Carmel Magazine

084-88 Carmel Valley_152-161 Garcia story 4/27/13 3:11 PM Page 3 Carmel Valley Village is a charming mélange of old and new that appeals to every taste. It's become a Mecca for aficionados of wine, art and eclectic shopping. World-class lodging is nearby, offering luxurious accommodations, pampering and relaxing spa amenities. Hollywood royalty Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford and Marlon Brando. The 400- ment in private real estate as well." Carmel Realty Company's destination," says Jack Galante of Galante Cheryl Vineyards. "That has brought notoriety to our acre ranch was purchased in 2006 by the Heyermann agrees. "We are absolutely experi- town." Several have grouped into White Oak Lowder family who set about turning the prop- encing an upswing and strengthening in the Plaza at the east end of town, including that of erty into the shining jewel it is today. Guest market," she says. "Lots of positive activity. More Dawn's Dream, founded by Galante's wife Services Manager Nick Elliott, past President of out-of-area people are looking to purchase a Dawn. Others are along Carmel Valley Road, the Carmel Valley Chamber of Commerce, has retirement or second home. Things are defi- including Boete at Valley Hills Center near Quail seen the region's remarkable transformation. nitely looking sunny in Carmel Valley." Lodge and Chateau Julien, located five miles "The growth is astonishing," he says. "What was from Highway 1 at what is known as "mid- almost a ghost town in 2008 has made a stun- Valley." Chateau Julien also offers on-site winery ning turnaround. New shops, restaurants and tours and its barrel room is a popular events wine tasting rooms have cropped up in the last center. Attending a wedding reception sur- couple of years. This is a very positive time and rounded by thousands of gallons of wine in I can't wait to see what happens down the road. repose is an experience not to be missed. It's very exciting." An exciting development is the relocation of Another businessman bullish on Carmel the Talbott Vineyards tasting room. Long a fix- Valley is restaurateur, winemaker, artist and ture at the corner of Carmel Valley and Pilot Carmel Valley resident Walter Georis. His Roads, the facility has moved up Pilot to a build- Corkscrew Café and adjoining Georis Winery ing next to Cowgirl Winery. In addition to sam- tasting room have been favorite destinations for pling the winery's venerable varietals, visitors years. In addition to that brand, he has recently established Cowgirl Winery with a new tasting Dawn's Dream's tasting room anchors the East End Wine Row. can view owner Robb Talbott's extensive collection of rare and exotic motorcycles. facility and gift shop located in a rustic barn just Tasting rooms are for the most part concen- For those who prefer a cold beer, Carmel up the street.Though a native of Belgium, Georis trated in Carmel Valley Village, the spiritual, cul- Valley even has its own microbrew, a tasty Pale is no newcomer; he established his vineyard in tural and economic hub of the Valley. The Ale made by Carmel Valley Brewing Company 1982. He is pleased by what he sees around Village, as it's known, is small in size but big in and available on tap at several local watering him. "This is a renaissance being driven by the character. There's a feeling of stepping back in holes. The aforementioned White Oak Plaza wine industry," he says. "But it's not just about time upon entering town; it's a place that hasn't has recently branded itself as the "East End wine. The hospitality and retail sectors are com- forgotten its Old West roots while growing Wine Row," and the tasting rooms there have ing along as well. We're seeing significant invest- with the times. "This has become quite a tasting 86 C ARMEL MAGAZINE•SPRING/SUMMER 2013 banded together, putting on regular events that

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