Bernardus Winery and Lodge #CarmelValley #California #bernarduswinery #Marinus

Bernardus Winery and Lodge

Top Ten Wine and Travel Destinations of 2013

Don and I had the pleasure of being in Carmel Valley, CA almost a year and half ago to celebrate the coming of the New Year. This valley is surrounded by the ridges of the Santa Lucia Mountains. One of the places we visited on our wine adventure days was the Bernardus tasting room.

Since it has been too long for me to remember exactly what we tasted, I will guess based on the year we were there and what might have been released at that time. I know we tasted their signature wine, a 2008 Marinus Estate Bordeaux (sold out now), because we bought one. This wine is complex and full of rich flavors. You can find the 2009 vintage online. I'm sure it's just as excellent

I didn't take individual pictures of bottles at this point in my life. I wasn't blogging in 2012. So if you click on the picture you can see some of the award-winning wines they had displayed in the tasting room.

We probably tasted their 2010 Monterey County Chardonnay ($24) because I wasn't into drinking red wines as much as whites. Their 2010 Chardonnay is "the perfect expression of Monterey Chardonnay showing complex aromas of ripe apple and pear accented by notes of creme brûlée. On the palate, the texture is rich and full-bodied, exhibiting intense flavors which mirror the aromas along with notes of citrus, fig and mineral, supported by a long, crisp finish." 

We stopped by the lodge to have lunch and what a beautiful property to see and stay. It's located on Carmel Valley Road, a beautiful drive in the valley past other wineries you can visit. Feather beds, cozy fireplaces, bathtubs large enough for two, vintage wine and cheese welcome, a "wine grotto" mini bar, spa gardens with warming rooms and soaking pools all awaits you for a luxury stay in Carmel. 

We dined outside in their European flair restaurant, Wickets Bistro. Where else but in California can you eat outside in December between Christmas and the New Year! Check out their menu for lunch!

 Visit Carmel Valley's Bernardus Winery and Lodge.

Enjoy!