I admit it, I’m a wino.  There is just no getting around the fact that I love my wine.  I truly appreciate wine and, yes, on occasion I’ve been known to overdo just a bit.  Monterey County has some excellent wineries and while you are visiting the Monterey Peninsula, why not take a wine tour.  It can be a case of so many wineries and not enough days, so I’m going to talk about just a few but please go to www.montereywines.org  to see the complete list.  The following can be visited by driving yourselves, taking the Wine Trolley or we can arrange for a Luxury Limo so you can imbibe to your heart’s content!
Staying close to home, Carmel Valley offers some very good examples of Monterey County Wines.  We are lucky enough to serve Chateau Julien wines during our Wine Hour here at the Inn.  They have a beautiful winery with lovely gardens.  I especially like their Rosato which is a lovely Rose’ made with Sangiovese grapes.  They make a limited amount and don’t normally offer it at their tasting so be bold and ask to taste it.  Scrumptious served at lunch or a brunch!  It’s also one of the few wineries close by that offers a tour (Mon thru Friday 10:30 & 2:30—Sat & Sun 12:30 & 2:30).
Another really good winery can be found in Carmel Valley Village, Parsonage Village Winery.  Each one of their wines is remarkable and don’t miss out on their spiced pecans, irresistible!
If you are interested in staying organic, try Heller Estate Winery.  They are very knowledgeable about the art of organic viticulture!  Ask to try their Toby’s Port, yum.
If you favor Pinot Noirs, which like our climate here since it’s nice and cool, go to Talbott or Boekenoogen (great name).  And Merlots are pretty darn good at Georis Winery; as is their restaurant The Corkscrew.  Georis Winery and the Corkscrew restaurant are owned by the folks that own Casanova’s Restaurant in Carmel (another one of my very favorite romantic spots).
Below I’ve listed the 2010 Wine Events & Festivals, we hope you’ll find something irresistible and come to stay at the Old Monterey Inn bed and breakfast.  Until then, I toast you all!

2010 EVENTS & FESTIVALS
EVENT ORGANIZATION DATE EMAIL PHONE WEBSITE

The Wine Collector’s Package  Michaud Vineyard: Chalone Appellation, Monterey, L’Auberge Carmel and Aubergine Restaurant  Call to make reservations dbemore@laubergecarmel.com
831.622.5907 

 
Fromage Friday
Come Join Us Every Friday afternoon for a Wine & Cheese Pairing  Taste Morgan  Every Friday at our Carmel Tasting Room     3pm – 5pm     831.626.3700

 
Library Sunday
Come Join Us Every Sunday and taste wines from Morgan Winery’s Library  Taste Morgan  Every Sunday at our Carmel Tasting Room    2pm – 5pm     831.626.3700 

     
Vintage Affair  Chateau Julien Wine Estate  
 
Sunday, April 18th
11am -  4 pm
The Barrel Room opens for a full day of specialty wine tasting, large format bottles, vertical tastings and much more.    831.624.2600 

WINE 101  Scheid Vineyards  
 
May 7, 2010
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Do you love wine but don’t have time to become a Certified Sommelier?  Have we got a class for you!  Wine 101. $50 per person / Vin’s club $40 per person  kim@scheidvineyards.com 831.455.9990 

MONTEREY WINE AUCTION & GALA
  Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association
Auction proceeds benefit the MCVGF Scholarship Foundation for the children in our community and Ag Researc. (501[c](3) non-profit charity)
   Saturday, May 8, 2010
call 831.375.9400 for details    831.375.9400 

Winemaker’s New Release Party  Chateau Julien Wine Estate  
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The Estate’s “Vintner’s Collection”
5pm – 7pm    831.624.2600 

 
Santa Lucia Highlands Fling  
The Wine Artisans of the Santa Lucia Highlands  
May 15, 2010
2pm – 5pm
$85 per person  
tickets on line at www.santaluciahighlands.com 

 
The Annual E.A.R.S. Fundraiser 
Wild Things  
May 15, 2010  
heather@wildthingsinc.com 
831.455.1901 ext. 3  

 
Sycamore Cellars GRAND OPENING 
“Grand Opening of the Sycamore Cellars Tasting Room”  
May 29, 2010  
cyndi@thesycamorecellars.com 
831.674.5670 

 
Wine & Cigar Dinner  
Chateau Julien Wine Estate 
Friday, June 18, 2010
Reception: 6:30pm, Dinner 7:30pm    
831.624.2600 

ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT at
Bayonet/Blackhorse Golf Course
                 
   
 
Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association (MCVGA)  Golf Tournament
 
   Thursday, June 24, 2010
Your chance to play golf with a winemaker!    831.375.9400 

WINEMAKERS’ CELEBRATION  Winemakes’ Celebration at the Custom House Plaza  Saturday, August 7, 2010    831.375.9400 

Harvest Dinner  Chateau Julien Wine Estate  
Friday, September 24, 2010
Grape Crush: 7pm, Dinner: 8pm    831.624.2600 

GREAT WINE ESCAPE WEEKEND
  
 
Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association
Various locations throughout Carmel, Carmel Valley, Monterey and Salinas  Friday through Sunday                         November 12 – 15, 2010    831.375.9400 

Holiday Spectacular Chateau Julien Wine Estate 
 
December 5, 2010 ~ 2:30pm – 5:30pm
The Choral Project, founded by Artistic Director Daniel Hughes in 1996, has developed an international reputation for performing high-level choral literature and bridging the gap between text and music, singer and spectator. Come and hear the 48-voice ensemble in the Chai – Spectacular!   831.624.2600