Monterey County: Tidepools and missions, giant redwoods and ranches, coastal mountains and farms, golf courses and spas. Of course there are vineyards and wineries! It's been nearly 250 years since grapes were first planted in the region, at the missions, but as with other missions these vineyards fell into disrepair in the early 1800s. Then a big gap in regional wine history.

In the 1960s the University of California Davis published a report saying that the climate in Monterey County was comparable to the Napa and Sonoma regions, and to Burgundy and Bordeaux. Pretty heady stuff, that sort of comparison. But it has proved true, with world class pinot noir and chardonnay from the Santa Lucia Highlands in the northern part of Monterey County, and excellent Cabs, Merlots and Zinfandels from the southern part of the county. There are also some very nice Syrahs coming from the region.

This is a great region for any flavor of activity you want. Rest and relaxation? Check. Take the time for a round of golf at Pebble Beach, or soak in a hot tub overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Adventures? Check. Go drive a race car at Laguna Seca. Unique experiences? Check. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, is arguably the world’s best view into aquatic flora and fauna. The tide pools of the Big Sur coastline are a must. Can you see the sea otter preparing its dinner on its belly while floating on its back in the kelp beds? Carmel-By-The-Sea, is one of the great travel destinations for art galleries, dining, spas, shopping, golf, and just pure relaxation. Carmel is most probably the most “dog friendly” cities in all of California if not the U.S.A. Wineries? Check. Have a glass of wine or two while you're there. You'll enjoy it.