The Wine Experience

207

335

322

9 years ago

I've been here a few times and am definitely a fan! There's a nice selection of whites and reds on tap, so there is something for everyone. I recommend getting the flights and you can choose your favorites. They also have 3-4 beers on tap. The menu only has a few small plate options for food, so I do wish they had a few more choices to choose from. However, everything I have tried (which is basically everything), is delicious!!! You GOTTA try the baked brie with the jelly on top. It's the best. They also have the friendliest staff. Every time we have been in, they are always starting a conversation with us and being very attentive. They have some cool gadgets and merchandise for purchase. Basically, if you are really hungry, I probably wouldn't recommend coming here. BUT if you want a glass (or few) of wine and a snack, you gonna try this place! read more

The Wine Experience - Baked Brie. A must try! - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

The Wine Experience - Flatbread. Not bad! - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

The Wine Experience - Prosciutto flatbread. My boyfriend said it needed cheese but wasn't bad! - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Karun P.

4 years ago

Oh my goodness the wine experience here is outstanding. I cannot stop talking about the delicious Chardonnay and the red wines to choices experience exceptional, very exceptional stuff with knowledge of winery in the wine in details. Amazing I will definitely recommend all my clients to go here. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Dillon M.

4 years ago

Trish was an incredible host and super fun She helped our group have an incredible night. Thank you thank you! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jeremy G.

Elite 21

149

172

8 years ago

We ordered a wine flight, the baked brie and the charcuterie board. The wine was decent but everything else was very underwhelming. The brie was swimming in the pesto and olive oil it was served with and half the crostini served with both boards were stale. There was also only one server so service took forever. Had to walk up to the counter to pay. Terrible for the price. Give this one a miss read more

The Wine Experience - Wine flight with Baked Brie and Pesto - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

Helpful 3

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Hannah D.

Elite 21

958

412

1730

7 years ago

The Wine Experience was just across the street from our hotel so we knew we wanted to stop by. We decided to get a bottle of the sparkling wine because that was our major MO for the holiday we were having. We did not regret that choice. We also went for the cheese plate (another MO of our trip) which was VERY tasty and a great size. The staff was knowledgeable and we had an awesome time just sitting and enjoying our time at the Wine Experience. Because we had a bottle we didn't get to experience the awesome tasting experience they do, but we got to watch many around us use the test tube tasters which seems SO fun and such a fun way to do tastings. read more

The Wine Experience - Loved the sparkling wine! - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Kris S.

3 years ago

Walked in and did a wine blending experience and got to create our own label. Lots of fun and nice staff. Pizza and pretzel was good too. read more

The Wine Experience - Wine blending - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Scott M.

6 years ago

Really happy to see this wine bar open on a weekday night. Selection of wines is very solid with a great collection of local reds. Highly recommend the Charcuterie board which was excellent. Service was great as well. If you are in Monterey and you like wine, this is a must visit. read more

The Wine Experience - 8 wine tasting and Charcuterie board - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rodney Z.

6 years ago

COVID time review. Cute place on Cannery Row. Service was outstanding. Ordered flight of four whites, baked brie and olives. Would love to more wines to choose from but that's a standard wish for me. Reasonable price for Monterey. I'll definitely return. read more

The Wine Experience - See above - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Juliana M.

4 years ago

This place is fantastic and I am not really a wine drinker. However, I am the one who ended up getting two bottles to take home. The service was a 10/10. The adorable atmosphere was also a 10/10. We ended up going back again in our 4 day stay. I can't say enough good things about this place. I will be back. read more

The Wine Experience - Wine - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

The Wine Experience - My Port Tasting - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

The Wine Experience - Late Harvest - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Lynn P.

3 years ago

This is a great place to stop when you are in Monterey. We had to change our plans for a group of 10 and Carrie at the Wine Experience was able to accommodate us on a Friday evening. The location is great and the charcuterie board was excellent. Most had the wine flights and everyone enjoyed our pre-dinner event. The service is excellent. We loved the wine choices and menu. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jessica C.

