The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association is inviting wine lovers to “escape the ordinary” at its Great Wine Escape Weekend, set for November 12-14.
The Great Wine Escape celebrates Monterey Wine Country’s world-class wines and gastronomic delights crafted by nationally recognized chefs during a weekend of wine and culinary events.
More than 50 award-winning wineries showcase their wines, reflecting the quality of the region’s nine distinct American Viticultural Areas.
This year’s events include:
*** WINERY OPEN HOUSES
Cannery Row, Monterey, Carmel, Carmel Valley and Salinas Valley
Daily – 11a.m. to 5 p.m.
Explore these distinct trails at your leisure and enjoy wonderful wine at each stop.
*** FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Barrel Tasting and Appetizers
7-9:30 p.m.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
$95
A unique opportunity to sample new vintages straight from the barrel.
Wine Enthusiast Signature Winemaker Dinner
7 p.m.
InterContinental, The Clement Monterey
$200
One of Monterey Wine Country’s signature varietals is Pinot Noir. Wine lovers with a passion for Pinot Noir won’t want to miss this opportunity to taste through this exclusive varietal tasting, paired with a five-course meal under the direction of Executive Chef Jerry Regester.
*** SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Wine Country Boot Camps
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Carmel Valley or Salinas Valley
$95
Always wanted to blend your own wine, spend time in a barrel room, or enjoy the beauty of the vineyard? Be adventurous, break a sweat, and join Monterey Wine Country professionals while you enjoy the most fun “training” of your life! The camp includes lunch and transportation.
Carmel Valley Boot Camp / Wine 101 – Chateau Julien Wine Estate will feature a wine sensory seminar and barrel education. Bernardus Vineyards & Winery will host an informative vineyard walk.
Salinas Valley Boot Camp / Vineyard to Table – Scheid Vineyards will share what it takes to farm and grow grapes in Monterey Wine Country. Paraiso Vineyards will feature a hands-on Wine Blending Seminar.
The Oenophile’s Delight
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
InterContinental, The Clement Monterey
Choose 1 event for $85 or 2 events for $150
Events offered include:
* Cheese and chocolate pairing with the wines of Monterey County
* A guided tasting through Monterey’s nine AVAs
* Riedel wine glass demonstration
Taste the County in 175 Sips
2-5 p.m.
InterContinental, The Clement Monterey
$95
Taste wine from more than 30 Monterey County wineries and participate in interactive chef demonstrations that take place continuously through the afternoon.
Winemaker Dinners
7 p.m.
$95
Choose from more than a dozen dinners throughout Monterey Wine Country
*** SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Culinary Showcase – Cooking Demonstration and Lunch
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
InterContinental, The Clement Monterey
$120
End your weekend with a foodie’s dream. Intimate demonstrations will be presented by Food Network Executive Chef Robert Bleifer and InterContinental, The Clement Executive Chef Jerry Regester.
The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association Web site provides package pricing, individual event prices and hotel recommendations. Additional information can be found by visiting: www.montereywines.org/gwe.
