38 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY AUGUST 6-12, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com CHILL When Luc Messier says his wines are influenced by Old World Burgundy tradition, he means it literally and figuratively. He launched Domaine Messier with the idea of preparing some Pinot Noir with New World verve, leaning on Greg and Chris Vita’s deep understanding of Monterey County’s soils and climate. But he also set aside other barrels for the winemaking guidance of Étienne Grivot of Domaine Jean Grivot, one of Burgundy’s finest. After three vintages, the effect of this approach is interesting. For instance, the 2022 Cuvée Nouveau Monde (New World) is lively, fruity and floral with a spicy cranberry bite. The Cuvée Sagittaire (Old World) of the same vintage offers deeper, richer tones and tannic structure. Skip ahead to 2024 and it’s clear that the Vitas are finding much from each style and dialing both in. While the Old World version remains more opulent, with dense fruit and notions of well-worn leather on the nose, hints of zest bring a sensation of spice to the genteel profile. The New World Pinot is still fresh and buoyant, but there are impressions of gravity— berries still on the bush, hints of must and a note of minerality, with a longer finish. Yes, part of this is down to the growing season. It was cooler on the mountaintop overlooking Carmel Valley in 2024. But the two worlds are closer to each other, comparatively, than in 2022. And coming together is a good thing. Atelier Domaine Messier, Dolores between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. domainemessier. com. Two by Two With a new vintage, Domaine Messier’s old and new approach is coming together. 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 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 Daily 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, $59, 4:30-6pm Daily Call or go to sardinefactory.com for details, reservations. 701 Wave Street, Monterey, 831-373-3775 Monterey Peace and Justice Center 1364 Fremont Blvd., Seaside, CA 93955 Contact: Catherine Crockett (831) 915-7257 cm_crockett@sbcglobal.net 1/8 Page Ad, 2.24 “ x 5.57 $171.00 (per paid contact for 12 monthly ads) Bombshell 8-14-2026 August 6, 2026 edition 1364 Fremont Blvd, Seaside (831) 899-7322 Doors open 5:30 pm Register at: mpjc-bombshell-aug14.eventbrite.com Eighty-one years after the 1945 devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, BOMBSHELL sheds light on the efforts of courageous journalists to inform the world about the human costs of nuclear weapons, despite the U.S. government's attempt to control the narrative.
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