Tiny Parsonage Village Vineyard (19 E. Carmel Valley Rd., 831/659-7322, www.parsonagewine.com [1], Fri.–Mon. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., $5) often doesn’t make it onto Carmel Valley [2] wine maps—which is a shame, because some of the best Syrah coming out of California (arguably) comes from this unpretentious little winery with only a nine-acre estate vineyard to work with.
The tasting room sits in a tiny strip of shops, the space glowing with light that bounces off the copper of the bar. On the walls, you’ll find an array of quilts made by Mary Ellen Parsons herself.
At the bar, you’ll taste wonderful Syrahs, hearty Cabernet Sauvignons, and surprisingly deep and complex blends—the Snosrap (that’s Parsons spelled backwards) table wine is inexpensive for the region and incredibly tasty. If you find a vintage you love at Parsonage, buy it then and there since they sell out of many of their wines every year.
Links:
[1] http://www.parsonagewine.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/central-coast/carmel