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Romantic Vendange Carmel: Holman Ranch Winery Themed Room

April 4, 2017 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

How many times do you revisit a special hotel in a special place because of it’s amenities, hospitality, or proximity to town? For us it’s often and we definitely have our favorite locations in Carmel by the Sea that we enjoy repeatedly for a romantic staycation. One in particular is the Vendange Carmel Inn and Suites, and we like to stay again and again specifically to experience their various winery themed rooms. On a recent stay we checked off our third winery themed room of fifteen and loved how the room has special touches decorated by the winery itself. Having visited the winery, met and dined with the owners, and stayed overnight on the ranch I can tell you that the Holman Ranch Winery Themed Room at Vendange Carmel is a perfect complement to the property.

Romantic Vendange Carmel: Holman Ranch Winery Themed Room

I was positively giddy to find out which room we were going to stay in and when I heard it was the Holman Ranch room, I knew I’d be very familiar with my surroundings. On the bottom floor of the back building you’ll find a lovely floral greeting and I was enticed by the polka dot curtains.The Inn is located on the corner of Carpenter Street and the road is moderately busy. Being in the back end of the property, there isn’t much noise but extra privacy and some sound proofing are provided by this beautiful trellis in front of the rooms.As a matter of fact, the entire grounds are covered in gorgeous greenery, blooming trees, and lovely flowers. A stroll will have you oohing and aahing at the perfectly manicured landscaping. If it weren’t for the rain, we’d spend a lot of time beneath the pergola cuddling around the firepit.

Back to the room! Walking into the deluxe king room, I was immediately attracted to the cozy and fuzzy blanket on the bed! I may or may not have jumped up onto it and just took in the warmth of the memory foam California king mattress combined with the bed topper gazing above to the photos of Holman Ranch wines.Further into the room, my husband found a closet for our bags and pointed out the soft leather chairs in a sitting area where he took a seat to relax with a newspaper. The vineyards at Holman Ranch surrounded by the Carmel Valley hills graced a photo on the wall. There were those pretty polka dot curtains again just like in the bedside window, I love how this ranch themed room has as many textural, yet delicate touches. Just outside the back door, we continued to be wowed by the spacious private brick patio that gave us some sunshine (and wind protection) on this particularly cool and wet weekend. The wooden chairs have a beautiful grape design carved into the back and make for a romantic spot to pop open a bottle of Holman Ranch wine.

A perk of the winery themed rooms is that each contain a few bottles of the namesake wine to purchase and enjoy. Also you can pair a tour of the winery and meet the winemaker with a few Vendange Carmel promotions and packages to enhance your stay.All the bonus touches that Holman Ranch used to decorate the room made us smile; from the horse pillow (they’re a working ranch), to the wine cellar photo (we’ve barrel tasted there with the owner), and the adorable wedding shot in cowboy boots (they’re known to be a stellar location for weddings and events).

Weekend perks add even more with a 2-hour wine and cheese social in the lobby. Also the location for the daily continental breakfast.We’re a fifth of the way through the wine themed rooms at Vendange Carmel and I really look forward to our next visit and the next unique room we’ll enjoy. To learn more about spending a romantic weekend in Carmel, visit http://www.vendangecarmel.com/ to start planning!

Our stay was hosted, all opinions are 100% honest.

Holman Ranch Offers Summer Camps for Adults and Fitness Camps in Beautiful Carmel Valley

April 14, 2016 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

Looking for something to do this June, July, and August? Holman Ranch offers Summer Camps for Adults and Fitness Camps, what more could you ask for in the beautiful location of Carmel Valley, California? I’ve spent some time on the property, you can read my articles here http://jenisonajourney.com/tag/holman-ranch, and let me tell you it’s worth it!

Summer Camps for Adults

Let nostalgia reign supreme and allow your inner child to meet your outer grown-up by attending one of Holman Ranch’s throwback Adult Camps. It’s like summer camp when you were a kid, except no early bedtime or wake-up calls. Relax, unwind, and disconnect from the stress of the workday world.

A variety of traditional camp activities are being offered, including:

· Nature hikes
· Swimming
· Arts & crafts
· Archery
· Skeet shooting
· Yoga & meditation
· Star-gazing
· Campfires
· Billiards & ping pong
· Dance classes
· Board games
· Barbecues

Plus there are added “adult” perks such as wine or olive oil tastings, cooking or winemaking classes, or simply relaxing and reading a book surrounded by nature on the 400-acre historic ranch. And, of course, s’mores at our nightly campfires, ghost stories optional. The other great thing about being an adult is you won’t have to rough it in bunk beds or sleep on the ground at this camp. Instead, you’ll reside comfortably in one of our 10 remodeled guest rooms or one of our new Glamping tents right on the ranch!There’s just something about s’mores, campfires and star-gazing with friends, both new and old, that makes for an unforgettable summer camp, no matter what your age.

