Stocking Stuffers

Christmas is just around the corner and there are always last-minute gifts to buy—including the all-important little stocking stuffers. Here are a few suggestions of things you can buy locally that I’m sure your dear ones will love:

Cabernet Franc 2009 

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s time to start thinking about stocking up your wine rack with a few bottles of good local wine. As the weather gets colder, I always like to have some robust wines at hand, especially those that go with the heartier meals served over the holidays.

Sparkling Wine  

As we plan our holiday festivities, most of us have Champagne on our shopping list. After all, there’s nothing that compares to a fine glass of bubbly to celebrate the festive season. An excellent Champagne (or sparkling wine as it has to be called if it is made outside of the Champagne region of France) is made right here in town by expert winemaker Barry Jackson of Equinox Wine.

Places to sip wine around the Thanksgiving holiday

Good Libations
Many people take a few extra days off work over Thanksgiving in order to add on to what is, for most, a four-day holiday. This is a perfect opportunity to visit restaurants, wine bars and wineries–and head to a few places you haven’t tried before. Here are some suggestions of where to find some tasty eats and good libations:

Merlot 2010

When my husband and I attend events in the Monterey and Carmel areas, we often stay over at the Hyatt Monterey. It’s conveniently located just off Highway 1 and the facilities are top notch.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Located on a 73-acre compound above Saratoga is House Family Winery. This family-owned-and-operated business makes all its wine from grapes grown in their Old Oak Vineyard on their extensive property.

Pinot Noir 2010–and Fiesta Time in Carmel Valley

Tucked away in the beautiful hills of Carmel Valley, the Holman Ranch is a most amazing spread of property. It is home to stables, horse trails, a historic hacienda, olive groves and perfectly tended vineyards. Weddings, retreats, corporate and wine events are held in this bucolic spot, as well as the estate’s annual Fiesta de los Amigos every September, which is also a benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association.