Holman Ranch: The Best Organic Wines You're Not Drinking (But Can)

The integrity of a product normally hinges on the values of its creator. If a contractor rushes through the construction of a home, the whole thing could come down. If a programmer is not meticulous with code, the app might never work. The same mindset applies to wines.

Today the US is facing a decline not only in the quality of food, but our wines as well. In fact, Edible Skinny recently learned on a Bulletproof podcast that many Californian wines are not allowed to be sold in Europe because of the toxic additives deemed unsafe for European consumption. In the United States, many vineyards are using more and more additives and pesticides, as well as increasing the about of chemicals to improve taste and mask other impurities. In this day and age it is important to know what’s in your wine and how its made. Choosing an organic wine is just as important as choosing grass fed meat or organic veggies: quality food contributes to quality health.

Holman Ranch, a 400-acre, family-owned, vineyard in Carmel Valley is Edible Skinny’s favorite for high quality organic wine at an affordable price. Producing three different labels: Holman Ranch, Jarman and Will’s Fargo, Holman Ranch showcases a consistent commitment to quality- treating each individual bottle from start to finish with craft and care. Holman uses a number of green practices that allow them to operate with ethical and ecological integrity.

One of the most impressive things about Holman Ranch is that their vineyard has received a Sustainability in Practice (SIP) certification. SIP is a rigorous sustainable vineyard and wine certification with meticulous, non-negotiable requirements. Achieving this title is no easy feat. SIP standards require a commitment to standards based on science and expert input, independent verification, transparency, and absence of conflict of interest. It makes sure that vineyard practices and procedures from growing to distribution are earth friendly and non-harmful to consumer health. In short, healthier wine for healthy living.

Holman Ranch is small enough that they can control quality, but large enough that they have a variety of offerings. Producing 3,000-5,000 cases annually the winery has a number of different labels to fit any palate or preference. All of Holman Ranch labels are made with 100% estate grapes meaning everything comes from the Holman Property, including their watering source, recycled rain water, as well as their natural cooling source- underground wine caves. All Holman’s grapes are hand picked with love and care to make sure each and every part, no matter how small is of the highest quality.

Holman’s first of three labels is Holman Ranch wines. These wines follow a more European approach, and as always are earth friendly and use sustainable practices. The Holman label highlights the favorite varietals of the area, showcases the vineyard staple the Pinot grape. The Holman label hosts rich velvety Pinot Noirs as well as lighter bodied Pinot Grigio and everything in between. These wines are great for a hot summer day or a casual picnic. An Edible Skinny favorite from the Holman Label is their Brix, a white blend that is subtle and sophisticated, that has beautiful accents but won't overpower a meal.

Jarman, Holman’s higher-end label, drinks more like our traditional Californian wines. From Chardonnays to Pinot Noirs, the fruit use with this label is a little more manipulated or influenced. Many of the Jarman wines are bigger, with more Tannins and fuller bodies. The Jarman Chardonnay got two thumbs up from Edible Skinny. It had the personality of a creamy Californian chardonnay without a hint of buttery notes that don’t overpower.

Holman’s final label is named after the Holman Ranch’s newly purchased restaurant Will’s Fargo. This label, which makes a great Pinot Noir can be found at local restaurants or in lodgings like the adorable Hofsas House.

So how do our readers across the country (and globe) try Holman’s delicious wine? The best way is to join their wine club. And this isn’t just any wine club, the perks are through the roof. Members of the wine club receive the following benefits. First members received two shipments per year of 6 bottle that they can hand pick. They also receive complimentary tastings for them. and up to three guests (maximum of four people) They get exclusive access to "Wine Club Only" and new release wines as well as our Estate Olive Oil. They receive complimentary VIP tours of the Holman Ranch Vineyard and Winery, by appointment, as well as two free tickets to Holman Ranch's annual Fiesta de los Amigos, a huge party they throw every year. Lastly, they also get preferred reservation status to any wine education or hospitality event. In the past wine club members were also offered one free nights stay per year on Holman’s beautiful vineyard grounds, that play host to many parties and weddings. And that is only the wine club.

Holman Ranch does it all. There is so much more than wine. With a stunning 400-acre family-owned, property includes a fully restored historic stone hacienda, overnight guest rooms, vineyards and wine caves, olive grove, horse stables and two tasting rooms where guests can sample wines, Holman Ranch is the your one-stop shop to experience the fruits of nature and the finest Carmel Valley has to offer.