Fitness Camps

Holman Ranch in scenic Carmel Valley is known for its horses, wines and olive groves, but it’s also a great place to boost your fitness and health with their new Fitness Camps! Packages are available for 2-night minimum stay with 10 guest rooms, with Glamping tents available for larger groups, and can be customized from a selection of the following activities:

· Individual or group fitness classes, offered in a secluded section of the estate amid olive groves and vineyards.
· Yoga or Pilates classes or private sessions with a certified instructor
· Dining options include catering, cooking on your own, and healthy and nutritious meals at nearby Wills Fargo Steakhouse + Bar
· Cooking demos with renowned local chefs
· Classes on nutrition and healthy eating
· Guided hikes on numerous trails, from canyons to rolling hills
· Swimming and water aerobics in the estate’s swimming pool
· Workouts in the fully equipped fitness room with free weights, universal weight stations, elliptical and treadmill cardio machines.
· Customized personal training sessions available.
· Fresh juice and breakfast bars to start your morning off with an energy boost
· Vineyard run/walk, a fun fitness run or walk through the extensive wine vineyards on the 400-acre grounds

Call their friendly and experienced staff to tailor plan your Adult Summer Camp getaway or your group’s healthy vacation! (831) 659-2640 or info@holmanranch.com.

Carmel Valley: Plan Your Next Event at Holman Ranch

September 23, 2014 by The Mom Jen 2 Comments

Since our visit over the summer, I have been suggesting many different events to my husband that we can plan at Holman Ranch. I mean, I even came up with trying to get my friend to have her son get married there to planning a family high school graduation for my daughter in 2016, it’s that special of a place!

Nestled in one of California’s most beautiful locations, Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley is inland from the Monterey Bay and surrounded by grand oaks and rolling hills. Once the center of social life in Carmel Valley, Holman Ranch hosted Who’s Who in Hollywood entertainment parties with the likes of Clark Gable, Vincent Price, Joan Crawford, and Marlon Brando! The lovely manicured grounds immediately inspire peace and tranquility, the quiet surrounds you all but a the chirping birds and buzzing bees.

The focal point of the 400 acre Holman Ranch is its recently restored 1928 Carmel stone Hacienda, a magical estate that sits atop a grassy hill, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

The beautiful private estate offers unlimited possibilities for weddings, engagements, family reunions, holiday parties, or business seminars and any other occasion you can think of.

Here are four very special reasons you should plan your next event with Holman Ranch!

1. Amenities
Planning a wedding? The picturesque location offers so much for the bride and groom and the wedding party. Imagine sipping estate-grown wine in our stunning vineyards, exchanging vows al fresco among the rolling hills, tasting buttery and sumptuous house-pressed olive oil at your rehearsal dinner in our enchanting olive orchard. Exchange vows outdoors and within the sanctity of the Catholic Church doctrines or inside the private chapel, ensconced in the hacienda that has been sanctified by a Catholic Priest and seats up to 50 people.

Family Reunion in mind? Carmel Valley’s first pool was placed at Holman Ranch, stroll past the Pinot Noir vineyard to the Wine Cave for barrel tasting, or head to The Stables for a horseback or carriage ride! Gather and perhaps dance (quincenera?) in the Rose Patio. Other family events such as baptisms, memorial services, private masses, blessings, interfaith unions, and memorials are also welcome in the chapel on the property.

Planning a friends’ retreat? Skeet Shooting, scavenger hunts, poker nights, billiards, and darts in the game room is available. Wine and olive oil tasting is available, space in the Carriage House can include tables for scrapbooking or crafting, yoga or Zumba!

Planning a business seminar? All the technology you need is included:
-Drop Down Screens, Projectors and Conference Phone
-Audio Visual Equipment
-Wi-Fi Access
-Fully Appointed Executive Board Room

2. Amazing Photo Opportunities
Everywhere you turn there is a view that you can’t miss. There are gardens of flowers you have to see. The architecture of the buildings themselves are so ornate and unique they can be the stunning backdrop to wedding or family photography. Even if you’re there for a business seminar, you can’t help but snap a shot that may be the next framed art in your living room or office! Here’s what I mean!