133

156

291

6 years ago

I don't live in the area--visited Monterey and after a bike ride, my husband and I came in. The outside of the building is adorable with flower branches on the walls. The outside seating and grass looks very well-maintained. We sat inside and bc of covid19, there was about maybe 5 inside seating available: one table in the back, one table towards the door, two couch areas, and a counter seat area--they are all away from each other so I felt safe and felt that this business could be trusted. The 3 men working were kind and personable. I ordered the wine flight--4 at $15 and husband got the beer flight, same price. Very reasonable pricing with reasonable flight portions. We also got four chocolates to go with my wine which was delicious and you know they're not using cheap chocolates. I'm sad I'm not a local bc I think I would come here all the time. Their local wines are absolutely delicious, customer service is rocking, and the outside and inside is beautiful and clean. A great place and ambience to relax with people who share a love of chilling with some glasses. read more

The Wine Experience - 4 chocolates $10 - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

The Wine Experience - $15 for 4 flights. You can choose any! They don't limit what you can get. - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

The Wine Experience - Beer flight - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Maria F.

4 years ago

It was a great ambiance and the wine tasting was great. We'll definitely be going back when we visit Monterey read more

The Wine Experience - Wine tasting with friends - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Elvis A.

1368

4655

10 years ago

One of the better wine tasting spots on Cannery row. Nice setup and the wine selection is much better than other spots. We also tried the cheese plate which was decent. The petite Vardot and Sirah were quite good on this visit. The place is new and has a clean look. Wine selection is OK. I can see myself coming back here to just hangout. Tip. The washrooms are in the hotel next door. read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Sean L.

5 years ago

My fiancé and I stopped in for a flight of wines. Trish was our server and was awesome. She helped guide us and pick out some great wines. We ended up buying a couple of bottles of our favorite one. We sat at the couch which was very cozy and comfortable and played a few games which they have on hand. It was a really chill vibe and a great experience overall. Will come again next time we're in Monterey. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Jose F.

5 years ago

Went to Monterey with my girlfriend last week and we stopped by for some wine. We had been here before 2 years ago and the wine was really good so we decided to repeat. The Marcona almonds are really good. Highly recommend. We also ordered the olives which are also good. We had the 6 wine flight and I enjoyed the 6 reds I picked. My girlfriend didn't like one of her red, so I volunteered to drink it for her . The service was great. We will be back to repeat or try any new reds they might have in the menu. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Jonathan L.

133

4 years ago

This was exceptional - Trish was a glorious host. Playful, knowledgeable and generous with her time. Corporate event that ended up just feeling like hanging with friends. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Anna D.

474

210

285

7 years ago

Found this place on Yelp and am thankful for it. We ate a filling lunch at the Cliff House in the afternoon so were looking for light bites. Found exactly what we were looking for at the Wine Experience. We decided to split the flight of 5 wines first (that's because I am lightweight) and all of the wines were delightful (most favorite Petite Verdot, least favorite Merlot), they had a decent cheese plate with good pepper jelly, goat cheese, cheddar and blue and some crostinis. Added marcona almonds and warmed up olives to go with the spread. It all went down perfectly with the wines. Frankly, I liked the wines here better than I liked them at Napa's wineries. So there. read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Laura F.

5 years ago

Carrie and her team are fabulous. We hosted a team-building work event at The Wine Experience and it was so well done. The staff are professional, knowledgeable and lovely all around. Definitely recommended and can't wait to visit again! read more

Business owner information

Brent V.

Your team was so fun!! Glad we were able to host your event. Carrie

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Leslie F.

232

4 years ago

It was a perfect experience for me and my team. They were accommodating and kind and met us where we were. We had a great experience blending. Trish made us feel as at home as you could possibly imagine. Thank you so much. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Emma M.

5 years ago

100% going to try to get back there again before we end our vacay. Staff has excellent customer service. Neither of us are very experienced with wine and he was nice enough to bring us some suggestions. We ordered a flight of 4 and he brought us a 5th at no extra charge to help introduce us to other types. One think to note is they stop serving food an hour before closing according to their menu. So excited to come back! Great for pics too. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Tasha B.

Elite 22

123

272

6 years ago

I stopped by The Wine Experience with a group of friends for drinks ahead of dinner. We loved the fact that they had lounge seating - a couch and two chairs. We each ordered a flight of wine, mine a "red" flight included 3 from Monterey and another from greater California. The wines were my least favorite compared to other wine tasting rooms in the area but the service was stellar. Definitely order the Tangerine & Chili Marinated Green Olives, they are amazing! read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mary L.