For anyone looking for not only organic wines that have bright and rich flavors without added chemicals but a winery that will treat you like family and give the perks to prove it: look no further than Holman Ranch. 
For more information please visit: http://holmanranch.com/

Will Fargo’s: An Exceptional Eatery with Old-fashioned Integrity

By Kelly Grace Thomas

The best meals have the ability to take you back in time. And that’s exactly what Will’s Fargo, the steakhouse owned by Holman Ranch, aims to do,  remind people how amazing (and delicious) simplicity can be. 
Will’s Fargo, a rustic eatery in Carmel Valley, with its ranch-inspired ambiance and exceptional cuisine, whisks their customers back to a time where quality was key.  At Will’s Fargo food comes directly from the farm, or ranch, straight to the customers plate, and hospitality is always served with a smile. In a day and age where quantity is valued over quality, it is refreshing to see a restaurant that values preserving the integrity of the whole dining experience - from the first greeting to the last bite. It is no wonder Will’s Fargo is voted the Best Steakhouse in Carmel Valley, receiving numerous accolades by visitors and locals alike.

Edible Skinny was lucky enough to visit Will’s Fargo, owned by Holman Ranch, while staying on their gorgeous property. Holman Ranch is a local vineyard, and its jaw-dropping beauty and outstanding organic wines it has quickly become an Edible Skinny favorite. The owners of Holman Ranch used to be frequent visitors of Will’s Fargo, taking clients there for business lunches or after dinner drinks. Once the restaurant went up for sale Holman Ranch saw buying the restaurant as a natural extension of their service and offerings. Holman Ranch was already giving their guests breathtaking grounds to stay on, making exceptional wine at the highest standards, the only thing missing was a delicious meal to go with it.

And those meals come with some history. The Will’s building has actually been around since the 1920’s and served as a road house located on the “milk run” between Monterey and Tassajara. Later it became a dinner house named The Carousel before Will Fay established Will’s Fargo Restaurant in 1959. The name was inspired by what the then-owner called a “dressed up saloon” interior. The design merged the personalities of a Victorian parlor with a western “Fargo” way station to make customer feel like they in a past era, dining at the ranch.

Under the ownership of Holman Ranch the ambiance of Will’s Fargo has stayed the same but culinary creations and melt in your mouth meats has transformed their menu. Headed by Executive Chef Greg Karjala, Will’s Fargo seeks to strike a perfect balance between fresh flavorful concepts and honoring the traditional taste of Carmel Valley. Karjala emphasis the beauty of seasonal cooking using only the freshest ingredients and the finest detail.

Edible Skinny was blown away by Will’s Fargo. We were very impressed by not only the quality, but the ingenuity of simple dishes that combine one or two ingredients to create big flavors, flavors that compliment not overpower.
Edible Skinny started our meal with light appetizers that were refreshing and delicate. Our favorites were the sourdough crouton with paprika, a 6 minute egg, white anchovy, and arugula.

As well as the wedge salad trio, classic blue cheese, blue cheese vinaigrette, green goddess dressing placed perfectly in lettuce cups, with flavors that were bright and complex. For dinner we loved the braised short ribs that melted like butter in our mouths, which were served with goat cheese, polenta and pickled green tomatoes. 
Another standout was the rich and creamy, asparagus and asiago raviolis, with a soubise sauce and braised green, grana padano. We also enjoyed some of Will’s Fargo’s famous sides like their -sweet corn with cilantro and lime and roasted mushrooms, with tarragon butter and lemon. Ending the night on a sweet note, Will’s Fargo created simple and sweet desserts that are just the right portions for any sweet tooth. For dessert we enjoyed a white chocolate mousse with hazelnuts, brown butter, pineapple as well as roasted strawberries with pernod poached rhubarb, balsamic glaze, and sweet cream. Just remembering this meal makes our mouth water.

And no meal would be complete without an exceptional glass of wine. Especially when you have three outstanding Holman Ranch labels to choose from (more about that from Edible Skinny later this week.) Jarman, Holman Ranch’s, higher-end label has a tasting room next to Will’s Fargo, so dinner can sip on their various organic varietals while waiting for a table. Or they can enjoy one of Holman’s original label with a number a delicious options to choose from. Edible Skinny loved Jarman’s Chardonnay made from the finest local fruit, as well as Holman’s rich and velvety Pinot Noir. Will’s Fargo also has their very own label, featured at the Hofsas House, when guests get a wine and cheese plate upon check in.

Whether you want a great glass of red wine and steak so tender you could cut it with a spoon, or a glass of Chardonnay and wedge trio that is light and tangy, Will’s Fargo has something for all palettes passing through. Will’s Fargo, hands down one of the best, can’t-miss eateries in Carmel Valley, owned by an exceptional winery with uncompromised taste only offers the best service and most delicious dining, guaranteed to bring you back in time.

For more information about Will's Fargo visit http://wfrestaurant.com/

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