Food
Delicious recipes
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The Real Truth About Eggs
One of my favorite things about living on a farm is having a huge chicken coop full of feathered friends. I love heading up to the coop each day to retrieve my bounty of freshly laid eggs. I also love sharing them with my neighbors and friends. Having raised chickens for several years now, I tend to be asked the same questions over and over. There are many fallacies floating around out there. Just to set everyone straight, here is the real truth about eggs.
1. Don’t you need a rooster for your chickens to lay eggs?
Truth: No! You do not need a rooster. Hens lay eggs with or without a rooster. The only reason you would need a rooster is if you wanted to have baby chicks.
2. Do eggs need to be refrigerated immediately after being laid?
Truth: No, they do not. Eggs are naturally created with a bloom. The bloom is a protective layer that seals the egg and prevents bacteria from getting inside. The bloom also helps prevent moisture from escaping. Fresh eggs can be kept unrefrigerated for up to two to four weeks. Isn’t nature amazing? Washing an egg destroys the protective bloom, and that is why the eggs you buy at the store have to be refrigerated right away. They have been washed with chemicals and coated with oil. The government requires this to prevent prevent potential food poisoning from salmonella, which is more likely to occur at huge egg production facilities.
3. Does the color of an egg affect the taste? Are brown eggs the best?
Truth: Color doesn’t have any affect on the taste of the egg. Does chocolate milk come from a brown cow? Of course not. All eggs are the same on the inside, no matter what color they are on the outside. They are nutritionally equivalent.
4. Can an egg turn into a chicken?
Truth: The only way an egg can turn into a baby chick is if it is fertilized by a rooster. In order to hatch, eggs also need to be consistently kept at a very warm temperature and specific humidity level and turned regularly for 21 days. There is absolutely no way there would ever be a baby chick unless these very strict requirements were met.
5. Are egg yolks bad for you?
Truth: Egg yolks have more fat and cholesterol than egg whites, but this does not mean they are unequivocally bad for you. Some folks with health issues may want to refrain from eating them, but for most people they are fine. Talk to your doctor to find out if they are safe for you to eat.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope I answered any questions you have about eggs. To learn more about the difference between store-bought vs. farm-fresh eggs see which is best?. You may also enjoy 5 Super Easy Ways to Use Up Eggs. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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7 Seaside Restaurants with the Best Views
Monterey County is home to some of the most iconic and award winning restaurants ever. Enjoying a special meal involves not only delicious cuisine, but also ambiance. These 7 restaurants offer killer views that will impress you. Whether you are planning a get together with friends or family, or looking for a romantic place to enjoy a quiet meal, these are the very best restaurants for spectacular views as well as good food.
1. Nepenthe features jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean. Located 30 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Nepenthe is an ancient Greek word meaning an elixir for sorrow. This iconic restaurant has drawn creatives and writers since it opened in 1949. For more information, see Nepenthe.
2. Ventana lies further south of Nepenthe, and dazzles with breathtaking views of Big Sur. It first opened in 1975, and still features vestiges of its hippie beginnings. It has drawn celebrities throughout the decades, from Dennis Hopper to Taylor Swift. For more information, see Ventana.
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3. Rocky Point lies just 10 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1. This restaurant is perched on a cliff and features spectacular, panoramic views of the ocean. For more information, see Rocky Point.
4. The Inn at Spanish Bay, in Pebble Beach, features extraordinary views of the coastline. A bonus: just before sunset, a bagpiper plays Scottish tunes. Sit outside around the cozy fire pits and enjoy the views! For more information, see Spanish Bay.
5. The historic Mission Ranch in Carmel features pastoral views of sheep grazing, and beyond, striking views of the mountains and sea. Mission Ranch, owned by Clint Eastwood, lies just around the corner from the beautiful Carmel Mission Basilica. For more information, see Mission Ranch.
6. The Beach House in Pacific Grove overlooks gorgeous Lovers Point Park and Marine Reserve. You may spot sea otters, harbor seals, pelicans, cormorants and more while you dine. For more information, see Beach House.
7. Schooners was voted “best drink with a view’ in Monterey, and is is easy to see why. Located in Cannery Row at the Monterey Plaza Hotel, Schooners offers a great place to drink in the ocean air and enjoy all the breathtaking views of the bay.
Thank you for visiting my blog! I hope you are able to take in the views at one of these amazing restaurants. You may also enjoy The Most Beautiful Instagrammable Spots in Monterey!, The #1 Guide for What to See and Do in Romantic Carmel, Nepenthe’s Phoenix: Bohemian Bliss in Big Sur, Ventana in Beautiful Big Sur, Lovers Point: Legendary Park in Pacific Grove and Mission Ranch in Carmel, California. Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas!
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Fresh Figs With Cheese, Honey & Thyme
The figs on my fig tree are just starting to ripen. For me, this means making one of my favorite dishes. I love that it only has five ingredients. It is super easy and super delicious and is great to serve along with a charcuterie board if you are having guests over.
Recipe
- 1/2 pound of soft dessert cheese such as brie. I used Brillat-Savarin, a triple cream dessert cheese from the ile de France region. It is very creamy, decadent and luxurious.
- 4-5 fresh figs, cut into quarters
- 1/2 cup organic honey
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- 1/3 cup fragmented walnut pieces
Because it is still fairly warm here I don’t bake or warm the cheese, I just leave it out for about 15 minutes. If you would like to warm your cheese, you can cut off the top, then microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake at 350 for a few minutes. In my opinion, it is better to have a little bit of firmness than have the cheese completely melted. As Ina Garten, one of my favorite cooks says, “it should ooze but not melt”. Also, if you are planning to transfer the cheese to another platter, use parchment paper beneath it before warming it to ease the transfer process. Add your fresh figs. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the honey and the thyme until it is silky smooth and begins to bubble. This only takes a few minutes. Drizzle the honey over the cheese and figs and scatter with walnut pieces.
I hope you enjoyed this recipe. I just love it and try to only make small batches because it’s so hard to stop eating it! You may also enjoy Find Your Zen Zucchini Bread Recipe and Sugar & Spice: My Favorite Fall Flavors. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas.
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Find Your Zen Zucchini Bread Recipe
The days are starting to get shorter and cooler, and I am gathering the last of my zucchinis and tomatoes from the garden. This is the time of year I begin to think about bringing out snuggly throws, building cozy fires in the fireplace, and baking my favorite fall fare. Nothing says comfort like fresh bread warm from the oven. I shared some of my favorite sugar & spice fall flavors on Tuesday. You can add this recipe to the list!
This is my all-time favorite recipe for zucchini bread. It has always been a favorite for my three boys too. This recipe makes two loaves of bread. Just cut all the ingredients in half (you can use two eggs instead of three) if you only want one loaf. It can also be made gluten free. It’s perfect to take on fall picnics with a thermos of coffee or tea. Or just cuddle up with your love bunnies and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 cups grated zucchini
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 3 cups unbleached flour (for gluten free bread use all purpose gluten free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts OR pecans (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla. Add grated zucchini. Gradually sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon into mixture and continue to beat until smooth. Nuts are optional.
Pour into two greased loaf pans. Bake for one hour. Wait until cool to remove from pan. Run a butter knife around all sides of the bread and gently tap on the bottom to remove from pan.
Thank you for visiting my blog! You may also like Sugar & Spice: My Favorite Fall Flavors and The Very Best 2021 Halloween Pet Costumes. Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas!
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Sugar & Spice: My Favorite Fall Flavors
Summer is ending and cozy fall feels and comfort food are here. Here are some of my favorite fall flavors. I hope that you get to try some!
Best Cinnamon Toast Ever – Southern Bite
What I love about this is that it is so simple, yet so good. And you can use gluten-free bread! Southern Bite’s Cinnamon Toast.
Coffee Mate Natural Bliss Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
When I saw there was only one left on the shelf at Target, I had to try it! My boys still laugh at me for this idea, but hey, I have found some great products this way! You will never need Starbucks for your pumpkin spice latte fix again after trying this. So good.
Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal – The Pioneer Woman
Yum. This woman knows how to cook and this is a fall favorite. Check it out! Pioneer Woman’s Pumpkin Oatmeal.
Maple Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Together as Family
Ask my co-workers how much I love sweet potatoes. I used to bring one for lunch at least every week. This recipe is the perfect combination of fall flavors, and a healthy must try if you enjoy sweet potatoes like I do! Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes.
Oui Apple Pie Yogurt
I love this apple pie flavored limited edition yogurt. Getting my calcium and delicious fall flavor at the same time!
Sweet & Spicy Pecans – Trader Joe’s
You can buy them ready to eat at the store, or make them yourself using this copy-cat recipe from The Modern Locket: Sweet & Spicy Roasted Pecans.
Fall Quinoa Buddha Bowl With Apple Cider Maple Dressing – Eating by Elaine
Eating healthy food doesn’t mean you have to skimp on flavor, and this delicious recipe proves it: Fall Buddha Bowl.
Trader Joe’s Spiced Chai
Trader Joe’s Spiced Chai will satisfies all those sweet & spicy fall cravings with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, star anise, nutmeg and more.
I hope you found something new and delicious to try for fall. I would love to hear what your fall favorites are! Thank you for visiting my blog. You may also like Fun & Fabulous Fall Porch Decor and Eight Fall Fun Activities in Monterey County. Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas!
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5 Super Easy Ways to Use Up Eggs
As all of us chicken parents know, summer is the height of egg production. Longer days with more sunlight start those hens a-laying. This can lead to having a big stockpile. Giving eggs to friends, family & neighbors helps, but what to do with the rest? Here are some easy tips for using up those extra summer eggs.
1. Recipes to Use Them UP!
Egg salad, potato salad, noodles, custards, French toast, lemon curd, quiche, and frittata are all dishes requiring lots of eggs. Deviled, fried, scrambled, or poached, there are endless possibilities.
2. Freeze Without The Shell
You can’t freeze them in the shell, but you can freeze the insides. To freeze, crack yolks and whites into a bowl and mix briefly, then pour into ice cube trays. If you want to keep the whites and yolks separated you can do this too. Whites don’t need to be beaten, but yolks do and will require the addition of 1/2 tsp. salt OR 1 and 1/2 tsp. sugar for each cup of yolks, so decide if you will be using them for savory or sweet (and don’t forget to label which they are!) Once frozen, you can remove and place in a freezer appropriate storage container.
3. Freeze The Yolks
Freeze hard boiled yolks. You can’t freeze hard boiled whites or they will be rubbery and unappetizing. The easiest way to do this is to separate the white from the yolk, then drop the yolks in a pan of water so they are just covered. Bring the water to a boil, then remove the pan from heat and let stand 10-15 minutes. Drain the water and voila! The yolks are ready to freeze.
Source: Yummly 4. Pickle Them
Make pickled eggs. These are hard-boiled eggs cured in a brine. This was a technique used before refrigeration. My friend Jaclyn made some and brought them to work once for us to try, and they were delicious as well as super pretty. Here is a great recipe for pickled eggs.
5. Give Them to Your Critters
Feed them to your pets! Cooked eggs can be fed to your dog, chickens, cats, etc. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, calcium, iron, B vitamins and amino acids. Never give raw eggs to animals due to risk for bacterial poisoning. Feeding raw could also interfere with absorption of vitamin B. Always check with your veterinarian prior to giving them to fur babies if you suspect allergies. My German Shepherd, cats and chickens love them!
Helpful Tips:
- Always label stored eggs so you know when you first stored or froze them. Include added ingredients, such as salt or sugar.
- You can freeze eggs for up to a year.
- Always thaw frozen eggs in the refrigerator; never attempt to cook them straight from the freezer.
- For recipes, 3 Tablespoons of thawed raw egg = 1 egg.
- Never go into the chicken coop barefoot!
Thank you for visiting my blog! You may also like Rare Chicken Breeds and Common Chicken Sayings. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas.
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23 Yummiest Gluten Free Foods at Trader Joe’s!
A few years ago, just as I was ready to lay into a big plate of bagels in the break room at my workplace I heard an ominous voice from over my shoulder. “Gluten is evil”, my friend Lauryn quipped. I turned to look at her. “You’re crazy!” I said, biting into a delicious cinnamon swirled bagel. But was she crazy? Later in the day, I felt tired, sluggish and couldn’t concentrate. I just ignored it. Yet I almost fell asleep while trying to write my notes. Skip ahead a couple of years and I noticed that every time I ate anything with wheat, I would feel this way. I would also often have tummy troubles, feel shaky and weak, be irritable, and just feel yucky. The idea of becoming gluten-free had begun germinating in my mind.
I read the book Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health by cardiologist William Davis and it really opened my eyes. Although I was a bit skeptical, I decided to go gluten-free. How could I do it? Everything I loved most was made with wheat, including pizza, bread, pasta, and more. It seemed pretty impossible. I did a bit of research and am happy to say that I am doing it, and have not only dropped a whole clothing size but my blood sugar has also gone down drastically. For years I was told I was pre-diabetic, and now I am substantially below that pre-diabetic number. I also have more energy and feel so much more healthy.
Doesn’t everything have wheat in it? How can you find things without gluten? Unfortunately, many of my favorite stores, like Target, do not offer many gluten free options. Thankfully, I discovered that Trader Joe’s has more gluten free products than any other store I have been in, hands down. I am excited to share some of my favorite gluten free finds with you.
Pasta
Trader Joe’s 1. organic quinoa and brown rice spaghetti pasta and 2. gluten free egg fettuccine pasta are great options to try. They also have 3. gluten free mac & cheese.
Crackers
I have tried and loved their 4. Norwegian crispbread, 5. 3 seed beet crackers, and 6. sweet potato crackers. My very favorite? The crispy crunchy 7. mochi rice nuggets.
Chips
I am addicted to crunchy things, so of course I love Trader Joe’s 8. plantain chips, 9. spicy cheese crunchies and 10. grainless tortilla chips.
Source: Trader Joe’s Baking Mixes
It’s awesome that Trader Joe’s includes recipes with many of their items, including the one provided with this 11. cassava cauliflower blend baking mix for tortillas. They also have gluten free 12. pumpkin bread & muffin baking mix, 13. cornbread mix, and 14. falafel mix.
Breads
When I saw all the gluten free breads here I almost cried. Huge selection including 15. bagels, 16. whole grain bread, 17. challah and 18. hamburger buns.
Pizza
Who can go without pizza? Not me! I tried the 19. cheese pizza with cauliflower crust and it just didn’t do it for me. Thankfully they carry 20. gluten free flatbread pizza crust for making your own pizza, yay!
Cakes & Cookies
I am not a big sweets fan, in general, but occasionally I like them with a cup of tea or coffee. Trader Joe’s has delicious gluten free cookies including 21. ginger snaps and 22. chocolate creme Joe-Joe’s. They also have 23. gluten free cinnamon coffee cake muffins. Yum!
My cats and dog eat grain free foods to stay healthy too. If you decide to go gluten free, definitely consult your physician first. If he or she gives you the thumbs up, I support you in your decision. For me, it took a bit of searching and trial and error to succeed. I continue to learn and grow in my gluten free journey. Trader Joe’s has such yummy gluten free products, I hope you get to try some. You may also enjoy Nine Best Fresh Herbs To Use In Your Kitchen. Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Ten Most Romantic Picnic Spots in Monterey County
Photo @aesthetic_and_inspiration_ Monterey County is filled with so much history and beauty. It can be overwhelming with so much to see and do. Inbetween all the sight-seeing and activities, you may want to just regroup, find a quiet spot to relax and eat lunch, or just unwind with your love(s). Picnic lunches offer the perfect opportunity for this. Whether you pack your own or grab take out, these are the very best places for intimate and romantic picnics.
- Lovers Point. Nestled next to the sea, this area features striking views and intricate rock formations. For more information see Lovers Point: Legendary Park in Pacific Grove.
2. Moss Landing. Wildlife is abundant here, including sea lions, sea otters, whales, and a plethora of birds. What better place to enjoy the scenery with a picnic lunch? For more information, see Elkhorn Slough & Moss Landing.
3. San Carlos Beach & Breakwater Cove. Located just north of Cannery Row in Monterey, this area offers a view of all the fun ocean activities available here. You can claim a picnic table or bench and watch scuba divers, kayakers, and fishermen from the beautiful shoreline. For more information see Cannery Row: What to See & Do!
3. Point Lobos. Magical and serene, this is one of the most popular attractions in the area. Captivating views surround you, creating a most romantic scene for an unforgettable picnic. For more information, see Point Lobos: Crown Jewel of State Parks.