200

5 years ago

This place was awesome! Cudos to Sam and Eric ! You both were amazing Thanks for making our first experience memorable read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Reed J.

4 years ago

Went there for a wine tasting, it just tasted awful. Not sure if this was an off day, but would not recommend.

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Arianna E.

5 years ago

Definitely an experience! Definitely worth visiting. The wine is average. Not worth buying. Doing the flights are great along with ordering chocolates and the $30ish charcuterie board. Had a great time. The staff was great as well & super accommodating. read more

The Wine Experience - $30ish Charcuterie board ( the actual menu name escapes me) - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

The Wine Experience - Assorted chocolates & flight of 8 wines - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jenny S.

266

8 years ago

Megan is my go to gal. She was very informative about it the wine process. Oh did I mentioned that they have personalized labels for wine! The atmosphere is chill and fun! read more

Helpful 3

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Ken J.

299

5 years ago

I'm glad I went, but unless you are wine professional and can ID grapes by taste and nose, it is lust a game. Our sommelier was not really into wines... it was just a job. It showed. The charcuterie was too spicy for wine tasting. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Devan B.

4 years ago

Amazing experience. Trish was so great - took great care of us. The challenge was fun, wines were tasty and the environment rocks. Highly recommend it. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

April L.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

11 years ago

Great wine, yummy snacks, perfect location for get togethers, they even have mad otter ale on tap. What more could you want? I'm a fan! You can drink wines by the flight or glass and there's an option to blend your own. Cheers! read more

The Wine Experience - The cheese plate, seasonal pumpkin soup and warm olives... So good! - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Gabe C.

10 years ago

The Wine Experience is a cute little wine bar off of Cannery Row in Monterey. TWE is a great place to drop in for one of their many wines "on tap" but this review is for one of TWE's specialty classes. This August, I booked the wine blending class for 18 people for the bridesmaids and groomsmen in my wedding. I worked with Brent and Cassandra to set up the reservation for our group, which went very smoothly. When we arrived, the back classroom was all set up with four stations, each with four single-varietal wines (pinot, syrah, grenache, and petit sirah) and a range of equipment. Brent gave a short introductory lesson on wine blending then set us loose in small teams to create our own wine blend. Over the course of about an hour and a half, each of the four teams in our wedding party created six or more wine blends and then chose their favorite. At the end, Brent and his team helped us bottle up a few bottles of each team's favorite blends (based on the team's favorite blend formula) that we could take home. They even printed a custom label for each bottle that we created, which was a great personal touch. Brent and his staff were extremely professional and really helped our group have a lot of fun. Being able to take home bottles of wine that we created with our custom labels was a great souvenir for our wedding. For our specific purpose, kicking off our wedding weekend in the Monterey/Carmel area, this was the perfect activity. read more

The Wine Experience - Blending class in action - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

The Wine Experience - Getting our guidance on wine blending - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

The Wine Experience - Wine blending tools - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Molly T.

7 years ago

Absolutely fantastic service! The charcuterie board was delicious...plus they give you a surplus of crostini!! I love the decor, the simplicity, and the presentation of "test tubes" for the various wine flights! Delicious wines and incredibly helpful staff when asked about the area and a good seafood restaurant in the area! Can't wait to go back again! read more

The Wine Experience - Our wine flight! - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

The Wine Experience - All the wines, all the favorites! So good! - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

The Wine Experience - Delicious! - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mel C.

246

6 years ago

I'm so thrilled my husband and I decided to do wine tasting here! It's great they are able to serve drinks outdoor during Covid-19. They have a cute outdoor seating area for guests. Our bartender, Sam, gave us great recommendations and was the sweetest person ever! Not only did we have amazing service but the wine was absolutely delicious! Would highly recommend checking this winery out! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jenn L.

10 years ago

This place is so cool! The vibe is awesome! Brent, the owner, will help you test and make great wine blends! The snacks are delicious, especially the cheese flight! And they have a graphic designer who will make custom labels for bottled wine or custom blends. I created a wine basket for a wedding present with two wines with custom labels, a candle, and cool chocolates for about $100. I'll definitely be hanging out here on future visits! read more

The Wine Experience - The bar! - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

The Wine Experience - The cheese flight - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

The Wine Experience - Wedding basket with custom labels - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Amanda A.

