The sign on the 10-passenger wooden wagon pulled by Cowboy Pete’s antique McCormick International tractor says “I work for tips,” but Carmel Valley’s most endearing and eccentric raconteur — also known as Tractor Pete, for obvious reasons — also gives plenty of tips during his frequent tours of the village.
Azevedo’s primary recommendation (besides ditching your husband, if you’re a married woman) is to check out the rapidly growing number of wine tasting rooms. Just last week saw the opening of the new Talbott tasting room (and motorcycle museum), kitty-corner from one of the cowboy’s favorite newbies (also for obvious reasons), Cowgirl Winery. But he’s an equal-opportunity promoter of Carmel Valley, shepherding passengers to other recently opened tasting rooms such as Twisted Roots (known for its Lodi varietals), Rombi Wines (where Azevedo discovered he and winemaker Sal Rombi had hooked up with the same woman in the ’70s) and Cima Collina (which also sells delicious olive oil.)
His boots are also made for walking through newer Carmel Valley village boutiques such as the Quail Olive and stalwarts such as Jan de Luz (known for its olive oil as well as antiques.) And much like the quirky, rustic village with gourmet appeal, just when you think you’ve seen everything, Tractor Pete will surprise you. Just be sure to hold on — he and the village are moving faster than you think.
Jeanne Cooper is the former Chronicle Travel Editor and author of SFGate’s Hawaii Insider, a blog about Hawaii travel and island culture.
Eccentric cowboy reveals Carmel Valley"s latest crop of wine spots
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét