Wine Walk: Cheers to Carmel's Fabulous Tasting Rooms

By Omid Vojdani

Wine. Sophisticated, aromatic, tasty, and fun. But not for me. Wine has always made me nauseous and caused some major headaches. So when Edible Skinny was to visit Carmel by the Sea’s famous Wine Walk, I had my reservations about going. After I was shown gorgeous pictures of amazing ocean views and a city with a rustic small town feel, I was convinced to give it a try. But, as a science guy, I decided to come armed with some questions for the experts, and determined to get to the bottom of my wine related health issues.


We had two Wine Tasting Passports, which provided us tasters with a wine walk flight of our choice at any 9 of the 14 tasting rooms for only $65. All of the tasting rooms are within a mile of each other.  

Our first two stops were Scheid and De Tierra. Both of these vineyards are unique in that they are organic and sustainable wineries, both holding current SIP certifications. SIP, sustainability in practice, is a certification which must be renewed annually, and certifies that the whole winery is free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and requires sustainability not just at the grape level, but the entire ecosystem around the farm. 

There were three specific wines that I recommend trying on the Walk. As a beer guy, I was blown away by Scheid’s Triple Layer White. It reminded me of a well balanced session IPA; a little bitterness, balanced out with the full flavor of the three different white grapes – Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne. At De Tierra, the Puzzler Red Blend stood out, with smoky fig notes, abundant cinnamon, and a little warm toffee on the finish. And if you are a fan of Rosé, stop by Windy Oaks Estate for theirs; crispy, light, but not lacking in full flavor of the Grenache grapes. 

At each of the tasting rooms, I was blown away at the level of service with a smile and knowledge our hosts had. I was finally able to have all my questions answered, and was surprised to discover that the ever popular tannin and sulfite explanations to my wine sickness were not the answer. 

All of them agreed that it was mostly due to the incredible amount of additives used in the production of cheap wine; up to 76 different additives in some wines, and any one could cause allergic reactions. The wineries on the Walk maintain an incredible respect for the craft of wine making, and create deliciously pure wines that stand out. 

The stunning little town of Carmel, cool ocean breezes, and delicious wine all came together into a remarkable way to create a wonderful experience. And while we didn’t use all our passes, they do not expire, making this a regular trip to enjoy anytime of the year. With all of my questions answered, and a new world of sophistication opened up to me, I walked away from the Walk a very happy health nut. 

As always, drink happy, drink healthy, and drink responsibly! Cheers!

Hofsas House: Comfort and Care in a Home away From Home

By Kelly Grace Thomas

There aren’t many hotels that greet their guests by first name. Or many that can host a family reunion equipped with meeting halls, family suites and kitchens. And even less that offer saunas, fireplaces, ocean views and wine and a cheese plates upon check in. The Hofsas House in Carmel-by-the-Sea does all of this and more. The Hofsas House, one of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s most beloved hotels, offers a personalized stay while making sure each and every one of their guests feels like family. 

The Hofsas House located in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea has all the amenities of corporate establishments while still maintaining a family feel. The pretty-in-pink hotel which is owned by the Theis family has been in business for over six decades and offers a variety of options to accommodate all groups large to small. 

The Hofsas House has 38 different guest rooms that range from standard singles, to queens with in-room fireplaces and ocean views, to a two bedroom suites with private balconies. The Hofsas House has something to fit any need and provides the benefits of an AirBnB without the fuss. They take the worry out of booking and cleaning fees, providing guest with comfortable stay and a prime location, walkable to all Carmel-by-the-Sea’s amenities. They are a one-stop-shop, selling tickets for many of the local sights and attractions. 

The Hofsas House even starts your day off right with a complimentary morning breakfast, hearthside fire and newspaper, another finishing touch on their outstanding and sincere customer service, where guests are always greeted with a warm smile.

“It’s a family place, that’s why people keep coming back,” said Scott Theis. This family-run business cares about their neighborhood. Each co-owner is highly involved in the Carmel-by-the-Sea’s community, they love their town and want their guests to feel the same. These values are apparent and reflected in the way they tailor and personalize each guests experience to ensure a restful stay.

During Edible Skinny’s stay we were impressed by how much Hofsas helped to make our experience enjoyable both in and outside the hotel. Hofsas always has a friendly face at the front desk to greet customers with recommendation of outstanding local eateries like Cafe Dametra and wonderful organic tasting rooms De Tierra and Windy Oaks. The Hofsas House can also help guest buy tickets for the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Wine Walk, both highly recommended by Edible Skinny. The Hofsas House made seeing Carmel-by-the-Sea a positive and hassle-free experience.

