Meet the master behind the bottle at your choice of over 20 Winemaker Dinners, the highlight of Monterey County’s biggest wine weekend. The actual names on the labels- approachable, enthusiastic owners and winemakers- share their stories as guests sip, sample, and socialize. Vintages are paired with fabulous fare from local celebrity chefs, also on hand.

Click here for more information about Winemaker Dinners.

An awesome new addition to our traditional Winemaker Dinners! Enjoy a fun filled three hour cooking class at the Culinary Center of Monterey paired with the wines of Otter Cove. The value of this evening combines instruction in both wine pairing and culinary creations. This is the perfect dinner for those who are as passionate about being in the kitchen as they are about dining. This dinner will be a unique experience you will be able to recreate for guests in your own dining room long after the Great Wine Escape has passed.  View the Menu.

Seating limited to 25 people.

Riedel's varietal specific stemware is designed to showcase a wine's aroma, characteristics and taste profile, which is why they are the choice of vintners the world over. Join us as we educate, entertain and elevate your tasting experience with a sensory glass seminar led by Riedel Crystal. The Great Wine Escape will have a lasting effect on your wine enjoyment, as we send you home with a Riedel Vinum Tasting Set. This tasting will be held at InterContinental: The Clement Monterey and paired with Monterey County Wines.

Carmel & Salinas Valley - See where the region’s robust blends are born on Monterey Wine Country tours led by local wine experts. No need to fuss with maps or directions, thanks to transportation by luxury motor or mini coach. And, you’ll be welcomed with wine, food and entertainment at each stop, plus a complimentary copy of Wine Enthusiast Magazine and tasty gourmet treats from Trader Joe’s.

Purchase of the tour includes admission into the Boutique & Hidden Gems Wine Tasting, featured below.

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Carmel & Salinas Valley - Visit the tasting rooms of Monterey County at your own pace and experience the hospitality of the beautiful wine region. Monterey County wineries will open their doors with special tastings, hors d’oeuvres and music. Guests will receive a commemorative wine glass as a keepsake item from their excursion.

The "Wine Country Open House" ticket includes admission into the "Boutique & Hidden Gems Wine Tasting" featured below.

Tasting maps can be downloaded here.

Enjoy wine tasting, food, and live music at the Monterey Marriott. Nearly 20 wineries that don’t have tasting rooms within Monterey County, but who recognize the quality of grapes from the region and label their award-winning wines as Monterey County will be in attendance to showcase their wonderful wines. This is an extraordinary opportunity to taste wines from the hidden treasures of the region.

Ticket is included with purchase of "Monterey Wine Country Tours", "Wine Country Open Houses", and "The Price is Right " (see above) or can be purchased separately.

Complete your weekend with an unforgettable Sunday at InterContinental: The Clement Monterey. Explore the cutting edge tastes of the Pacific Rim in the area’s hottest new hotel property. Executive Sous Chefs Jef H. Foster and Kevin Boyle of The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa will prepare dishes inspired by the splendors of Polynesia paired with the passions of our very own Monterey winemakers. Don’t miss Taste of the Pacific Rim: Maui Gold Pineapples.

While you enjoy wines from over 35 Monterey County wineries you will also have the opportunity to taste cuisine from fabulous local restaurants.  A sampling of restaurants include:

The Steinbeck House

The C Restaurant
Forge in the Forest
Bubbly Fish
Portola Cafe and Restaurant
Anchoi Anau Contemporary Cuisine
Ocean Sushi

Beligique Truffle Gateau
Piatti Restorante & Bar
Esteban Restaurant
Melange Restaurant
Contemporary Catering

We also invite you to take time and peruse the custom designed jewelry from Carmel jeweler Kirkor Kocek. Discover the importance of varietal-specific stemware for the true enjoyment of wine. Take part in a Riedel Crystal comparative glass tasting with the newest series in the collection, Riedel FLOW. Experts from the Land Rover Experience Driving School will introduce you to the Land Rover life style. View an installment from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen, & Lighting Gallery.