Carmel Magazine

084-88 Carmel Valley_152-161 Garcia story 4/25/13 3:30 PM Page 5 recent years, the Village has been imbued with a different varieties of olive oil, plus balsamic vine- Bernardus Lodge in particular offer rooms and Continental flair, thanks to several businesspeo- gars and kitchen accessories. amenities on a par with the finest hotels any- ple, including Walter Georis with his Corkscrew A day trip to Carmel Valley can be a great way where—all three feature luxurious facilities Café (dining on the outdoor patio of his to get a taste of what the area has to offer. It's offering a full range of relaxing treatments. Even Corkscrew Café feels like being in a Belgian easy to explore the Village on foot; most of the in the lap of luxury, these properties retain a backyard) and his buddy Jan de Luz. While visit- town's attractions are within walking distance of refreshing sense of that famous Carmel Valley ing his friend, de Luz fell so in love with Carmel each other. But two entrepreneurs offer unique laid-back casualness. "What the Valley has done Valley that he moved here from France, opening ways to get around. Cowboy Pete Azevedo so well is hold onto its charm and character a business that specializes in antique European offers tours around the Village in a restored while sustaining smart growth," says Bernardus architectural elements. "Our passion has influ- wooden wagon behind his 1939 Farmall tractor; President Mike Opish. "Here at Bernardus enced the community and architecture of the Azevedo can be found waiting for fares along Lodge we present a world-class level of service Peninsula," de Luz says. More European influ- Carmel Valley Road in town—he's hard to miss. with no pretensions while embracing this ence can be experienced at Lights of Rome, a For those desiring to sample several different serene environment." delightful shop showcasing European lighting winery wares and not have to worry about get- Opish perhaps perfectly sums up what and home furnishings. ting behind the wheel, there's The Wine Trolley, makes Carmel Valley unique: it has one boot on In Italy, folk wisdom says that one plants grape led by Gary Munsinger in a bus built to look like the ranch and one in the spa. Truly, Carmel vines for yourself and your children; you plant a trolley car. "Carmel Valley has turned into a Valley Chamber of Commerce Managing olives for your grandchildren. That saying refers destination," he says. "It's come from being an out Director Elizabeth Vitarisi Suro is not exagger- to how long it takes an olive tree to come to of the way place to a wine Mecca." ating when she calls the Valley "the gem of the maturity. Dr. Steve Brabeck has put his faith in Staying longer? Accommodations run the Monterey Peninsula." Discover why for yourself. the Valley's longevity by opening Quail and gamut from no-frills budget to world-class luxu- You'll be welcomed with open arms—and a Olive, a unique shop in the Village that offers of ry. Quail Lodge, Carmel Valley Ranch and nice glass of wine. Ben Pon is a visionary who saw Carmel Valley's potential early on and built the superb Bernardus Lodge where Carmel Valley Road and Los Laureles Grade meet. He also founded Bernardus Winery, making estate wines of several types. 88 C ARMEL MAGAZINE•SPRING/SUMMER 2013

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