7 years ago

We recently had a team building at The Wine Experience and couldn't have been more happy with our event! Carrie was extremely helpful with the planning process which allowed our event to go off without a hitch! We had a blast blending and having a "Wine off" between our two teams. To final amazing touch was that Carrie then offered to deliver our final blended wine bottles to a nearby restaurant where we had dinner plans! Now that's what I call customer service!! I highly recommend this to any group looking for a team building event. read more

The Wine Experience - Table setup before event began - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

The Wine Experience - Our delicious snacks for event - Wine Bars Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Matthew U.

220

133

337

9 years ago

The scale gets it right, she was truly intrigued and excited at our input of her wines. She truly had some of the best tasting wine on this trip. I highly recommend the tasting room at this place, and I cannot wait to get back here. The wind here bursts with labor, and is not overpriced for how great it is. Super impressed with the knowledge of the staff read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Marie V.

6 years ago

Got there then we were ignored. No service is equal to bad service. My husband and I were looking forward to a nice night out. Go there 45 mins to closing not to even be asked what wines we'd like to try after 10 mind we walked out. Disappointed and found a better place on cannary row anyways. Don't waste your time at this stuck up place. read more

Business owner information

Brent V.

So sorry you had that experience Marie. We like to provide the best…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Maribel C.

135

9 years ago

Went with a group of four friends. My brother purchased the tickets so I didn't know what to expect. It was fun. A trolly takes you to Carmel valley where you can go to different wineries at your own pace. Just be mindful of the time, especially if you buy the 5 tastings. All the wineries had great wine. The only improvement needed is the restaurant selection. The tasting comes with lunch at roux. That restaurant took an extremely long time to serve us lunch. This was annoying because it was cutting into our wine tasting time. We literally had to run to our last tasting. Overall, good experience and fun folks. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Megan M.

9 years ago

Great experience at the wine experience! Me and my husband wanted to find a fun, easy going place to do our first wine tasting and this was certainly it. It definitely is aimed more towards the younger, 20 something crowd. It was chill but also interesting. Quiet enough to hold a conversation without having to strain, but not so quiet it felt awkward in the small area. I had the wine sampler with pairings and it was a great experience for me. I am new to wine and I was nice to learn a little about what pairings work and don't work from my own trials of the set. My husband got the beer sampler which he equally enjoyed! Really fun to be able to try different brands and palette selections to learn what you like. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Hiker 4.

5 years ago

I want to give Arick a shout out for being amazing!!too notch customer service! This place is fortunate to have people like Arick in their crew. I definitely recommend and will definitely come back! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Back

Page 2 of 4

381 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Directions
(831) 324-4974
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.wineexperience.org

View offerings

Hours

What time does The Wine Experience open?

The Wine Experience opens at 3:00 PM on Monday and Tuesday.The Wine Experience opens at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.The Wine Experience opens at 12:00 PM on Saturday.The Wine Experience opens at 1:00 PM on Sunday.

What time does The Wine Experience close?

The Wine Experience closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.The Wine Experience closes at 8:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Tue 3:00 PM - 9:00 PMWed-Fri 2:00 PM - 9:00 PMSat 12:00 PM - 9:00 PMSun 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does The Wine Experience take Bitcoin?

No, The Wine Experience does not take Bitcoin.

Does The Wine Experience take credit cards?

Yes, The Wine Experience takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does The Wine Experience have catering options?

No, The Wine Experience does not have catering options.

Does The Wine Experience have a drive thru?

No, The Wine Experience does not have a drive thru.

Does The Wine Experience have a happy hour?

Yes, The Wine Experience has a happy hour.

Does The Wine Experience serve alcohol?

Yes, The Wine Experience serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Services

Is The Wine Experience by appointment only?

No, The Wine Experience is not by appointment only.

Indoor Amenities

Does The Wine Experience allow dogs?

Yes, The Wine Experience allows dogs.

Does The Wine Experience have TVs?

Yes, The Wine Experience has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The Wine Experience have bike parking?

Yes, The Wine Experience has bike parking.

Does The Wine Experience have outdoor seating?

Yes, The Wine Experience has outdoor seating options.

Does The Wine Experience have parking?

Yes, The Wine Experience has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is The Wine Experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, The Wine Experience is wheelchair accessible.

Does The Wine Experience allow outdoor smoking?

