of Art- La Mirada this afternoon. Don’t miss this story about Annie Nations and the issues she faces in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 1:30pm, 720 Via Mirada, Monterey. Free with museum admission.

Chef Ted Walter of Passionfish in Pacific Grove shares a delicious recipe for curried vegetables with pear and apple chutney, Gorgonzola mousse and candied pecans. Check out some of Chef Ted’s insider tips about Monterey County here.

Pacific to Plate, Recipe of Curried Vegetables

Candied Pecans

• 1/2 pound whole pecans
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Curry Dressing

• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon toasted curry powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup coconut cream

Pear & Apple Chutney

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, clove, allspice, cayenne, paprika
• 1/4 cup garlic peeled & chopped
• 1/4 cup ginger fresh peeled & chopped
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 each apples, cubed
• 2 each pears, cubed
• 1/4 pound  golden raisins
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup cider vinegar

Gorgonzola

• 1/4 pound Gorgonzola, whipped
• 2 oz cream

Grilled Vegetables from Coke farms

• 4 Carrots, sliced lengthwise
• 8 asparagus spears
• 12 snap peas

Preheat oven 250’.  Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.  Place pecans in water.  Boil for 3-4 minutes.  Drain.  Toss with powdered sugar thoroughly.  Place on a sheet pan and bake for 20-30 minutes.  They are done when the pecans dry out but before the sugar caramelizes.  Cool on a rack.

In a blender mix all ingredients except the oil & cream.  Drizzle the oil slowly into the blender, then the cream as it runs.  Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.

Puree first set of ingredients.  Combine with the fruit, sugar, & vinegar in a pot.  Simmer medium heat stirring sporadically to prevent scorching.  When the fruit is cooked and the juice has thickened, remove from the heat and let cool.

Whip softened Gorgonzola.  Whip cream into Gorgonzola.  Season with salt and pepper.

Toss vegetables in olive oil.  Place carrots on an open wood grill.  Cook till soft, about ten minutes.  Cook asparagus and snap peas till tender, about two minutes. Season with salt.

Assembly. Toss vegetables with the curry dressing.  Place on one end of the plate and add t chutney on either side of the vegetables.  Sprinkle pecans around the plate.  place  a portion of the Gorgonzola between the chutney and serve.

Every week we pick a newly submitted photo from the Flickr Group “See Monterey- Beautiful Photos of Monterey County.” This week’s winner is “Monterey Wharf” submitted by FlyingHoudini.

“Monterey Wharf” photo taken by FlyingHoudini

Old Fisherman’s Wharf is one of Monterey’s top attractions! Do you have a favorite seafood restaurant along the famous wharf?

Do you have an amazing shot of Monterey County that you think is worthy of “Flickr Photo of the Week?” Submit your photo to our Flickr Group and you just might get picked!

All Weekend

Pacific Grove Good Old Days Parade

Come one, come all to America’s last hometown! The Pacific Grove Good Old Days conjures up sweet memories with an old-fashioned celebration for the whole family! Lighthouse Avenue will be transformed into a full-on carnival this weekend complete with a parade, a petting zoo, car show, rides, live entertainment on five different stages, craft vendors and tons of food! Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm, Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove. Free event.

Friday

Pacific Grove stays up passed its bedtime for the Wine, Art and Music Walk this evening. Several shops remain open for art exhibitions, live music, wine tastings and light appetizers. Pick up a map of participating venues at the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce at 584 Central Avenue. 6pm-9pm, Downtown Pacific Grove. Free event.

Saturday

Celebrate Earth Day with the City of Marina this morning and help beautify Locke-Paddon Park. Afterwards (around 11:30am) stay for a fun-filled after-party including live music from Bag O’ Tricks, crafts, food and more! 9am-1pm, Del Monte Avenue and Reservation Road, Marina. Free event.

Beso Negro stops by the Fernwood Tavern in Big Sur for a night of gypsy jazz. If you like acts like Flogging Molly and Gogol Bordello than you will love Beso Negro! 9pm, 47200 Highway One Big Sur. Free event.

Sunday

Enjoy a guided bird walk at Elkhorn Slough this morning. Today experts with the Elkhorn Slough Foundation take out curious guests to view some lovely springtime birds like hawks, towhees and chickadees. Sign up here. 7:30am-11:30am, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville. $10.