3. Cozy Cottages
10 guest rooms, most with two beds or a bed and sofa bed (sleeps up to 4) provide a comfortable setting to get back to at the end of a great day. Heating and air conditioned rooms offer a private full bath with organic bath products, and there is also a lobby area with a full kitchen and fireplace. We loved the patio decks most with their wooden rocking chairs and tables to enjoy your morning coffee or a night cap in the evenings.

4. The Wine
Holman Ranch has a small 20 acrre estate vineyard located in the world-class Carmel Valley appellation. Harvested by hand and cellared in their estate wine cave, the wines are crafted to present the true varietal character of the fruit “vine to bottle.” Thanks to the climate of central coast California, the warmth of the valley combined with the cooling marine layer provides optimal growing conditions for Pinot varietals.

Their off-dry Pinot Gris was amazing, and if you love sweet whites, the Sweet Love late harvest Savignon Blanc tastes like Hawaii in a glass! The 2010 Hunter’s Cuvee named for Holman Ranch owner Hunter Lowder is an award winner and has a delightful story to go with it!

Tasting Holman Ranch wines can be done at their tasting room less than a mile from the ranch, 19 E. Carmel Valley Road. and events can be planned at that location as well!

I’ve dined with the owners, enjoyed the wine, stayed in the cottage, and have toured the gorgeous grounds, vineyard, cave, and olive grove. There is so much history, beauty, love, and professionalism at Holman Ranch that it inspires me to plan an event every time I think about it, it’s truly an idyllic location!

From the article, what do you love most about it?

My stay was hosted, all opinions my own!

Holman Ranch and Wine Tasting Room, Carmel Valley

October 16, 2013 by The Mom Jen 6 Comments

It’s not often that I get to travel with one of my writers on a press trip, so when I had a +1 invite to a local wine tasting event I knew exactly who to call! Merrie from Sleepless Mornings shares our experience of visiting the Holman Ranch wine tasting room and ranch estates from a recent getaway.

“Holman Ranch: Where the Past is Always Present. Tucked away in the rolling hills of Carmel Valley, historic Holman Ranch provides a unique and memorable setting for weddings, special events, family gatherings, corporate retreats, and team-building events. With its charming gardens, stunning mountain views and serenity, this private estate affords old-world charm while providing modern day conveniences. This impressive property includes a fully restored stone hacienda, overnight guest rooms, vineyards, olive grove, horse stables and a tasting room where guests can sample our wines.”

When we arrived in Carmel Valley, our first stop was their Holman Ranch Tasting Room. It was conveniently located near several others right on Carmel Valley Road, making it a lovely place to stop whenever you’re in the area. Inside the beautifully decorated tasting room we met Pete, who was extremely knowledgeable and friendly when it came to talking about their wines — or anything, for that matter! He’s absolutely the kind of person you want to chat with in a tasting room, especially when you want some insight on the wine your tasting.Jen and I differ in our tasting, with her leaning towards whites and me preferring reds, but we’re both always intrigued to try new things, and we both advise the other if we think the other is missing out on something great. I would happily sample wines with her any day of the week! On this particular day, she stayed on the white side and tried their Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. She enjoyed both, while I partook of their different Pinot Noirs. One is called Hunter’s Cuvée, and the other is called Heather’s Hill. Both had a delicious flavor and aftertaste, without being either dull or overwhelming. I don’t know if I can say one was better than the other — I loved them both! One fun opportunity we had was to try some of their freshly harvested pinot grapes as we drank the pinot noir. A very nice before and after experience!

The last wine we tasted was their Rosé of Pinot Noir Blushing Bride. I don’t think I’ve ever tasted a Rosé from a Pinot grape, and I appreciated the unique taste. It was also lovely and refreshing on a warm afternoon. I could imagine myself in a lush garden on a sunshine filled day with a glass of that to relax with.

Once our tasting was through, it was on to the Ranch. Just a few curves up the road was the entrance, which was easy to locate. As we climbed up into the Carmel Valley hills, we once again appreciated how blessed we are to live so close to this part of California. The views were phenomenal on this clear summer day, and will continue to be the majority of the year.

Getting settled into our room wasn’t too difficult. There aren’t a lot of rooms onsite, making it an intimate setting for wedding or event guests. There are several cabins laid out, with each containing several rooms. Jen and I found ours and were happy to find very comfortable and spacious accommodations. The beds were comfortable, the views incredible and I truly appreciated that they had water bottles ready to use and take with you if you wanted to go for a hike.