No, The Wine Experience does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does The Wine Experience have free WiFi?

Yes, The Wine Experience has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

More than just a wine bar! At the Wine Experience, we provide a unique set of services - from wine tasting and custom blending to label personalization to interactive classes, and much more. Our wide range of products offers something to both wine novices and enthusiasts alike, and all at affordable pricing. We will provide everything you need and coach you in the process of blending wine. Our wine blending sessions will give you a chance to experience a crucial part of the winemaking process, and you can leave with a bottle of wine to drink that day. Work on the perfect blend with a group of friends or coworkers, or simply concoct a little something for a special event to impress your friends. Outdoor seating available! The Wine Experience will also offer small plate foods that pair perfectly with our wines. Please contact us if you would like to rent the private room or entire facility for your next group event or team building experience!

History

Established in 2015.

Opened in 2015, and still delivering an entirely new retail experience for wine!

Meet the Business Owner: Brent V.

As a wine enthusiast and entrepreneur, Brent has taken The Wine Experience from concept to realization in two years. Brent has leveraged expert advice from locals in the wine, food, and hospitality industry to design a retail experience that is attractive to wine novices and enthusiasts alike. He has been studying wine making at U. C. Davis and making his own wines to cement his understanding of the wine making process and to ensure that wine education is a major component of The Wine Experience.

Ask the Community - The Wine Experience

Review Highlights - The Wine Experience

“They even printed a custom label for each bottle that we created, which was a great personal touch.”

Mentioned in 6 reviews

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Wine Bars 1,015 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Explore benefits

A Taste of Monterey - Wine Market & Bistro

4.1(673 reviews)

0.3 mi

Veteran-owned & operated

Walk-ins welcome

Went to Taste of Monterey - Wine Market & Bristro for lunch this last Monday. It was great food &…read moregreat view. Service was wonderful!

Absolutely phenomenal! We were seated immediately and had a…read morebeautiful ocean view! Food was absolutely delicious. We ordered the Pinot Noir wine flight and the beer flight. We also ordered the ribeye nachos. Everything was superb delicious and we had such a magnificent experience.

See all

Sovino Wine Bar & Merchant

4.1(135 reviews)

0.7 mi

Small wine shop that allows you to sample certain wines before purchase. We walked in looking to…read morepurchase a bottle of wine for dinner, and found a decently priced red. Selection is fairly limited though! It was fairly quiet inside, but there's some tables indoors and outdoors if you want to drink your wine there. I also saw some board games in the corner.

Popped in on a Tuesday afternoon for a glass of wine and some peace and quiet while waiting for a…read morefriend. I was the only person in there so there were tons of options of where to sit so I opted for a table near the window. I asked the person working there what her favorite Sauvignon Blanc was and she told me but then offered to have me try both so I could decide. They were playing amazing country music the entire time. The farmer's market was starting and she mentioned that the locals usually grab food there and bring it over to Sovino for a glass of wine. It's not on a street you can drive on, it's in the Portola Plaza, but I had no trouble finding street parking. There's also a parking garage nearby. They don't have their own restroom but you can use the Portola Hotel's right across the way.

Outside patio

Inside of the wine bar

See all

the C restaurant + bar

4.1(795 reviews)

0.4 mi

Located inside the Intercontinental The Clement Monterey, the C Restaurant is fabulous. We had…read morebreakfast here the morning of our last day in Monterey, this breakfast was a great farewell. The restaurant itself is relatively upscale for a hotel but has a warm vibe. The Belgian waffle is a must- it's decadent, the berries are fresh and the whipped cream is cloud-like and sweet. The American breakfast was hearty and filling. The bacon was perfectly chewy, salty and cooked. The Yukon potatoes were crispy and had a good level of spice. The eggs were super fluffy as well. The sourdough was warm and the butter was creamy. Our server was extremely kind and was ON IT when it came to refills and making good conversation, super kind and made sure to check on us consistently.

C Restaurant at The Clement -- Great Hotel, Mixed Bag at the Table…read more The Clement is a fantastic hotel. Full stop. But C Restaurant didn't quite live up to the address. Let's start with the wins: the service was genuinely excellent -- attentive, warm, professional. The Old Fashioned was well-crafted, and major props to the bar program for stocking Nochino. That's a detail that signals someone behind the bar actually cares. The food, though? It missed. The fish was overcooked and the presentation felt like an afterthought. For a restaurant at this price point and in this setting, I expected more -- both on the plate and on the plate. You can forgive a lot in a restaurant when everything else sings. But the food is the whole point, and this one didn't deliver. Worth a drink at the bar. Skip dinner and eat somewhere else in Monterey.

