Folktale Winery

Folktale Winery and Vineyards: a grand name for a grand place. The largeness of the experience at this beautiful location speaks a story for itself through immense gardens, gorgeous interior design and the height and sweeping style of the building, reminiscent of a castle from childhood fables. The venue embodies a sense of community for locals and tourists alike, with cozy fireplaces (inside and out), some long community-style tables (or smaller individual ones) and music permeating the air from live acts they host every weekend. Not to mention the reason why people go there: the quality wine. And now, the memorable food.

When Gregory Ahn acquired the location in 2015, he and his team set a new path for the vineyard, which was founded in 1982. Culinary director Todd Fisher – who recently opened Seventh and Dolores steakhouse as an extension of the Folktale family – trained Chef de Cuisine Danny Leach, previously sous chef at Roy’s, to head the new Folktale kitchen. Leach has recently expanded the food list from a small handful of hors d’oeuvres to a full-page menu: Artisan cheese and charcuterie boards still delight ($24 and $28, respectively), but now there are salads, small plates, shared plates and even dessert (a Rosé or Grenache ice cream pop from Revival Ice Cream – neither of which should be missed, $7/each).

Folktale is one of my favorite hang-out spots, and every dish is good. Stopping by one chilly winter’s weeknight yielded a quieter evening, with me and the boyfriend on a couch by the fire sipping the Folktale flight ($20). As anyone who has been to Folktale knows, every guest is handed a sample of the Sparkling Brut (NV) at the entrance. The flight begins with said brut, which opens up in the glass with extremely floral notes and bubbles dancing in their own little rose garden ($12/glass). Though not on the Folktale flight (instead on the reserve flight), the sparkling Rosé ($12/glass) is worth a mention for its light, fruity refreshment that has quenched my thirst on many hot summer days.

Many starters tempt my appetite, like winter squash, apple and burrata salad with toasted hazelnuts ($16), brie and pear bruschetta with saffron honey, seeds and pistachios ($14) and tempura delicata squash with blood orange ponzu ($11). In the mood for comfort, we nibbled on papas bravas with green harissa ($10), potatoes smashed and then fried so delicately their caramelized tips delivered earthy sweetness – a heavenly match with vinegary harissa featuring cilantro, basil and parsley. Alongside the “seasonally inspired small plate,” Folktale Estate 2015 Chardonnay brought bright and well-balanced acidity with a soft butter oakiness that hits the nose like a candy apple drenched in caramel ($11/glass).

Four shared plates star on Folktale’s new menu, the most intriguing of which seemed the Moroccan-spiced lamb with chickpeas and fry bread ($18). Sadly, the kitchen had run out that night.

After a few swigs of Folktale Estate’s ripe and berry-filled 2015 Pinot ($14/glass), we agreed that vintage and region made a difference: The 2014 Pinot from the Santa Lucia Highlands ($17/glass) couldn’t be beat with its woodsy and more complex take on the varietal. Quiet tannins cleansed the palate in prep for the lightly creamy cavatelli (a recommended pairing on the menu). Cute swirls of perfectly chewy al dente arrived with a mouthwatering aroma of truffle oil, which the server informed us the chef had sauteed the dish in. With earthiness from mushrooms and a lively zing from tons of black pepper, this plate would suffice for a small dinner on its own.

The 2015 Le Mistral Grenache ($12) came super fruity in its weightiness, adding a touch of sweetness to delectable bites of the crispy octopus with gigante bean confit, chorizo, roasted cippolini and salata verde ($18). Long carefully fried tentacles were just tender enough to be delicious and not rubbery at all. Soft beans mixed with flavorful chorizo and onions, plus the almost-chunky green sauce of capers, anchovy and parsley made an impressive foundation for the impressive seafood.

The last wine seemed appropriate for the last dish: 2015 Le Mistrel “Joseph’s Blend” ($12), a heavier combination made with 65-percent Grenache, 34-percent Syrah and 1-percent Viognier, provided a suitable partner for meat with a buttery leather fullness that prepared our palates for five hearty and luxurious meatballs ($15). A mix of Niman Ranch beef, veal and pork, swimming in San Marzano tomato sauce with a dollop of velvety ricotta, every taste outdid the last.

Mixing and matching sips and nibbles, every bite brought something heavenly. We let it all sink in while taking breaks to gaze up at the black iron chandelier floating down from the high ceiling. I usually find myself at Folktale surrounded by small crowds and lively chatter, but this quiet night offered a more peaceful sense of beauty. As it turns out, the tale is good whether the audience is large or not.

FOLKTALE WINERY AND VINEYARDS 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley •11am-8pm daily. •(831) 293-7500, folktalewinery.com