Napa Valley shocked the world at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, besting France’s best in a blind tasting.
But for years California’s most exalted wine country worked around a lightly shocking surprise itself: A portion of its grapes were grown in Monterey County, then made into wine further north to grab the Napa name.
That’s not to throw shade at Napa, it’s to splash shine on Monterey.
And to find an resurface a perennial reason to visit: Monterey County alone has three different wine trail odysseys to undertake.
River Road, Carmel Valley and Carmel-by-the-Sea all stack enough tasting rooms to make for an overloaded visit on their own.
For those seeking less-perennial reasons to visit, those appear here, for the month of February:
Featured Photo: Courtesy of Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Dates TBD
Two of the game’s most prestigious courses—Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course—play host to arguably the biggest non-major PGA event of the season. Speaking of the PGA, its directors have minted the tourney as a Signature Event, with prize money and 700 FedExCup points to the winner, pulling in a more compelling field of players. The professional field will be limited to 80 players, a reduction from previous years, to enhance the quality of play and spectator experience. And, unlike traditional tournaments, there will be no cut after 36 holes, ensuring all professionals compete through the final round. The setting alone merits a pilgrimage, then the showdown starts.
More info: attpbgolf.com
Santa Cruz Warriors Home Games
Dates TBD
Last season the so-called SeaDubs won 2023-24 NBA G League Franchise of the Year, the fourth time the Santa Cruz Warriors have won the league’s most prestigious award, including the inaugural year of the award during the 2017-18 season. That’s a modest indicator how well this operation plays, from the alley oops on the floor to the entertainment between quarters to the affordable ticket prices and the good sight lines from every seat.
More info: santacruz.gleague.nba.com
Wharf Walks at Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf
Dates TBD
Fisheries historian and author Tim Thomas leads a special installment of the walks tagged “The Story of Squid in the Monterey Bay.” The two-hour strolling session dives deep into Monterey’s famous sardine industry, and how it continues to influence the local cuisine, including many of the Wharf’s restaurants that still serve delicious squid today. The experience is free, but reservations are required, via (831) 521-3304 or timsardine@yahoo.com.
More info: montereywharf.com
First Friday in Pacific Grove
Dates TBD
An interesting—an unprecedented—thing happened during the back half of 2024. Sleepy little Pacific Grove added both its first ever brewery (Hops & Fog Brewing Company) and an inspired record shop-live music venue (Pop & Hiss). So, suddenly, this monthly spotlight on music, art, and community spirit—as local businesses and galleries open their doors to showcase the town’s creative talents—has added oomph.
More info: facebook.com/1stFridayPacificGrove
Randy Travis at Golden State
Dates TBD
Travis has recorded 20 studio albums and charted more than 50 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including 16 that reached the No. 1 position—all to be performed on this Valentine’s show—which means listeners’ romance for his country music will only get more real. His debut Storms of Life sold more than 4 million copies, and was but the beginning, as he followed that with a string of platinum and multi-platinum albums and a County Music Hall of Fame induction.
More info: goldenstatetheatre.com/shows/randy-travis
42nd Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off
Dates TBD
Only one clam chowder competition in the country has lasted this long and lusciously. More than clams, potato, garlic, butter and cream comes into play here: Amateur chefs will compete on Saturday, followed by professional chefs on Sunday, plus admission to Boardwalk is free. Tasting kits are $15 and include six tastes plus a People’s Choice ballot. Organizers recommend early arrival, as supplies are limited. One hundred percent of tasting Kit sales benefit Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation.
More info: beachboardwalk.com/Clam-Chowder-Cook-Off
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now on the Monterey Peninsula? Our comprehensive list of venues across the city below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
