The Wine House

While Carmel Valley is known as the place to be wine tasting, a new vino spot brings a reason beyond tasting to just sit, sip and hang out. Though the focal point of The Wine House is showcasing nearby and faraway grapes, it’s more of a neighborhood venue to chill out – and locals are flocking.

Though a flight-lover like myself was disappointed – no flights on offer – sampling local wines isn’t exactly the point here. Regional wines are available, but a handful of others come from around the world, like Julien Fouet Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé ($14/glass; $45/bottle), Robert Weil Riesling from Germany ($15/$50) and the Castello di Volpaia Sangiovese from Italy ($15/$50).

My first sips were about as local as it gets at The Wine House: the Joyce Pinot Noir, 2016 ($10/$30). The “Submarine Canyon” release brought in a certain leanness with slightly tart berries. Lively and interesting, it delivered a unique detour from the average Pinot.

As important as the wine is the food that accompanies it, like the brie and rose petal confit grilled panini ($12). The menu offers many tempting small bites, and I went for the warmest and most filling (one needs a good foundation for drinks to come). The toasted rustic country loaf from Lafayette Bakery came on the thicker side, smothered with perfectly melted brie. The rose petal confit added sweet to the savory, and the aromas were pronounced – different, and delicious.

Every detail was treated with care, including an arugula salad on the plate tossed in olive oil and lemon juice and covered in shaved parmesan and zest.

It all went quite well with a few more reds. Earthy tobacco tones came from the 2015 Maddie Cabernet Franc from Madeleine ($14/$45) along with spices and a smooth tannic grip. The 2016 James Joyce Merlot ($12/$36) came dark on the fruit with a slightly acidic bite.

The one I really couldn’t put down was the Castello di Volpaia Sangiovese: dry, well-balanced and no shortage of tannins. It paved the way for creamy goat cheese marinated in luxurious herb and garlic olive oil ($9). Toasted sweet baguette slices (also from Lafayette Bakery) and pumpkin cranberry crackers made tasty dipping invitations.

As good as it was, I felt a little menu envy looking at my bar neighbor’s baked brie with walnuts ($13).

Beyond the wine list of almost 50 (about 15 come by the glass) or the many beer options, guests can enjoy the outdoor patio, large fire pits, a bocce ball court and entrances to tasting rooms shared by the fun and community location: Joyce Vineyards and Testarossa Winery.

In my peripheral view beyond the brie eaters, The Wine House remained very busy and bustling all Saturday afternoon. Whether guests enjoyed the vino – or the beer, from Monterey favorites such as Alvarado Street Brewery ($8-10), or cider from Chesebro ($18) – smiles were sipping all around.

THE WINE HOUSE 1 East Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley •Thu 2-9pm; Fri-Sat 2-10pm; Sun 2-8pm •(831) 298-7438, thewinehousecv.com