Take a Scenic Pause During Monterey Car Week with a Wine & Walking Tour
Each August, car enthusiasts from around the globe descend on the Monterey Peninsula for one of the most prestigious automotive events in the world: Monterey Car Week. From high-octane racing at Laguna Seca, auctions hosted by RM Sotheby’s and Mecum Auctions to exclusive gatherings like The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering and the famed Motorlux event at the Monterey Jet Center, the week is packed with fast-paced excitement, polished chrome, and adrenaline-fueled moments. You’ll spot everything from vintage Rolls-Royce and American muscle cars to news Ferraris, McLarens and hypercars you won’t see anywhere else.
But even for the most passionate collector or casual fan, a little time to unwind can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one. That’s where Carmel Wine and Wandering comes in.
Discover Carmel Beyond the Car Scene
While Car Week events often center around Monterey, Pebble Beach, and Laguna Seca, many visitors overlook the timeless beauty and relaxed charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This fairytale coastal village has in fact become a central part of the automotive action—but still feels like a world apart with its more relaxed setting and free-to-attend events like Astons on the Avenue and the Prancing Ponies Women’s Car Show, both hosted on Carmel’s iconic Ocean Avenue.
A wine and walking tour with Carmel Wine and Wandering offers the perfect way to explore Carmel’s storybook streets, hidden passageways, and local wine scene while taking in some of the car culture on display at the same time. It’s an easygoing, elegant alternative to the roar of engines and the buzz of the major crowds.
A Tour Designed for Your Pace
Our tours are thoughtfully timed and completely walkable, making them an ideal midday break or pre-dinner activity. Led by a local sommelier, each tour stops at three boutique tasting rooms where you’ll sip your way through some of the region’s finest Monterey County wines. Along the way, you’ll discover the town’s best-kept secrets, from whimsical architecture to tucked-away courtyards.
The food scene in Carmel is diverse and changing all the time, so even repeat visitors to Car Week might not know the latest spots to visit. Need dining recommendations or want to know where to grab a cocktail post-event? Don’t waste your time searching endlessly; our guides are happy to point you in the right direction and can highlight amazing spots that are less crowded, even on busy event days. Think of us as your local concierge with a wine glass in hand.
Great for Groups, Couples, or Solo Travelers
Whether you’re attending Car Week with friends, your partner, a group of work colleagues or flying solo, a wine tour with Carmel Wine and Wandering is a refreshing way to connect with the area. It’s a perfect escape for those who want to take a break between major events, offering a taste of local elegance and calm.
Sip, Stroll, and Slow Down
Monterey Car Week is about passion and precision—and in many ways, so is wine. Our tours are carefully curated to showcase the best of both Carmel’s wine scene and its unique charm. You’ll leave with more than great memories and tasting notes—you’ll come away with recommendations for where to eat, where to shop, and what to explore next.
Make Room in Your Itinerary
With so much going on during Car Week, it’s easy to pack your schedule. But carving out a few hours for a Carmel Wine and Wandering experience can be just what you need to recharge, reconnect, and discover the magic of the Monterey coast.
Visiting during Monterey Car Week? Book your wine and walking tour today — spots fill quickly during this high-demand week!
