36 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 15-21, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com CHILL Wine tasting allows one to compare the workings of terroir from year to year. There is also the matter of checking the different winemaking techniques. But what if you could mix and match? In a dream setting, a French winemaker treating grapes in a Burgundian style could be pitted against New World mannerisms with the same fruit, maybe from different vintages. Well, there is such a place. At Atelier Domaine Messier, guests can sample the 2022 Pinot Noir Cuvée Sagittaire, prepared under the watchful eye of Burgundian winemaker Étienne Grivot, then turn to the 2023 Cuvée du Nouveau Monde—same grape, same vineyard, but subject to different weather conditions and made by the star Monterey County winemaking team, Greg and Chris Vita. The 2023 offers fresh raspberry on the nose with the promise of feathery tannins. A sip reveals bright berries with a keen acidity tempered by a sensation of mushroom on the finish. In between swirl impressions that temp between floral and spice. It’s everything nice in a bright, cheerful Pinot. Step back into 2022 and the domaines of Burgundy, however, and the aromas become deeper. Dense fruits—black cherry along with stewed raspberry, with a loamy fungal foundation and strapping tannins—fill the palate. The wines appeal differently, but share one thing in common: Both are delicately balanced. Best of all, there are more to compare. Atelier Domaine Messier, Dolores between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. domainemessier. com. Size Up Domaine Messier’s Pinot lineup allows for some interesting (and good) comparisons. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AND TAKEOUT Eat + Drink Fisherman’s Wharf’s Newest Restaurant Serving Fresh Seafood, Pasta, Steaks, Sandwiches Open Daily at 11:30am Great views at the end of the Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 Indoor and Outdoor Dining on the Dog Friendly Patio Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30–6pm Nightly Saturday & Sunday Brunch 9am–1:30pm 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com ’25 Best Appetizers/ Small Plates Monterey’s MOST Recommended Pizzeria Open at 4pm Mon-Thurs • Open at 3pm Fri Open at 12pm Sat.& Sun. 725 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey giannispizzamonterey.com 831-649-1500 BEST PIZZA ’98-’24 BEST PIZZA PLACE ’25 OPEN EVERYDAY for DINNER at 4:30pm Offering all your favorites plus wine, cocktails, bottle and draft beers. Now Serving Snake River Farms’ American Wagyu Prime Rib. 763 Wave St., Monterey | 831.373.3778 | thewhalingstation.com ’25 Best Steak BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT + BAR @ LOVERS POINT ★ CASUAL CALIFORNIA DINING INDOOR & PATIO DAILY AT 4:30PM 620 OCEAN VIEW BLVD. PACIFIC GROVE 831-375-2345 • BEACHHOUSEPG.COM LOVERS POINT BEACH CAFE OPEN DAILY, 9AM–4PM ’24 Best Restaurant in Pacific Grove Wood Fired Pizzas, Burgers, Pasta, salads, sandWiches and more 11:30am mon-Fri, 10am Sat & Sun melvilletav.com 484 Washington St., Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 haPPY hour Food & drinK sPecials Sun-Thurs 4-6pm WEEKEND BRUNCH WITH BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 831-373-1851 www.abalonetti.com ’25 LUNCH & DINNER SERVED DAILY from 11:30am-8:30pm Monterey County’s Best Calamari ’25 BEST RESTAURANT IN MONTEREY COUNTY! JOIN US NIGHTLY FOR DINNER AT 4:30PM TWO HAPPY HOURS DAILY 4:30-6PM & 8-9PM 3-Course Early Menu, $49, 4:30-6pm Daily Call or go to sardinefactory.com for details, reservations. 701 Wave Street, Monterey, 831-373-3775 ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • GEAR-000383, GEAR-000376, GEAR-000375 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==