4. Carmel Beach. Enjoy a cozy bonfire on the beach and snuggle under a blanket while enjoying a lovely picnic at this unforgettably gorgeous beach. For more information see Quarantine in Captivating Carmel-by-the-Sea.
5. Asilomar Beach. Follow the boardwalk to this secluded cabana and enjoy the sunset with a picnic lunch and a bottle of wine. For more information, see Asilomar Beach.
6. Garrapata Beach in Big Sur is breathtakingly romantic. Follow the beach until you see Doud Creek as it rushes into the sea. If you follow the creek inland, you will find exquisite masses of calla lilies blooming in early spring. For more information, see Calla Lily Valley’s Springtime Beauty.
7. Pebble Beach. After a few rounds of golf or a day of sight-seeing, bring a picnic lunch to the Seal Rock picnic area in Pebble Beach and enjoy the views. Be aware that it can be quite cool and gusty here, be sure to bring cozy jackets and blankets. For more information, see Pebble Beach & 17-Mile Drive’s Beautiful Vistas.
8. Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. In late December through early January, there is a seasonal alignment of the sun with the Keyhole Arch here. What could be more romantic? Be prepared for amazing views. For more information, see Purple Sand & Stone Arches at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur.
9. Sand Dollar Beach in Big Sur. No sound but the ponderous crash of waves as the break on to the beach and the whispering of the wind through the foxtails. Jagged cliffs plunge recklessly below to the sea. This is wild Big Sur at its best. The perfect place for a romantic picnic. For more information, see Sand Dollar Beach & Jade Cove in Big Sur.
10. Pinnacles National Park, located in the southeast corner of Monterey County, is well worth the trip. The result of volcanic activity millions of years ago, the park features spectacular rock formations, caves, and in the spring, waterfalls. Native Americans left stone artifacts here 2000 years ago. There is a feeling of the sacred here even now. Pinnacles is the perfect place to take in nature’s beauty and serenity while enjoying a picnic. For more information, see Pinnacles.
Thank you for visiting my blog! I hope you are able to enjoy a picnic at one of these beautiful and romantic places in Monterey County. Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas.
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Frida Kahlo Love at Las 2 Fridas
Here in Monterey County, we have been having an unusual heat wave. During the midst of this heat wave, I noticed the cutest place on Fremont Street in Monterey and it was hopping busy. I was immediately drawn to the name: Las 2 Fridas. I am a big Frida Kahlo fan. I loved her before she was as immensely popular as she is today. It started with an art history class I took as a college elective in my early 20s. In this class I learned about her tragic backstory as well as her art.
Photo courtesy of fridakahlo.org She was born in 1907 in Mexico City. Polio struck her at age six, causing her right leg to be affected. According to writer Nichola Daunton, Kahlo’s father encouraged her to gain strength through traditionally male activities such as “wrestling and boxing”. Daunton also states that “despite the conservative attitudes of the day and the disapproval of her mother, she spent much of her childhood dressed as a boy”. A trolley accident when she was 18 broke her spine and pelvis and she spent nearly a year in a full-body cast. Pain would become an issue for the rest of her life. Art would become the medium for her to express her suffering as well as her passion.
Photo courtesy of fridakahlo.org 
Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera, photo courtesy of fridakahlo.org Frida Kahlo married another Mexican artist, Diego Rivera, in 1929 and the two spent the next 20 years traveling between Mexico and the United States. Frida and her husband formed an unusual couple. Her husband Diego was 20 years her senior and a big, clumsy-looking man. Nonetheless, deeply besotted with Diego, Frida often wrote things in her diary including that he was “her everything” and “your armpit is my refuge.” If the weather was as hot then as it is now, this seems highly unappealing. But who am I to judge?
Back to Las 2 Fridas. I was initially lured in by the super cute pink chairs and tables set up outside featuring sugar skulls and other colorful motifs. I also was hot and thirsty and the sight of people carrying out dishes of ice cream, fresh fruit, and smoothies attracted me like a magnet.
