Thanks for the recommendations, guys. We really appreciate it. The tasting room in Carmel Valley is open Wed-Sun 12-6. Erin is usually there, and if not it will either be my wife Heather or me. We have some pretty interesting Santa Cruz Mountain stuff that we’ll be opening in the TR this fall, Bates Ranch Cab Franc and Cabernet off the Monte Bello Ridge, across the street from the eponymous vineyard.
Locally, the winemaking scene is improving dramatically. In Carmel, I cannot recommend the Caraccioli bubbles enough. That is a project to watch; now that their estate vineyards have been in full production, this will become an all estate project from the vineyard on the southern border of Sleepy Hollow south, made until his recent death by bubbles master Michel Salgues. Albatross Ridge is one of the most compelling vineyards on the Central Coast, and their wines taste like it. Tasting room is on the other side of the block from Caraccioli, if Garret is there, pressure him to take you to the vineyard. Joyce, Chesebro, Georis, Big Sur Vineyards and Windy Oaks all have high quality wines in Carmel Valley Tasting Rooms. Odonata on River Road has really impressed me with their latest batch of well made, interesting wines and are great people. McIntyre and Morgan in the Crossroads Center near Carmel are more traditionally styled, and the wines are spot on. That’s probably enough to get you in trouble.
Mark Buzan at CVR is a great resource, and their restaurant is great. Also check out Lucia at Bernardus, la Balena, el Pescadero, and Cultura in Carmel, Jeninni and Passionfish (best list/pricing evah) in PG, and the new addition to the area, Saltwood in Marina. If you want the taco report, PM. I’m not outing my taco stands online.
Best,
Ian