Hofsas goes the extra mile for their guests. Edible Skinny was greeted with a bottle of Will’s Fargo Pinot Noir, a delicious and velvety wine made by the always amazing and organic Holman Ranch, as well as a cheese plate from the local cheese shop. While wine and cheese aren’t included with every room, guests can order it for their arrival for a very reasonable fee. With a fine glass of wine and cheese and crackers,  Edible Skinny editors cuddled up by the in-room fireplace (Duraflame included)  to enjoy the quiet luxury of relaxation of (what felt like) a home away from home.

While all of these things help Hofsas standout against other hotels, we would remiss if we didn’t mention the funky style of this seaside institution. One thing Hofsas is known for is their unique decor This painted-pink hotel stands out as a kitschy neighborhood gem among the subue designs of the town's other lodgings. The Hofsas House has a vintage feel, like you are going back in time, ready for a cozy stay at your grandmother's house. It is an atmosphere of comfort and care, with a splash of hip funk. The standout style of Hofsas acknowledges how what was once old has become new again. One thing that accounts for the Hofsas unique style is the decorative eyes of Doris Theis. “A lot of newer hotels everything is white, that is not the Hofsas House,” said Doris, with a smile.

While staying at Hofsas, even though you are a visitor you feel like you’re part of the community, you’re part of the family. Whether it is the smiles and first name-greeting at the front desk, or settling in front of the fire after a full-day of wining and dining, Hofsas House is the perfect place to getaway while still enjoying the comforts of home.

Within walking distance to every amenity in Carmel-by-the-Sea the Hofsas House perfect for those doing the Wine Walk, Art Galleries or dining at any of the amazing eateries. Hofsas House is a must stay destination for any traveler who wants to an exceptional stay that goes above and beyond. For more informaion about the Hofas House please visit www.hofsashouse.com

Bevy of Choices w/ Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea

 

While in Carmel, Edible Skinny took advantage of the awesome Wine Tasting Passport of the Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea.  The Wine Walk by-the-Sea is a self-paced, self-guided stroll down Ocean Avenue to Carmel’s uber friendly tasting rooms (all of which are located within the 1 square mile village of Carmel-by-the-Sea).  For the steal price of $50 at Hofsas House (or $65 at the Chamber of Commerce) you get 9 tickets for a 4 glass flight of wine from 12 different tasting room offerings.

Mr. Jack Galante of Galante Vineyards

What's awesome is the tickets for the Wine Walk can be used by one individual or can be broken up among many imbibers.  Also the Wine Walk Passport does not expire so you can use the tasting over multiple trips if necessary (but is that really necessary...).  Plus corkage is waived for bottles purchased at a Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea tasting room at participating Carmel restaurants for one bottle per visit, per party. 

While in Carmel, Edible Skinny was able to experience the following wineries:  

Caraccioli Cellars

Family-run and the only sparkling in town this winery offers distinctive, fruit forward sparkling (made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir only, not an ounce of Pinot Meunier in this bubbly) and still wines through the utilization of top-tier grapes from the Santa Lucia Highlands.

www.caracciolicellars.com

Dawn’sDream

Dawn’s Dream specializes in Pinot Noir (this year they received 5 Gold Medals at the Pinot Noir Summit in San Francisco ).  They also produce Chardonnay, Rosé and other varietals sourced from some of the finest vineyards in Monterey County.

www.dawnsdreamwinery.com

DeTierra Vineyards

De Tierra Vineyards is a family owned and sustainably operated winery producing limited production, estate grown Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Syrah.  Their wines are a poetry of jam and juxtapostion

www.detierra.com

Figge Cellars

Located inside the Winfield Art Gallery, Figge Cellars is a celebration of art and wine.  Where the palate meets the palette.

www.figgecellars.com

Galante Vineyards

One of the oldest tasting rooms in Carmel (with some of Edible Skinny’s favorite wines!), Galante produces 100% estate grown wines with their simple philosophy: grow the finest grapes and let the fruit express itself in the wine.  Fun and friendly (Mr. Jack Galante personally escorted us to his wife's winery, Dawn's Dream, after spending an hour chatting at his).  This label doesn’t have a wine club they have a wine gang, and their looking for outlaws to join up!

www.galantevineyards.com

Other wineries included in the Wine Walk Passport: Blair Estate, Manzoni Cellars, Scheid Wines, Shale Canyon, Silvestri Vineyards, Vino Napoli, and Wrath Wines.