Daily Pampering: Ring in the 2011 at Stonepine Estate Resort

by McLean Robbins on

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? New Years is a time to celebrate. Whether it is reveling in the glory of a successful year or looking brightly to what could be in the new year, New Year’s Eve stands as cross road of revelry and reflection with those closest to you, and what better way to celebrate both than with Stonepine Estate Resort’s New Years Gala?

With package accommodations ranging from $2,000 to $3,750, Stonepine is offering the perfect location for ringing in 2011. With this package, guests receive a three night stay in a Deluxe Stonepine Accommodation complete with a full European breakfast daily. On New Year’s Eve, Stonepine will host a night of dinner, dancing and salsa lessons. At the stroke of midnight, there will be a Champagne toast, and throughout the evening guests will be able to purchase raffle tickets to win a week’s stay in a private villa at Mauna Kea Resort in Hawaii.

After a fun night out, nothing says New Year’s Day like a scrumptious brunch featuring Bloody Marys, Ramous Fizzes and a complete deli buffet in the Blacksmith Bar. The package also comes with the choice of a riding lesson or a massage for two in the privacy of your suite. With a deal this good, why not stay an extra night? A complementary fourth night will be included for those looking to avoid holiday traffic or a good excuse to extend their getaway.

Now that’s what we call a good start to 2011.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Carmel Valley wine history and tasting tour

by Brenda Yun on

While it may not be as famous on the international wine stage as Napa and Willamette Valleys, the Carmel Valley is home to several world-class wineries. Like many wine growers in northern and central California, producers range from one-person pursuits to big operations, but all have one thing in common: passion for the fruit grown in the area to produce exquisite wine.

A little history
Carmel Valley’s fine climate and fertile soil made it a perfect settlement for Native Americans centuries ago. Later, the Europeans discovered the area and developed it into agricultural land, specializing in pears and walnuts. Then, in the late 18th century, grapes known as the Mission varietal (a red used to make table wine) were planted to make a wine known as Angelica. It wasn’t until the mid 20th century, though, that commercial wine production started. Since then, full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were grown in the valley.

A little taste
To savor the fine wines of Carmel Valley, simply drive along Carmel Valley Road. Most tasting rooms are situated around Carmel Valley Village, while a handful are just a stone’s throw away on Center Street and Cachagua Road.

The following wineries offer tasting facilities and some provide limited menus.
Boekenoogen Winery, 24 West Carmel Valley Road, #831.624.2600, www.boekenoogenwines.com
Chateau Sinnet, 13746 Center Street, #831.659.2244, www.chateausinnet.com
Georis Winery, 4 Pilot Road, #831.659.1050, www.georiswine.com
Heller Estate Organic Vineyards, 69 West Carmel Valley Road, #831.659.6220, www.hellerestate.com
Kovacs Brothers Winery, 36023 Cachagua Road, #831.277.9949, www.kovacsbrothers.com
Otter Cove Winery, 9 Del Fino Place, #831.320.3050, www.ottercovewines.com
Talbott Vineyards, 53 West Carmel Valley Road, #831.659.3500, www.talbottvineyards.com

There are a dozen other wineries in the area! For a complete listing of Carmel Valley wineries and tasting rooms, CLICK HERE.