River Road Wine Trail
If you operate from the measured and considered assumption that one can only pack just so many vineyards into one day of wine tasting, then the thoughtful conclusion - after a day spent winding south through the Santa Lucia Highlands on the bench above the Salinas Valley - is that Napa can go pound sand. The drive is amazingly scenic, the limited release vintages are literally intoxicating and the hospitality genuine. Monterey County’s alternative to overpriced and overhyped wine destinations of the world is the ultimate locals’ little secret, smack dab in our neighborhood, best shared with good friends. And a designated driver.