After we were settled, we met up with Nick Elliott, one of the proprietors and coordinators for Holman Ranch. If you’re having any kind of event at Holman, Nick and his wife, Hunter Lowder, are the ones who will be coordinating it. And you’re glad for that, because not only are they experienced in event planning and hospitality, but they’re also knowledgeable about the ranch and dearly love it — you can tell. Hunter was under the weather, so we didn’t get to meet her, but Nick was there and happy to show us their setup.

When you first walk into the event area, right in front of you is a large courtyard filled with flowers and greenery, with a barn for dancing on your right, and straight ahead of you, this:If you’re at Holman for a big wedding, chances are you’ll see chairs set up on the beautiful green lawn, and enjoy the opportunity of watching a wedding take place on that stone veranda that overlooks the valley. Not too shabby, right?

Once the tour of the outside and inside of the hacienda was complete, we were lucky enough to be served a delicious dinner, compliments of Michael’s Catering in Marina, CA. Everything was delicious and served beautifully. Another moment that knocked me out was when Nick offered us a glass of their Holman Chardonnay, which I took with the hope that I would actually like it enough to drink it. (I’m NEVER a Chardonnay girl. NEVER.) And shock of all shocks, I liked it! It was fruity and crisp and cool — the perfect combo for a white that I rarely find. Well done, Holman Winery.

After dinner, during which we enjoyed the company of other writers and Nick, Jen and I took advantage of what was left of the sunlight and ventured out to see what else we could see.

We found the pool and fitness center, which are right next to fields of vineyards that have paths to walk through, etc. We thought it all looked amazing under the bright full moon, but we decided it wasn’t worth running into some curious or wild creatures in the process, so we went back to our room to relax…and check in on our social media pages.

The next morning, after a fine night of sleep, we enjoyed some complimentary breakfast in the game room, and then took a quick ride with Nick and the others to get a close up view of their olive grove. Set high up in the hills above the ranch, they have approximately 100 olive trees that were re-planted for Holman in 2007. Walking around near them you could actually smell the olives. We had the opportunity to taste the olive oil they press back at the tasting room, and I can tell you — it’s fantastic!

Thank you to Holman Ranch and to Nick for allowing us to enjoy their incredible location and what it has to offer. The next time I’m working on a corporate event, or who knows, maybe even a wedding, I’m absolutely considering them as a possibility. They know their stuff, they treat their guests and their vendors well, and they do it all with a smile. And wine. What’s not to love?

Merrie is a writer for the Jen is on a Journey and you can also find her at her blog, Sleepless Mornings: “I’m the mother of two beautiful children, newly engaged, a scrapbooker, a baker, and sometimes I’m even fun to be around!”

Our stay was hosted, all opinions our own.

Carmel Valley: Will’s Fargo Restaurant and Jarman Wine Lounge

June 9, 2016 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

Carmel is probably one of the most beautiful areas in California. I’m definitely biased since I’m nearly a local and can drive there in under an hour any time I feel the desire. There’s so much to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, shopping, wine tasting, fine dining, and strolling through many art galleries. Then there’s Carmel’s white sand beaches that look toward the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course and the picturesque 17-Mile Drive. Carmel Valley boasts all the aforementioned luxuries plus world-class resorts, 4000 acres of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails all while being nestled between the Santa Lucia mountain range. Holman Ranch is a property I’ve gotten the pleasure to frequent these last few years and the owners have now expanded their properties in the Carmel Valley to include Will’s Fargo Restaurant and Jarman Wine Lounge. On a recent visit to the ranch, we were thrilled it included an outdoor tasting and palate pleasing dinner that have us eager for a return trip.

Jarman Lowder and her husband Thomas purchased and retired to Holman Ranch in 2006 to live their dream of making wine and olive oil. Tragically, Jarman passed away in 2011 to early onset Alzheimer’s disease but has her legacy proudly living on through her family’s involvement on the ranch. To honor her memory, the family has vowed to take the best hand-selected estate grapes and create two premium varietals: Jarman Chardonnay and Jarman Pinot Noir, offered at the tasting lounge and Will’s Fargo Restaurant on Carmel Valley Rd. Take note, that is Jarman’s actual signature that her family preserved in the signage, makes my heart sing!The lounge has both indoor and outdoor seating and we enjoyed the Jarman Chardonnay on the patio one beautiful spring evening. I don’t tend to drink too much white wine anymore, but I loved this cool drink and their description cannot be beat: The 2014 Jarman Chardonnay features floral notes reminiscent of walking by a parfumerie in France — subtle and pleasant with a hint of earthiness. When serving this wine lightly chilled, rich notes of under-ripe berries and raw honey will waltz across your palate. Typically you can enjoy a tasting alone or with a variety of cheese, antipasti, or charcuterie plates. Enhance your experience with a picnic menu of salads and sandwiches, or even an ATV tour of the Estate vineyard.

