Art of Wine

The Art of Wine event in Carmel takes place in the Carmel Arts & Design District, typically on a Saturday evening in mid-May, around 5 p.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. It is a wine and art festival featuring local wines, food vendors, wine-related art, and live entertainment. This event is all ages but charges a $30 fee for unlimited wine tasting for attendees aged 21 and over. The fee includes a commemorative tasting glass and a tasting program. The festival promotes a relaxed, festive vibe where attendees can stroll the scenic district, sample wines, enjoy food, and appreciate local art displays.

Event Setting and Vibe:

• The Carmel Arts & Design District is a charming, walkable area known for its galleries, local shops, and restaurants.
• The event combines the laid-back enjoyment of wine tasting with art appreciation and musical entertainment.
• It tends to attract wine enthusiasts, families, and art lovers, creating a friendly community atmosphere.
• The event is handicapped accessible and offers accommodations like an Accessibility Hour with a reduced crowd for persons with disabilities.

Activities and Features:

• Unlimited wine tastings from a variety of local wineries.
• Food vendors offering complementary cuisine.
• Wine-related art displayed throughout the district, linking local craftsmanship with the wine theme.
• Live entertainment, often including music performances.
• Special activities such as art demonstrations or interactive experiences may be part of the program.
• Bottle Valet service for the convenience of safely storing purchased wines.
• VIP Prime Hour tickets offer early access and exclusive tastings.

Typical Schedule (example from 2023/2024):

• 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Accessibility Hour, quieter environment for attendees needing it.
• 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (or 10:00 p.m. in some years): General Admission for wine tasting, art viewing, and entertainment.
• Several tasting stations and food vendors are open throughout the district.
• Music and other entertainment perform at various spots in the district during the event window.

History and Founding:

• While exact founding details are not widely documented, the Art of Wine festival has become a highly anticipated spring event in Carmel over recent years.
• It is organized by the Carmel Arts & Design District to promote local arts and culture alongside wine appreciation.
• The event reflects Carmel’s emphasis on community events that celebrate arts, food, and family-friendly entertainment.

Overall, the Art of Wine in Carmel offers a blend of wine tasting, visual arts, and entertainment in a relaxed and accessible downtown district setting, appealing to locals and visitors looking for a cultural and gastronomic spring evening experience.