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.
Friday
6 pm
You'll check in at Bernardus Lodge, a resort nestled between the vineyards of Carmel Valley that produces fine wines of its own. Bernardus is known in epicurean circles as the home of Lucia Restaurant and is the perfect home for the dedicated foodie.
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.
Saturday
8:00 am
Every vacation should include breakfast in bed - especially if that breakfast is made by Lucia Restaurant 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 visits to wine tasting rooms like Scheid Vineyards and Galante Winery. Afterwards, enjoy the several shops and art galleries that line the charming town.
Noon
Lunch is served at Carmel-by-the-Sea icon Little Napoli. For the past 25 years, visitors and locals alike have flocked to Little Napoli and for good reason - their country Italian cooking, amazing prices and good ol' Tuscan hospitality simply cannot be beaten. Be sure to try their famous garlic bread and Il Pescatore "Cioppino Rosso."
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.
Sunday
9 am
Don't let the epic ocean views at Carmel Highland's California Market at Pacific's Edge distract you. Their menu is full of fresh seafood and seasonal produce, the perfect way to start off 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.