montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2026 103 BEST LOCAL WHITE WINE Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc 5 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley (831) 298-8021, bernardus.com Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc makes an entrance and takes the center ring as Monterey County’s favorite way to cool down on a warm day. With bright notes of citrus and tropical fruit and an acidity as crisp as the county’s weather, this is the local’s go-to when looking for a refreshing refreshment. The gorgeous winery is worth a visit any season, but you can’t beat the Sauv Blanc under the summer sun. BEST LOCAL RED WINE Scheid Pinot Noir 518 7th Ave., Carmel (831) 626-9463 1972 Hobson Ave., Greenfield (831) 386-0316, scheidvineyards.com Family lineages were important in circuses. “The Flying Gaonas,” a family of aerialists, toured both Mexico and the U.S., while master clown for the Ringling Brothers, Lou Jacobs, passed down everything he knew to his daughter Dolly. Scheid Vineyards has remained a family affair since its founding in 1972, not just through its owners, but also their grapes. Scheid Pinot Noirs, particularly those in their Clone Series, all boast some manner of berry notes, but depending on the year and the tiny mutations courtesy of the elements and climate, each Pinot vintage will have its own unique characteristics. That’s what happens in big families: same parents, different kids. BEST LOCAL ROSÉ BEST CHARCUTERIE PLATE Folktale Winery & Vineyard 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel (831) 293-7500, folktalewinery.com After the circus ends, all the carnies like to hang up their gigantic bowties, kick off their oversized shoes and enjoy a drink that reminds them of summer. If it’s in Monterey County, that drink is Folktale’s Sparkling Rosé, the best local Rosé. This is a wine that needs no introduction, since it’s consistently a favorite among anyone who visits the vineyards. With its soft pink hue and playful bubbles, each sip will send you further into bliss. It’s all about enjoying the show. Speaking of which, everything has to be perfect to set up amazing acrobatics, rings of fire and illusionists. The only thing more meticulously planned might be Folktale’s charcuterie plate. An assortment of cheeses, meats, fruits and nuts is a feast for the eyes and the palate. It makes you want to stop and take a photo before you dig into it. BEST LOCAL BREWERY Alvarado Street Brewery 426 Alvarado St. Monterey. (831) 655-2337 Carmel Plaza, 526 Ocean Ave., Carmel. (831) 293-8621 301 Main St. Salinas. (831) 356-0219 asb.beer Alvarado Street Brewery yet again is the ringmaster of breweries in Monterey County—and beyond. Their tour has expanded from their opening act in downtown Monterey to the Carmel Bistro and the Oldtown Salinas Taproom, but the brewery also garners a national audience. Drop in for a Mai Tai IPA, a Monterey Beer, the Howzit Punch or whatever is new on the ever-rotating menu. The show’s never over, even after closing—their beers can be found everywhere across the state, making them a giant in the beer scene. BEST CAPPUCCINO/LATTE Captain + Stoker 398 E. Franklin St., Monterey 206 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove 1793 Catalina St., A, Sand City captainandstoker.com A good tightrope walker makes it look easy—but balancing on that teeny-tiny wire takes hundreds of hours of practice, dedication and some serious guts. That’s what the owners of Captain + Stoker did behind the scenes to buy back the business before they put on the real show: a cute, modern coffee shop that readers have dubbed as having the best cappuccino and latte. Since their opening in Monterey, they’ve expanded to Pacific Grove and Sand City. BEST SMOOTHIES Perfectly Pressed 491 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 747-1127 961 W. Alisal St., Salinas. (831) 998-8770 Carmel Plaza, 526 Ocean Ave., Carmel. (831) 250-7873 perfectlypressedjuice.com When Bugs Bunny battled a circus bear, it didn’t turn out so well for the bear—especially when Bugs tricked his rival into a stunt that left him flat, or perfectly pressed. Of course, there are no tricks at Perfectly Pressed, just healthy ingredients made to order into cold-pressed juices and smoothies. Some give you an energy boost, some provide protein, others aid with workout recovery, relaxation or just a dose of vitamins. But they are all good—no clowning around. Specialty Foods Best BBQ, Best Catering Company | Kleinfeldt Family BBQ
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