Destination of the Week

Monterey

In the 60's UC Davis issued a study that classified the grape growing districts by climate.   Monterey County scored high - region I and II - which put it at parity with Sonoma, and Napa and Burgundy and Bordeaux.   The early wines produced were "table" wines but vintners like J. Lohr and Paul Masson envisioned more.   Today Monterey wines far outdistance their original table wines reputation. .

From Big Sur inland to the 101, there are over a score of vineyards and wineries to visit and taste.  The combination of sun and fog makes for great taste as well as fantastic views from Carmel to Salinas Valley.

Be prepared to slow down a little.   If you take the work-a-day pace to Monterey, it won't cooperate.   Take the time to enjoy the views.   The water crashing at Big Sur or the Monarch Butterflies in Pacific Grove.   Activities?   The Monterey Jazz Festival, The Monterey Blues Festival, The Great Monterey Squid Festival, Cherries Jubilee and Monterey Wine Festival all happen there.  

Nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea started as an artists' colony but has expanded beyond that. Today there are boutiques galore along with plenty of great restaurants.

Fly into San Francisco or San Jose and take a leisurely drive.   Route 1 (PCH) takes you to Big Sur; 101 turns inland toward Salinas.   There are plenty of places to stay including bed & breakfasts for all tastes.   Plan your visit around one of the great wine events held in the area and you'll find more tasting opportunities than you can imagine.   But regardless of when you go, hit Cannery Row.   Oh yeah, and at least one spa.

Got a destination in mind? Start planning your trip here.