The Perfect Day in Carmel Valley

zotomitch
Mar 10, 2017
3 min read

Just inland from Carmel-by-the-Sea is Carmel Valley, a rural region known for its weather (more sun!) and wine. An unincorporated community, Carmel Valley’s best asset is its vineyards that stripe the hillsides producing grapes for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varietals. In addition to the tasting rooms that line Carmel Valley Road, the area’s other reasons to visit include having some of Monterey County’s finest hiking trails, upscale lodges, and dining options.

9:00am- Breakfast at the Wagon Wheel

Carmel Valley has a rich ranching history that is well represented at the Wagon Wheel, a popular breakfast joint with Western décor. Step under its iconic green awning out front and walk inside to a unique restaurant with a throwback interior. There’s plenty of hearty breakfast items on the menu, but the biscuits and gravy plate is one that frequently wins for the best of its kind in the whole county.

10:00am- Hike Garland Ranch Regional Park

Walk off breakfast with a hike in the 3,464-acre Garland Ranch Regional Park. A local favorite for its many trails, the park ranges in elevation from 200 feet along the Carmel River to 2,030 on the top of Snively’s Ridge. The park is home to seasonal waterfalls, ponds, Native American grinding rocks, and fantastic views of the valley.

12:00pm- Lunch at Corkscrew Cafe

Enjoy Carmel Valley’s frequent sunshine by dining al fresco at the Corkscrew Café. Many menu items are powered by goods from the café’s organic garden. One crowd favorite is the restaurant’s pear salad. Oenophiles should be sure to view the eatery’s collection of corkscrews.

1:00pm- Soak at Refuge Spa

Reach new heights of relaxation by booking some time at the Refuge Spa. The two-acre facility is mostly outdoors except for the eucalyptus steam room, while frequently sun soaked features outside include two cold water plunge pools and three hot pools with warm water waterfalls.

3:00pm- Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley

It’s finally time to hit the tasting rooms! One must-stop winery is Cima Collina Winery, which pours Syrahs, Pinot Noirs, Pinot Gris’, Sauvignon Blancs, and more. History buffs take note that the tasting room was once the valley’s post office. Then go eco at the Heller Estate Organic Vineyards, which was certified organic in 2012. Appreciate art while sipping wine inside the tasting room’s art gallery or outdoors in its sculpture garden.

6:00pm- Dine at Lucia Restaurant & Bar

The Bernardus Lodge’s Lucia Restaurant & Bar really puts its focus on the surrounding land. The dining room looks out over the lodge’s vineyard and serves wines created from its grapes along with food featuring ingredients from the property’s garden. The kitchen is run by acclaimed chef Cal Stamenov, whose menu includes local artichoke basil pasta and a trio of foie gras offerings.

7:00pm- Listen to Live Music at Folktale Winery

Folktale Winery has really enlivened the valley’s entertainment scene with a range of concerts. Stop by the winery post supper for performances by local and national touring musicians. A couple worthwhile concerts to look for are Folktale’s “Live in the Vines” shows and its “Under the Influence” nights, where local acts cover the songs of an iconic musician.

10:00pm- Spend the Evening at Bernardus Lodge or Carmel Valley Ranch

Return to the Bernardus Lodge for a night’s rest in one of its guestrooms, suites, or villas. All accommodations have soaking tubs and fireplaces. Another option is to spread out at the 500 acre Carmel Valley Ranch, which offers organic garden tours, fitness programs, and nightly serving of S’mores.