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A Wine-Geek's Adventure in Salinas Valley

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The Santa Lucia Highlands, on the west side of the Salinas Valley, have produced exceptional Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. For the wine adventurer in California, the River Road along the Arroyo Seco, paralleling 101, is the route to explore. The area doesn't boast any fabulous hotels or restaurants, however, so if you don't want to drive too far at the start and end of the day, you'll lodge and dine in Salinas more modestly than in Monterey or Carmel. Of course, then you can invest more in your liquid finds on this River Road tour. Before you decide on a low-fat vanilla lodging, however, check out VisionQuest Ranch B&B in Salinas (www.visionquestranch.com).

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Author: W-Squared

Day 2 - Monterey

Breakfast is included at VisionQuest, and you won't want to miss it, especially if it's delivered by pachyderm. Then down River Road to the furthest winery, Scheid and its demonstration vineyard. Afterwards, work your way back through Hahn Estates, Paraiso, and San Saba. Grab lunch as you see fit, preferably a picnic at Paraiso. On your way back to Monterey, if you're not too late or tired, stop at Ventana Vineyards, one of the original, and most influential, Monterey County vineyards. Pick up a bottle of your favorite Meador Estate wine as a collector's item: Doug Meador, a founder of Ventana Vineyards, is retiring this year.

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