After some lovely conversation we headed into the restaurant for dinner. Formally a tea room in the late 1920’s, Will’s Fargo once served as a road house located on the “milk run” between Monterey and Tassajara. Will Fay established Will’s Fargo Restaurant in 1959; his namesake plus the “dressed up saloon” interior that included antiques and collectibles, merged the gracious aura of a Victorian parlor with a western “Fargo” way station. Owned and managed by the Lowder family, the restaurant’s acclaimed Chef Greg Karjala greeted us at the beginning of our meal served family style. The amuse was brought out to us, a lovely yet petite chilled potato-leek soup. It can be taken like a shot of soup, but I enjoyed it’s flavor and the slight tang of the olive oil drizzle, so I savored it more and took my time. Definitely a soup I’d order a full size of for lunch or dinner.Our first course came out together, salads and an egg for the 1st wave. Beautifully plated, a 6 minute egg sat upon a sourdough crouton with paprika, white anchovy, and arugula. After I quickly passed the anchovy to my husband, a lover of salty foods, I enjoyed this appetizer immensely. The yolk had moisture to it and the crouton was a perfect crunchy contrast. A plate-ful would make a great brunch item.Next I went ahead and tried the grilled kale salad. I don’t usually like kale, I find it bitter but with the old college try I sampled it with it’s lemon vinaigrette, shaved fennel, radish, toasted bread crumbs, and ricotta. Not bad, but not my favorite though my husband really enjoyed it. More up my personal alley was the mini wedge salad 3 ways. Well with three different dressings, classic blue cheese, blue cheese vinaigrette, green goddess (my favorite). Classic dish for a steakhouse and one I’d enjoy again, the green goddess is like gold!

Second course had surf, turf, and pasta starting with rainbow trout. This was my husband’s favorite meal of the night. Beautifully plated with orange fruit, braised fennel, white wine, and chili flake. Cooked perfectly with a crispy skin, I think we may be venturing into more fish at home!

My favorite was the Pinot Noir braised short ribs that just melted in your mouth! Paired with goat cheese polenta and pickled green tomatoes, I ate my portion and went for seconds to my dismay, it was a popular dish. I happily scooped the asparagus and asiago raviolis onto my plate and the flavor was divine. Light and not too filling, the greens were perfectly al dente and brought a freshness to the plate.Our sides didn’t get photographed properly but consisted of:

-roasted mushrooms, tarragon butter, lemon
-charred brocolini, garlic, chili, vinegar
-sweet corn with cilantro and lime

The corn was the best, again when I went for seconds, the dish was gone. The combination of the sweet corn and tart lime was perfection and a perfect dish I’m going to attempt to duplicate all summer! What else is there to love? The website and I’m sure the servers and the chef can tell you right where some of the food is sourced, most recently I noticed their cauliflower from Swank Farms in nearby Hollister, how’s that for farm fresh!

On to the dessert round of the evening.

Clouds of white chocolate mousse sat on top of hazelnuts, brown butter, and pineapple. Simply delicious. I prefer milk, semi-sweet, and dark chocolate to white, but this dessert changed my thinking for the evening. It could have been all the delicious Jarman Pinot Noir they served us changing my mind, but I won’t turn my head to white chocolate much anymore.Finally, roasted strawberries and pernod poached rhubarb in a balsamic glaze with sweet cream to end the evening. I’m going to say this was just okay, I’m a strawberry lover but these weren’t as sweet as I enjoy them fresh. Rhubarb texture turns me off, so I would have preferred the butterscotch cheesecake I saw on their dessert menu. Now I really have to get back there!

If you’re in the Carmel Valley, check out both Will’s Fargo Restaurant and Jarman Wine Lounge for a lovely afternoon or evening! The restaurant is completely family-friendly with a great kid’s menu, and in true Carmel fashion, your dog will have a fabulous meal as well, visit http://wfrestaurant.com/ for more information and menus! Also, the Holman Ranch has some great promotions you have to check out, great opportunities to pair all the wonderful properties in one fabulous adventure!

Our meal was hosted as part of a FAM trip. All opinions are 100% our own.