www.montereycountynow.com JULY 2-8, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 29 CULTURE If you visit Folktale Winery & Vineyards this summer, you will still get your wine, food and event experience, but the packaging will be different. That’s because this 16-acre wine estate-turned experiential destination is under renovation. A big barrel storage room on the west side of the property has been emptied out and gutted. From the space, a lawn stretches all the way to the vineyard, presenting a stunning mountain view. Folktale owner Greg Ahn is hoping to host larger-scale events, bringing year-round concerts and touring events, with an indoor space for 300 seated customers. “By being able to start from scratch, we’re able to kind of engineer it better for sound and acoustics and lighting,” Ahn says. Founded in 1982 as Chateau Julien Wine Estate by Bob and Patti Brower, Folktale was limited to wine gatherings. That changed in 2015, when Ahn bought property. He opened a wine garden, introduced a culinary program and scheduled regular live events. “We didn’t want it to just be a place for tourists,” Ahn says over a decade later. “We have been able to achieve a lot of that vision, and have grown a strong membership and repeat visitation from the local community.” Ten years after the purchase, he decided it was time to upgrade the structures that had been built in the ’80s. A brand-new full kitchen is coming, designed for Folktale’s needs and able to introduce more options. “We want to bring more diversity to the culinary scene,” Ahn says. Another part of the remodel is to create an area for informal drop-in guests—“A kind of casual wine garden experience where guests can come, they can order at the bar for food and wine, and take it to a table without full table service.” With the wine garden temporarily relocated, food trucks are filling the void, with help from Ahn’s Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse. New outdoor-indoor spaces are in the making. For example, the space referred to as the greenhouse is being converted to accommodate a smaller, fine dining experience. The wine garden will continue, but will be enhanced—“a little bit elevated, more of a curated experience,” Ahn says. Programming at the renovated space with begin in the fall. The wine garden is set to reopen in September. Folktale Winery & Vineyards is at 8940 Carmel Valley Road. (831) 293-7500, folktalewinery.com. DANIEL DREIFUSS Tales to Tell Folktale Winery & Vineyards is open during a remodel, and the owner has big plans for the venue. By Agata Popęda Folktale owner Greg Ahn surveys the winery’s former barrel room, which will become a larger event space. FRESH. LOCAL. TASTY. Fisherman’s Wharf FRESHEST SEAFOOD with PANORAMIC VIEWS Open Daily at 11:30am • At the end of Fisherman’s Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 Artist: Sahar Jabr A Gathering of Local Artists Since 1989 Best artist-owned gallery in Monterey Meet the artist on duty daily Paintings, sculptures, jewelry & ceramics Located in the heart of Monterey Open Daily from 10 am to 6 pm Artist Demonstration: 3-5 pm, July 5th 260 Alvarado St., Monterey (831) 372-6279 www.venturegallery.com BRUNCH? no problem Saturday & Sunday 10AM - 2PM “Parking? NO PROBLEM. Pricing? NO PROBLEM. The Pour? NO PROBLEM. Location? GET OVER IT. IT’S BEAUTIFUL!” - Chef Tim Wood 500 Del Mesa Dr, Carmel (831) 624-1854 Visit Our Website Parking? NO PROBLEM. Pricing? NO PROBLEM. “ The Pour? NO PROBLEM. Location? GET OVER IT. IT’S BEAUTIFUL! ” - Chef Tim Wood Visit Our Website 10 SATUR no BRUN (8
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==