Tasting Carmel-by-the-Sea

Recently we noticed that while we were not paying attention Carmel-by-the-Sea had become a tasting destination. Along with all the wonderful restaurants is now a solid collection of tasting rooms. Because we hate to miss out, we decided to go visit some and experience for ourselves what they had to offer.

One Tuesday afternoon some circumstances came along that had us in the Carmel-by-the-Sea area. With an hour or so to spare we decided to have a quick glass somewhere. As we started to run through the likely candidates we looked down the street and saw Vino Napoli. Having been there some time ago and enjoyed it, we decided we should just quit wasting time and go in and see if anything had changed (for better or worse). The good news is not much has changed. It was a very nice experience. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and the wines were good as well. You thought we were just going into have a glass. Well as it turned out the staff swayed our decision towards a tasting flight of Italian reds. A flight of half pours of lovely Italian reds that really hit the spot. We would have loved to have spent more time there and enjoy their offerings of appetizers and a little more wine, but duty called and we were off. But just so you know we will be planning a return visit to hang out and enjoy more of what Little Napoli has to offer. Located on the corner of Dolores St. & 7th St. and open from 3pm- 10pm (look for the five Italian flags) and oh by the way, there are no street numbers in Carmel, but in those famous words we heard so often in Italy, "you can't miss it".

After our quick visit we were keen to go back and explore some more of Carmel-by-the-Sea. So one Friday night we were head back for dinner and some drinks. First up was the De Terra Tasting Room located on Mission and 5th. Kind of a combination wine bar and tasting room.  We settled into some comfy chairs by the window, where we could keep a eye on the goings on inside (a cosy, lively atmosphere), and also watch the world walk by on the outside. A staff member was quick to welcome us and tell us about the offerings that evening. We chose the Friday night flight, after all, it was Friday night. What a good choice that was, as all the wines were good and the pours were of a very nice size and the price was basically a tasting fee. The place was busy but not overly packed and everyone seemed to be enjoying their wine and the place. What a great spot for some wine and hanging out.  The tasting room is open Tues.-Thu. 2-8 p.m and Fri.- Sun. 11-8 p.m so go go by and say g'day.

While enjoying a refreshing beverage or two at these local tasting rooms we heard about what has to be the most flexible user friendly good value Passport known to man (or woman) on the planet! Ok maybe a bit of a stretch but this is a very well put together passport that anyone who likes a taste or two and is visiting Carmel by the Sea needs to have. Yeah we said it, you NEED to get this. The Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea is a Wine Tasting Passport, that for $65 entitles the buyer to one $10 flight at nine of the twelve tasting rooms who are part of this experience (a $90 value).

Happy Tasting Adventures,

Cheers,

WineWalkabout

Kiwi & Koala