THE CRAFT OF CARMEL VALLEY RANCH

The Market at Carmel Valley Ranch is a hub, a space to gather, discover, and taste that takes its inspiration from the bounty of the surrounding landscape. Here, the cheese comes from our very own goats (we told you it was ranch-y) and the honey is made just steps away in an apiary buzzing with activity. It’s all orchestrated by our artisans-in-residence—Charlie the Cheese Guy, our world-renowned gardener Mark Marino, Jerry the Fishmonger, and Chris, our beekeeper— who host entertaining tastings and illuminating demonstrations. Curate a picnic basket with local products, grab an espresso, socialize over wine and beer, or sample hand-crafted treats grown and made on site—this is one market where nobody’s in a rush to check out.

COME GET OUR GOAT (CHEESE)

Now here’s something you’d never expect to find at a resort: our own on-site Creamery. Adjacent to The Market, this is where our goat milk is transformed into cheese that is distinct, delicious, and decidedly local—“imported” all the way from the pasture out back. And it’s an interactive experience, with surprise pop-up tastings, pairings, and demonstrations from Charlie Cascio, our resident cheesemaker. Learn to make your own cheese, find treats to take home, and even catch a cheesy tale as part of our storytelling series. Speaking of treats, what’s a creamery without ice cream? (Yep, we’ve got that, too.)

DRINK LOCAL (REALLY LOCAL)

Those vineyards you’ve been seeing? Those are ours—they’re brimming with goodness, and every drop of that goodness goes into our Swing Pinot Noir Reserve. Just imagine: A wine and cheese tasting where everything is sourced from Carmel Valley Ranch? That’s nuts! (Even though we don’t grow those.) Produced by Ian Brand, the 2018 Central Coast Winemaker of the Year, Swing also offers Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, and Pinot Noir to go along with our Reserve. All are available at The Ranch. Cheers!

THE ARTISAN WORKBENCH

Ever wanted to learn how to shuck oysters like a pro? Decorate cupcakes like a pastry chef? Hand-churn ice cream like, uh, someone who hand-churns ice cream? The Artisan Workbench is our collection of activities that showcase the craft of The Ranch’s artisans-in-residence—demonstrations and interactive workshops where you’ll learn something new, and probably taste something new, too.

ESPRESSO BAR

While you’re at The Market, we invite you to join us for a variety of espresso and coffee drinks, along with breakfast options that utilize ingredients from our gardens, beehives, and other local producers. It’s the perfect way to start your day, or give yourself a pick-me-up when you need a little more energy to play.

LOCAL PRODUCTS

We wouldn’t call it The Market if you couldn’t actually shop here! And we have an incredible selection of products made at The Ranch and in the surrounding communities. Try honey made just steps away, or the famous goat cheese you’ve been hearing so much about. Pick up provisions before you head out on a picnic (or before you head back to your suite). You’ll find everything you need, along with some unexpected delights.

INFUSED HONEY TASTING

Sample honey infused with the aromatic flavors of our Organic Garden, as lavender, rosemary, lemon verbena, and more add a delicious twist to this sweet treat. If you like, our beekeeper will help you create your own blend to take home!

Tasting complimentary; $29 per honey jar

RANCH GOAT CHEESE TASTING

It doesn’t get more farm-to-table than this. Sample our delicious goat cheese, made right here on site with milk from our own goats!

Complimentary

HAND-CHURNED ICE CREAM (seasonal)

It wouldn’t be a creamery without ice cream. Stop by for a scoop from our latest batch, and try our rotating seasonal flavors!

$12 per sundae

OYSTER HOUR-SHUCKING

Sip and slurp, Ranch-style! Enjoy Morro Bay oysters and Prosecco as you learn the finer points of this briny-bubbly combo. We can’t promise you pearls, but we guarantee a quintessential taste of the California coast!

$25 per person; 60 minutes