Enjoy a smorgasbord of epicurean delights in Monterey County. Dine on sustainable seafood straight from Monterey's harbors. Tour a farm, then feast on its organic produce at local restaurants. Buy wine straight from the winemaker, then picnic amidst the grapevines. Use the following itinerary as inspiration for your own private food and wine celebration.
Day One
7:30 pm
Passionfish in Pacific Grove has been known for years as a leader in the sustainable seafood movement. Chef Ted Walter uses local, organic produce to bring out the flavors of both seafood and delectable slow-cooked meats. Their award-winning wine list also has a notable price philosophy - most wines are priced at retail. This much-lauded restaurant is the perfect place for your first Monterey County meal.
Day Two
8:00 am
Every vacation should include breakfast in bed - especially if that breakfast is made by Wickets Bistro at Bernardus Lodge. Make sure to try the pancakes.
10:30 am
Carmel Valley is just a short drive away from the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, which is a fine dining hub all its own. Today you'll take a brief journey into Carmel-by-the-Sea with a Carmel Food Tour and a Carmel Wine Walk Passport visiting tasting rooms like Scheid Vineyards, Tudor Wines and Caraccioli Cellars. Afterward,s enjoy the several shops and art galleries that line the charming town.
Noon
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Aubergine Restaurant has appeared on many "best" lists. The truly adventurous foodie will ask Chef de Cuisine Justin Cogley to create a tasting menu for him or her for a truly adventurous journey through Monterey County's seasonal ingredients.
2 pm
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Monterey County's food and wine is grown on a journey with Ag Venture Tours. Your knowledgeable guide will take you to three Carmel Valley wineries and Earthbound Farm, the world's largest grower of organic produce. At every stop, he will give you insight into how everything is produced.
8:45 pm
Both the food and the view are magnificent at Post Ranch Inn's famous Sierra Mar Restaurant. Tables command a breathtaking view of the Big Sur coastline and the exquisite four-course prix-fixe menu will take your palate on a tour of all that Monterey County has to offer.
Day Three
9 am
Don't let the epic ocean views at Carmel Highland's California Market distract you. Their menu is full of fresh seafood and seasonal produce, the perfect way to start your day.
11 am
After trying all this fantastic, locally grown produce, you may want to bring home some of your own. Fortunately for you, there's a farmers' market in Monterey County five days a week. Today's farmers' market is the Everyone's Harvest Certified Farmers' Market in Marina, an especially convenient stop if you're heading north to go home.
12:30 pm
Moss Landing is loaded with superb seafood restaurants and the Haute Enchilada is no exception. Here sustainable seafood, local organic produce and artsy surroundings make for a memorable way to cap off a foodie adventure through Monterey County.