Chocolate

See all

The Clement Monterey ~ The Intercontinental Monterey

Bistro Moulin

4.4(1k reviews)

0.4 mi

•$$$

This was our first time dining at Bistro Moulin, and it completely exceeded our expectations. From…read morethe moment we were seated, the service was exceptional, our server was extremely kind, informative, and attentive, checking on us several times and offering a detailed explanation of the menu and specials, which we really appreciated. The food was outstanding. My husband and I were scraping our plates by the end of the meal. Everything was perfectly cooked and full of flavor, but the standout for us was the lamb chop lollipops with yogurt sauce, they were absolutely delightful, tender, and incredibly well balanced. I cannot overstate how flavorful and fresh the food tasted. The ambience added to the experience, with a warm, cozy atmosphere that truly makes this place feel like a cute gem in Monterey. We would absolutely recommend Bistro Moulin and are already looking forward to returning. This is a place we will be visiting again very soon.

We were really looking forward to our meal, but unfortunately it didn't meet our expectations. The…read moremussels had a strong, unpleasant odor that concerned us. I felt bad about sending them back and was apologetic when we brought it to the owner's attention. He was responsive, explained that it was the natural smell of the sea, and kindly showed us the invoice proving they were purchased that day. He also offered to check with the vendor. While we appreciated his efforts, the smell was off-putting enough that we decided to order something else. We tried the lamb lollipop special instead. For $42, the portion was quite small--just five thin, uneven pieces--and the lamb was overcooked and overly salty. When we gently mentioned this to our server, she responded with an eye roll, which was disappointing. We genuinely dislike leaving negative feedback, especially for small independent restaurants, but the overall experience left us quite disappointed. Hoping they can improve these items, as the restaurant has potential.

Inside

Seafood Risotto

See all

Bargetto Winery Monterey Tasting Room

4.3(151 reviews)

0.3 mi

The hubby and I wandered in while waiting for our dinner reservation for a tasting. Our kids were…read morein the candy store next door and shopping around for souvenirs to take home. Dash went above and beyond to take care of us. I enjoyed our experience, but wish we could have stayed longer. We each had their reserve flight. While we were here, we were able to sample their honey wine. I'm not a huge fan of dessert wines or sweeter wines as a whole, but I would have brought this one home with us. Their wines are from Santa Cruz, another favorite place of ours to visit. We'll have to make a trip there to visit their vineyard. This tasting room is family friendly which is perfect in such a touristy location. Our kids were welcome to come and hang while we finished up our last tasting. I wouldn't hesitate to return next time we're hanging on Cannery Row. Thank you Dash for your hospitality. We hope you're here on our next trip to Monterey.

This place is wonderful!! It has a great location next to the beach and food and comfortable…read moresitting area. I got the reserve flight. My favorite was the Pinot noir, reserve. The service was phenomenal! Our host was Kiki and she was just a delight! She shared a lot of info about the town and places to eat. It was very nice chatting with her. She also seemed very knowledgeable about wine in general. Helping other guests pick out wines and making suggestions. I'd come back just to hang with her!

Display of wines

See all

Etched glasses

Oystertown

4.8(66 reviews)

0.1 mi

What a cute gem!!…read more We came in for a quick oyster shooter and flight before late night snacks.. - oyster shooters: omg? I've never tried an oyster shooter before. The addition of the quail egg and sauce mix, was chefs kiss! 5/5 stars - oysters: there were 3 kinds and of course my favorite was the one from Washington State 5/5 stars Great date night spot! Chill vibes, yummy food

The best oysters on the Monterey peninsula!!! From the fresh oysters, clams, soups, and the famous…read morehippie hand grenade Oystertown has something to offer everyone. The Poppy Hall gang is back together again, knocking it out of the park with Oystertown. Right next to Poppletons and just a short walk to CVS if you have to pick up anything while you're traveling. 100% all guests are welcome, but probably not your kid finely place with the massive bar and 2 tables. There is a nice patio of your not wanting to eat at the oyster bar, which would be ok for children. They even have blankets for cold evenings. Pro tip Happy hour is from 4:30-530. Pop in for a nice cold glass of wine $5 or beer & oysters 1/2 dozen for $15. It's totally an awesome vibe once they get the surround rocking!

