Vendange Carmel #TravelThursday

In French, Vendange means “the grape harvest” – Which makes the Vendange Carmel the perfect place for us to stay on our recent journey to Carmel, California.

I haven’t spent much time in California. Really, I just went to San Francisco once, when I was really young, say 10 or so. And, I made it to San Diego very briefly in college, as my friends and I headed to Las Vegas for Spring Break (what happens in Vegas…)

But, I’ve always wanted to go explore more – Napa, Sonoma, Monterey Bay. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I was SO ready to hop on that plane. I had no idea what was in store for us. I went into this trip doing not much research, just being ready for some sunshine and warm weather after a long Oregon rainy season. And wine, I heard there was wine…

When we got there, it was so much greener than I expected. And, it was spread out, with lots of landscaping to look at, not packed in like I thought it might be. The sweeping hills ran right into the beach, and there was a view of Pebble Beach at the far end – Rick was really bummed that there wasn’t time for golfing on this trip. But, I told him, we’ll be back. I actually declared that I wanted to move there within the first 10 minutes of being in Carmel, but then I pulled up my Zillow app… and changed my mind. When I win a million five million dollars, I’m moving into one of those cute ‘lil cottages on the beach.

But until then…

The Vendange Carmel is a small boutique Inn just outside of the main downtown area of Carmel. They’ve partnered with 15 Monterey County wineries to create a unique guest experience, celebrating the bounty of Monterey County’s vineyards. Each winery sponsors one room or suite, providing its own creative touches. From the McIntyre Vineyards room with its impressive 100-year-old section of grapevine to J. Lohr’s wine barrel on the balcony, every winery’s room offers a signature luxury experience. The participating wineries are: Blair, Cima Collina, Dawn’s Dream, Galante, Holman Ranch, J. Lohr, Joullian, Manzoni, McIntyre, Otter Cove, Tudor, Twisted Roots and Ventana.

We stayed in the Blair room, which boasted a full selection of their wines (available for purchase), a lovely secluded patio perfect for sipping aforementioned wine, and a beautiful sleek, modern bathroom with imported Spanish marble.

Unfortunately, we did not escape the Oregon weather on this trip, and were actually caught in some pretty torrential rainfalls. Otherwise, we would have enjoyed the heck out of that patio, and the outdoor firepit area which was situated right under a lovely lemon tree and surrounded by wisteria vines. We also could have walked into town, and down to the beach. But instead, we drove, and hid out in the local tasting rooms, and explored the lovely town under our umbrella which we never leave home without.

The next day… As we were leaving, the sun came out. Bummer.

I’d highly suggest staying at this lovely boutique Inn in this beautiful area of Carmel, California if you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful getaway. It’s the perfect retreat for a quick weekend away. Rates start at $100 per night, Sunday – Thursday ($150 per night Friday – Saturday). Plus, they offer complimentary breakfast daily and wine tasting on weekends.

Plus, in honor of the Inn’s third anniversary the hotel will offer these special packages in April and May 2016.

• Book 3 nights and receive a complimentary bottle of Holman Ranch or Twisted Roots award winning Monterey County Wine. 　This package is only available Sunday – Thursday from April 1 – May 21, 2016 in King Deluxe rooms. Code: LoveWine　(Must use this code to book this package. Wine will be selected by the manager on duty upon arrival based on availability.)
• Hit the links and enjoy a relaxing day on the lush greens of Poppy Hills with their 3rd anniversary Golf Package. The perfect gift for the golf aficionado in your life, guests can indulge in 9 Poppy Hill in Pebble Beach Nine and Dine package for an additional $60 per person and include 9 holes of golf after 4:00 p.m., a cart and $40 food and beverage credit for dinner that night at Porters in the Forest. Code:GoGolf　(Room must be King Deluxe or above for this promotion.)
• The hotel has now launched its new package The Charms and Delights of ‪Carmel. The Charms and Delights of ‪Carmel are not easily experienced in a single day. So why not take advantage of a special offer of two nights in the luxurious surroundings of ‪Vendange Carmel Inn and Suites. Book two nights, Monday through Thursday, for an additional $35 more, and get a $50 gift certificate to Carmel’s popular seafood restaurant Flaherty’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar or ‪Andre’s Bouchee, the chic French bistro with a ‪‎California coastal flair. But take advantage of this special offer soon, it’s only valid through May 31st, at vendangecarmel.com.
• Isn’t It Romantic! Vendange is offering a Romance Package. Guests will enjoy floral petals on the bed, LED candles throughout the room and local gourmet Cabernet Chocolate Blueberries or Pinot Noir Chocolate Cherries. The room will have beautiful vase of flowers and bottle of the guest’s choice of a local wine or champagne. The package is and additional $100.00. (Room must be King Deluxe or above for this promotion.)

To book these packages, go to www.vendangecarmel.com.

Disclosure: Our stay at Vendange Carmel Inn & Suites was complimentary. We paid for our own meals (except breakfast, which was included with the room) and incidentals. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you to the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau for the great recommendation. If you are planning a visit, be sure to check out seemonterey.com for everything you need to plan an amazing trip!