Raise a Glass Itinerary

The glass is always half full in Monterey. With a diverse range of acclaimed restaurants, a bounty of regional produce and seafood, large scale food and wine events, and 40,000 acres dedicated to vineyards, it is no wonder why Monterey County is a hub for foodies and wine aficionados.

Day 1

Your epicurean adventure begins in an area where a new wine tasting room seems to open daily. Carmel-by-the-Sea boasts well over ten tasting rooms within a mile radius, and luckily your hotel is within walking distance from them all. The historic La Playa Carmel is just steps from the white sands of Carmel Beach and the boutique shops along Ocean Avenue.

Just a few miles from your seaside escape is Carmel Valley, which harvests primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varietals. From Monterey and Carmel you can either drive or hop on MST's convenient Grapevine Express. Today you’re visiting Holman Ranch Vineyards nestled in the Santa Lucia Mountains for a vineyard tour and tasting. Not only do they pour a full-bodied Pinot Noir, but their home-grown Tuscan olive oil is absolutely luscious. 

After finishing up at the vineyards (an appropriate time for the glass to not be half full), jaunt down to Carmel Valley village and fuel up on fresh California cuisine at Lucia Restaurant.

Continue down Carmel Valley Road to the hydrothermal retreat known as the Refuge. Here you will truly un-wine’d with exceptional massages, and access to the facilities’ Thermal Cycles. A good night's sleep is guaranteed after completing sessions of the hot and cold plunges.

Day 2

Wake up feeling rejuvenated this morning as you gear up to venture to another major grape-growing region in Monterey County, the Salinas Valley. River Road is lined with several artisan wine tasting rooms including Wrath Wines. Sip on some of their award-winning Chardonnays before exploring Hahn Estates to soak in incredible views of Steinbeck country from the top of the estate.

This evening you will have dinner at authentic Italian eatery Cantinetta Luca, just a few blocks from your hotel. Feel free to take a gander at their expansive wine list before catching a drive-in show at the Pacific Repertory Theatre, also located in downtown Carmel.