On our recent visit to Carmel, we had some time to waste waiting for our hotel room to be ready for check in. We decided to leave our luggage with the bell hop and jump in the car to go exploring. Within the first few minutes of our drive, we stumbled across Folktale Winery which is located 5 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean along the Carmel River in beautiful Carmel Valley.
In 1996, the property was expanded. In addition to building a new estate residence and expanding the vineyard, a 10,000 sq. ft. barrel hall was built to to house over 2000 wine barrels. In 2015, the property was acquired by local winemaker, Gregory Ahn, and renamed Folktale Winery & Vineyards. The name is inspired by the thrill of discovery, the joy of gathering, and the idea that every great bottle of wine holds a story.
We were happily greeted at the entrance with a complimentary glass of NV Folktale Brut which was perfect for the sunny spring weather we were having and a great way to kick off our mini vacation! The regular tasting hours at Folktale are 11am - 8pm daily but may fluctuate depending on winery events and activities. We were pretty hungry when we arrived and I was pleasantly relieved when we learned there was a kitchen at Folktale!
They offer a variety of light bite selections on their menu including Artisan Cheese and Charcuterie boards, salads, seasonally inspired small plate appetizers, and a variety of shared plates to accommodate all tastes. In addition, there are a few yummy desserts to choose from if you have a sweet tooth and all of the food listed on their menu comes with a recommended wine pairing! We nibbled on the Artisan cheese board which went really well with the NV Brut followed by the the Niman Ranch Beef, Veal, and Pork Meatballs which are gluten free and so delicious! We also ordered a Folktale flight which included tastings of their signature wines! Here are a few pictures from the enclosed patio area which provided a cool and relaxing atmosphere to sit and enjoy our food and wine and enjoy each others company!
Cheers!
Here are a few of the wines we tasted with our flight and here is the full list of wines for your reference.
After filling up on food and wine, we took a walk to explore the beautiful grounds. The picture above is a view of the 10,000 sq. ft. barrel hall that was built to to house over 2000 wine barrels.
Adjacent to the enclosed patio area is large atrium with sky high ceilings and a gorgeous view to the outside through the majestic dome shaped windows and french doors you see pictured below. This space includes a smattering of cafe styled seating options for intimate occasions. There's also a long bar with colorful cocktail bar chairs and a living room area with cozy couches and a fireplace for friendly gatherings.
In addition to the indoor gathering areas, there is plenty of space to spread outside as well. We spent some time soaking up the spring sunshine on these wooden benches pictured below. They are centered around a cozy fire pit which would be ideal at sunset when the air gets a little chilly or on a cooler crisp autumn or winter day when the central coast fog gets a little cold!
I should also mention that Folktale is a family and pet friendly winery. Although not pictured, Jack and Collin (who are 11 years old) came with us for the visit and were happily occupied playing with the giant domino set, corn hole boards and a giant Jenga set located in the outdoor courtyard! It's always nice to find family and pet friendly wineries because our kids go with us everywhere and dogs make everyone happy!
Folktale Winery is surrounded by vineyards and rests on a total of 16 acres with views of oak trees and mountains in beautiful Carmel Valley. The vineyards on the property at Folktale cover 5 acres and are 100% organically farmed. Committed to sustainable farming practices for all of their wines, they naturally manage pests like ground squirrels and gophers with the installation of owl boxes and raptor perches around the property. Focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Folktale wines express beautiful acid and minerality of Monterey’s cool climate and rocky soils.
We really enjoyed our wine tasting and visit to Folktale Winery and plan to go back this June! If you are planning a visit, it's conveniently accessible from the Monterey Airport and the Monterey Peninsula, and an easy drive from Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. The winery offers daily tours and wine tastings , live music every weekend, and concerts and special events each month including Yoga in the Vines!
For more things to see and do in and around Monterey and Carmel, check out the posts below or visit my Travel page. Also, if you haven't had a chance to sign up for my newsletter you can subscribe here! It's a great way to connect with all of you about new posts, great sales you don't want to miss, Q&A on various fashion, beauty, home decor, and travel topics, and so much more! Don't worry, I won't overcrowd your inbox! Also, don't forget you can shop all of the looks from my blog on my shop page!
Happy Spring Break!
🍷🍷🍷
Hayley
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