Caviar deviled eggs

See all

Steamed mussels

Comanche Cellars Wine Room

4.6(94 reviews)

0.9 mi

While visiting Monterey, I Yelped my way to Comanche Cellars Wine Room. There are plenty of options…read morein the area, but I was in the mood to try someplace new. I'm very glad I did, because this turned out to be one of the best wine tasting experiences I've had in town. The service was fast, friendly, and informative, with staff who really knew their wines and took the time to walk me through their options. The atmosphere was super relaxed and welcoming, and the clientele felt like a good mix of locals and visitors, which made for great energy all around. The wine itself was very good and simply enjoyable across the board. Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just looking to try something new, this is the kind of place that makes it easy to enjoy the experience. Highly recommended, and absolutely a spot I'll return to the next time I'm in Monterey.

The flights were great and the explanation as thy pour is great. The cheese plates are also great.read more

Wine tasting menu

See all

Wine tasting and complementary bread sticks

Osteria Al Mare

4.3(782 reviews)

0.3 mi

•$$$

The service here is absolutely amazing! The views are stunning and the food is out of this world!…read moreWe started with the oysters and they were fresh and delicious. We then ordered the Cesar salad and the waiter heard us talking about how we loved the anchovies and brought us over extra! We each ordered one of the amazing specials and my fish with truffle ravioli was DIVINE!!! They also have a fabulous wine list and amazing desserts. The cannolis are made in house and sooo good! There is plenty of parking in the lot. The bathrooms are pristine. The ambiance of this spot is just stunning! Perfect for a romantic date night and it has that quaint, high end, intimate Italian restaurant vibe that truly makes you feel like you're on a getaway in Italy. I can't recommend this place enough and I am very excited to go back and try more of their delicious dishes!

First off the ambience is beautiful and calming, we just finished a long motorcycle ride and found…read morethis place off of yelp. I ordered the Pollo Piccata, my husband ordered the Tagliatelle alla Boscaiola, both were outstanding! The only other thing I would say is, I sure wish we had one where we live.

Bar setting

Cioppino special

See all

Bruschetta

Albatross Ridge Winery & Kitchen

4.5(24 reviews)

0.8 mi

Family-owned & operated

Outdoor seating

AMAZING!! Love the place Justin is the best host super friendly and extremely knowledgeable I would…read moredefinitely recommend to anyone and I will definitely be going back!!!!!

We spent over an hour here enjoying the tasting room and all the wines they shared with us…read more We even joined the wine club since we were such fans of all the wines. Plus it's only 3 wines twice a year and you get to pick them! ...and when our wine was delivered.... there was a handwritten Thank You note inside the box. Love This!! It's the extra little details that makes this winery special.

Our Albatross Ridge Estate Vineyard, overlooking the Carmel Coast 6 miles in the distance.

See all

Rose & Ahi Tuna.

The Whisky Club

4.5(75 reviews)

0.9 mi

Been to this place twice in the past year. Great experiences both times. Staff are super friendly…read moreand knowledgeable about their collection.. The inside is very cozy feeling, with the entire wall behind the bar being basically a library of whiskey. My first visit, I had a flight of Redwood Empire bourbon & rye. It was god, RE makes great stuff. For my second visit, I had their Islay Trio flight, wanting to try something different. Best one was by far the Lagavulin 16 year (glass on the right), as it has a rich peaty flavor to it. They even allowed my dog to sit inside with me, although we were limited to the counters at the front of the lounge. Nonetheless, the staff were very accommodating to my pup and I, even bringing him water. This is a fantastic place to visit if you're a whiskey connoisseur, or just want a good cocktail. Cheers!

As a whisky enthusiast going back to 2017, this place is fantastic for trying and trying and trying…read more...and trying. Mitch the owner knows things, has stories, and can point you to bottles to try. And if he's gotten to know your palate, he'll start suggesting some bottles you should buy from his shop. And if you're a little tipsy, you might buy that bottle even if you really didn't want to. But then you'll taste the bottle later and curse Mitch for being right about the damn bottle. Anyway, always a mystery visit when I'm in town.