Photo courtesy of Las 2 Fridas. Their website indicates they offer “a variety of Mexican snacks such as spicy fruit, chicharrones, churro sundaes, and tamales”. They also offer other extremely healthy items made fresh, including açaí bowls, juices and smoothies. You can order online for carryout or delivery or sit outside at their cute tables. This is going to be my new favorite!
Photo courtesy of Las 2 Fridas. I hope if you are in the Monterey Area, you get a chance to check it out. For more information, including hours and complete menu, see Las 2 Fridas.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas.
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Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley, California!
Napa and Sonoma may be the first names you think of when wine tasting is mentioned. Yet, Carmel Valley, southeast of Monterey and Pebble Beach, may be the area’s best kept secret, as it is home to dozens of amazing wineries. Surrounded by the picturesque Santa Lucia Mountains and just inland from beautiful Monterey Bay, it features a climate of warm days and cool nights just right to produce some pretty outstanding wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. I am fortunate to live just over the hill from Carmel Valley Village. Here is my list of the best wine tasting venues in Carmel Valley. All of the wineries I have listed are located within walking distance from each other, with the exception of Folktale.
1. Folktale Winery. Originally, this estate was called Chateau Julien Wine Estate, but in 2015 it became Folktale Winery. While it is more than a stone’s throw west of the quaint Carmel Valley Village, Folktale Winery is not to be missed. You can visit their fairy tale castle and also listen to fabulous bands while sipping on wine in their rustic barrel room. There are awesome food and wine pairings at their events as well. Some of the performers I have seen here include Anderson East, Chris Cab, and Iyla. Can I say more?
2. Cowgirl Winery. Want to sip wine in the midst of clucking free range chickens and a cute vintage pick up truck? Would you like to belly up to a bar with rustic cowboy boots lined up above it? This place has so much character I dedicated an entire blog post to it, see: Cowgirl.
3. Talbott Vineyards Tasting Room.
You will love Talbott’s not only for their wine but also their spacious and elegant ambiance. They are located just south of Cowgirl Winery.
4. Georis Winery, located across from the Corkscrew Cafe, showcases exquisite mosaic artwork at their entryway, and is surrounded by beautiful floral landscaping and both indoor and outdoor tables. They often feature live music on the weekends as well.
My friend Lauryn and I enjoying the beautiful artwork and yummy wine at Big Sur Tasting Room. 
5. Big Sur Vineyards. I first visited this a few years back with my buddy Lauryn, and I have never forgotten. What I love most is not only the wine, but the exquisite hand-painted labels featuring iconic Big Sur images.
6. Testarossa Winery, & 7. Joyce Wine Company. Joyce and Testarossa are connected by a series of rooms.
Bernardus features an expansive and comfy outdoor seating area where you can enjoy delicious charcuterie platters with your wine. 8. Bernardus Winery. This winery was started by Ben Pon, who was a race car driver for Porsche for many years as well as a participant in the Olympics in 1972 in skeet shooting. The crest on the Bernardus wine label represents Mr. Pon’s Dutch Heritage. This has an intimate indoor tasting room as well as a more expansive patio with comfy seating.
9. Boekenoogen Vineyards and Winery. This tiny tasting room is packed with pizazz. Many folks are keeno for their pinot.
10. Joulian looks like a petite French Chateau, showcasing beautiful decor in addition to their award winning wine.
11. Cima Collina. Like Cowgirl, Cima Collina has a super cute old truck, this one complete with wine barrels.
Helpful Tips:
- Most flights cost around 15.00-20.00 and involve 4-6 tastes.
- During the summer and early fall months Carmel Valley can get warm; dress accordingly.
- Parking can be challenging to find, I recommend getting there before 2 pm when most of the wine tasting begins. Most tasting rooms are open between 12 and 5:30 pm.
- If you don’t want to deal with parking, a Wine Trolley is available from Monterey, or you can hop on Tractor Pete’s rustic wagon to visit local wine tasting rooms.
- Most of the wine tasting rooms are dog friendly.
- There are several notable restaurants and cafes interspersed between the wine tasting rooms, including the Corkscrew Cafe, Roux, Cafe Rustica, and Holman Ranch Tavern.
- If you have time left for shopping, there are some cute shops in the area. I highly recommend Quail & Olive, just north of Georis. It features delicious olive oils, vinegars, kitchen items and lovely gifts.
Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!