The Listening Place, Readers’ Theatre performs “Foxfire” with songs by Hume Cronyn and Susan Cooper at the Monterey Museum of Art- La Mirada this afternoon. Don’t miss this story about Annie Nations and the issues she faces in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 1:30pm, 720 Via Mirada, Monterey. Free with museum admission.

Listen to the dynamic four-some that make up the Takacs Quartet this afternoon at the Sunset Center. The all-string quartet will play works from Haydn, Britten and Beethoven. 3pm, San Carlos Street at Ninth Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. $48-$60.

Chef Tim Wood of Carmel Valley Ranch dishes out one of his favorite recipes inspired by Monterey County. He likes to pair this Tassajara Natural Grass Fed Beef- Saunders Family Cabernet Braised recipe with Carmel Valley Ranch fava beans and purple mustard greens. Want to learn about Chef Tim and his “Monterey County Hot Spots?” Click here.

Pacific to Plate, Recipe of Tassajara Beef

Background Information

TimWood: I first tasted Tassajara Meats when I was at the Monterey Peninsula College Farmer’s Market. I had been turned onto it by Mike Jones of the now famed Cachagua General store. He told me about it and I ran to the market to check it out. I love using Tassajara beef for small wine dinners because it really represents someone who cares about what they do and why they do it. Tassajara Meats’ main goal is to teach people the importance of beef and how it’s raised and consumed for the American Diet.

Ingredients

• 5-8 pounds chuck steak or grass fed short ribs cut into uniform pieces (this ensures even cooking )
• 1 bottle Boete Cabernet Franc from the Saunders Family Vineyard (or your favorite cab franc or cabernet)
• Soft heirloom tomatoes- about 1 cup chopped or 1 /4 cup tomato paste
• 3 filet of anchovies
• 1 head garlic split
• ½ bunch thyme
• 6 each celery stalks- rough chopped
• 3 medium size carrots- rough chopped
• 3 whole onions- rough chopped
• 1 Tsp. peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ to ¾ gallon veal stock or previous braising liquid watered down a little

Instructions

Season the beef heavily with salt and fresh ground pepper (use a quality salt like Diamond Krystal or a sea salt, like what we make at The Ranch). Leave uncovered overnight in the refrigerator.

Begin the next afternoon by pulling the meat out and allowing it to temper on the counter (this is a good time to check the rest of the ingredients)

Start with the searing of the beef in a large heavy bottomed sauce pot by heating a generous amount of olive oil to coat the bottom. Sear on medium heat as not to scorch the pan. When all sides are evenly browned, pull the meat and allow it to rest. Remove half the oil and start to cook off the celery, carrot, onion, garlic clove, thyme, bay leaf and peppercorns for about 20 minutes on low to medium heat till soft and translucent (Chefs always say translucent but basically your cooking out the sweetness of the vegetal aromatics). Turn the heat to med high and add the tomato product and cook out quickly till it starts to show color, about 5 minutes, then add the red wine. Let cook-down till almost dry and then add your beef and enough stock to cover by one to two inches. Season with a little more salt as it will cook slowly into the beef allowing us to adjust the final sauce later with extra stock.

Put covered pan into a 325 degree oven till tender, about 2-3 hours depending on the size of the cut. Pull the beef out and reserve, drain the braising liquid and adjust with fresh stock, as it may be salty, and serve over fresh garden vegetables (in this case favas, English peas and young steamed potatoes). Use a bitter green like mustard or wild arugula for a garnish or a fresh bite in contrast to the braise.

By: Kevin Wilkerson
PubClub.com
BarBlogger.com

One of the biggest drawbacks to wine tasting is either having to find a designated driver (good luck!) or join a tour or hire a driver, both of which can be expensive ($100 and up, per person).

But in Monterey you can go wine tasting while walking, sampling while strolling and while not only being within the width of a wine glass from beautiful Monterey Bay, but in one case actually see its waves crash below you.

These are the fine wine finds of Monterey, the tasting rooms that you can walk to in the city. There are four on Cannery Row – Bargetto, Carmel Ridge, Pierce Ranch and A Taste of Monterey – and two downtown, Terranova Fine Wines and Wines From the Heart.

Bargetto

One of three wine tasting rooms within a popped cork of one another on Cannery Row, Bargetto has a great deal in a good location.

Price:$7 for five wines or $12 for a reserve tasting
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11 am- 7 pm, Friday: 11 am- 7 pm, Saturday: 10:30 am- 8 pm, Sunday: 10:30 am-7:30 pm
Address: 700 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA

Carmel Ridge

With a great location in Steinbeck Plaza, Carmel Ridge is right in the centerpiece of Cannery Row activity. The area is a gathering place of tourists with ocean view restaurants. It doesn’t have the view of A Taste of Monterey above it, but it’s perfect for people watching out its windows.

