Monterey County is filled with culinary moments to be savored. Awaken your taste buds to indulge in award-winning dishes, farm-to-table cuisine, sustainably caught seafood and world-renowned wines. Ready to change your point of view? Check out our story below:
Is your mouth watering yet? With an abundance of regionally sourced ingredients and a year-round growing season, Monterey County's unique food scene is brimming with local flare. Pair that with distinguished wines including 32 varietals and you've got yourself a five-star dining experience!
Read more about the restaurants and wineries featured in our video and get excited to taste your way through Monterey County.
Hahn Family Wines
Salinas Valley
There are few things better than a good glass of wine with a view. Experience mountain vistas of the Santa Lucia Highlands while sipping vibrant wines and limited-release vintages at Hahn Estate Tasting Room. Make it a wine tour and check out a few other spots along the sun-kissed Monterey Wine Trail, like Scheid Vineyards and Odonata Winery.
Other Brother Beer Co.
Seaside
If you prefer breweries to wineries, there's no shortage of a craft beer scene in Monterey County. Kick back in the easygoing environment at Other Brother Beer Co. and enjoy your brew alongside special-of-the-day sandwiches, pretzels and other taproom snacks. While you're in the area, wander over to Fort Ord Dunes State Park. The park is an excellent location to spot seals, sea lions and a wide variety of sea and shore birds.
Old Fishermanʻs Grotto
Monterey
Some would say that the quintessential Monterey experience is digging into a bread bowl full of world-famous clam chowder. Sample your way down the wharf to find your favorite and then grab a bowl to-go to enjoy with an ocean view. Continue along Old Fisherman's Wharf and find souvenirs while you shop, whale watch or just take in the gorgeous setting overlooking the Monterey Bay.
Pezzini Farms
Castroville
When we say farm-to-table, we mean it! If you're on your way into Monterey County or heading out from an epic trip here, pay a visit to the "Artichoke Center of the World" and order up fried artichoke hearts and scrumptious artichoke cupcakes from Pezzini Farms. Don't knock it until you try it!
Joyce Winery
Carmel Valley
The lively and spacious tasting room at Joyce Wine Company is open daily and offers weekly tasting flights with both indoor and outdoor seating. Grab a seat outside to soak in the Carmel Valley sun while you taste five of their favorite wines. Now that you're happy and full, stroll around Carmel Valley Village to find more delights.