Carmel Ridge’s windows look out onto Steinbeck Plaza

As far as the wine, it’s Pinor Noir has won several awards and is the prize of the winery.

The lineup of wines in the sampler at Carmel Ridge

It’s also open until 8pm in the evening, a bonus for those not in a hurry to rush off to dinner.

Carmel Ridge posts the bottle prices for the wines featured in the tastings

Price: $10 for five samples. Wines by the glass, $7 and up.
Hours: 11 am-8 pm
Address: 700 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA

A Taste of Monterey

This marvelous wine tasting room is big enough to host group outings.

The sign says it all; A Taste of Monterey features wines from throughout the county

It also has the best view, of crashing waves into the building and big picture windows looking out onto Monterey Bay. It’s on the second floor of the Cannery Row souvenir shop building next to the Fish Hopper restaurant. You would never know there’s a wine tasting room in the place unless you walk into the building.

Unlike some of the other tasting rooms, A Taste of Monterey is not a winery. Instead, it features wines from several wineries throughout Monterey County. So the variety is the best of the tasting rooms. And because of the view, it’s easy to spend an hour or even two here.

The view from the bar pouring station is spectacular at A Taste of Monterey

There are, however, a couple of drawbacks to the Taste of Monterey. The first is that the pours are so thimble-small, it’s hard to actually taste the wines of Monterey. And the second is that if you want to buy a bottle and take it to a table to enjoy, the least expensive ones are around $40. Somehow, you soon forget about that, though, as the mind wanders from the wine to the conversation among friends (or strangers seated next to you) and, eventually, out to sea.

Price: $10 for six wines, $20 for five reserve tastings. Wines by the glass, $7 and up.
Hours:11 am-6 pm
Address: 700 Cannery Row (upstairs), Monterey, CA

Pierce Ranch Vineyards

Confession here: PubClub has not actually been to this wine tasting room, but we do know it exists. So it provides a handy excuse to go back to Monterey. Pierce Ranch’s tasting room is not on “the Row,” but a block up on Wave Street. The winery is located in the small towns of Bradley and Lockwood, between Monterey and Paso Robles. It offers tastings for $5 and specializes in Portuguese style of wines. If you want a small, family-run winery, this is it; Pierce Ranch produces just 2,000 cases a year.

Price: Tasting menu each day for $5. Glasses $7-9.
Hours: Sunday, Monday & Thursday: Noon – 6:30pm, Friday & Saturday: Noon- 8 pm, Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Address: 499 Wave Street, Monterey, CA

Terranova Fine Wines

This is most casual of all the wine tasting rooms. It’s on a main downtown street, directly across from the Portola Hotel & Spa and around the corner from Alvarado Street.

Terranova is located on a main street across from the Portola Hotel & Spa

At Terranova, you don’t even have to have the flights; it’s also a kind of a wine bar where you can get a glass from a dispenser that has about a dozen selections (prices per glass vary, of course). No one from the store will bother you or try to sell you anything, either. Unless you approach them, and don’t be afraid to do so because they are quite friendly to talk to and can enhance your experience.

Terranova is the most laid back of Monterey’s wine tasting room

A cool thing about Terranova is that wine makers frequently are in the place, and you can meet them as they visit with the owners.

Price: $10 for four to five wines.
Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Address: 315 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA

Wines from the Heart

This cozy wine tasting room is tucked into a building next to a deli and across the side entrance to the Portola Hotel & Spa between downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s so discreet, it has to put a small sandwich board on the sidewalk.

Wine from the Heart

It’s worth going into because the staffers are extremely knowledgeable about the wines in the store, customers get good pours and there are chairs and a couch so comfortable you don’t want to get up and go back to the counter for the next wine. Well, you do, but it takes a moment to move.

A big plus about Wines From The Heart is that while they have pre-determined flights, they ask customers what kind of wines they prefer, and then start pouring selections. It’s almost like having a sommelier in a restaurant.

Price: $10 for a flight of three to four wines.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and 7 on Tuesdays after the Farmer’s Market.
Location: Portola Plaza, 241 Alvarado Street, Monterey, CA

*Kevin Wilkerson is a guest blogger for BlogMonterey.com The original post for “Wine Tasting in Monterey, CA” can be found here.