Fall 2025

WINE SPECTATOR HONORS THE SARDINE FACTORY Since 1968,The Sardine Factory has been a Monterey landmark anchored in its elegant dining experience and remarkable wine collection. Known as a longtime favorite by locals, visitors, celebrities, professional athletes, chefs and politi- cians, the restaurant has been honored with culi- nary awards for decades.The latest accolade, the 2025 “Best of Award of Excellence” Restaurant Award from Wine Spectator, focuses on the impressive selections displayed in the beautiful Wine Cellar at The Sardine Factory, the location for almost 16,000 bottles and more than 2,000 different wine labels.Vintages are both imported and domestic, reflecting a wide variety of wine-growing regions and top producers. “It means a lot to be recognized again by Wine Spectator,” says Ted Balestreri, co-owner and CEO of The Sardine Factory. “For more than 56 years, we’ve taken pride in offering an award-winning wine list that reflects the same care and passion we put into everything atThe Sardine Factory.We’re grate- ful to our guests and our community for supporting us over the years and helping make this possible.” The Sardine Factory is located at 701 Wave Street in Monterey. For more information, call 831/373-3775 or visit www.sardinefactory.com. VIN BY THE SEA BRINGS WINE, BUBBLES AND BITES TO CARMEL Roslyn Anderson launched Vin Carmel—a boutique wine bar in the Crossroads Carmel shopping center—over three years ago and was met with a warm welcome from the community. “Our local clients have been absolutely piv- 160 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 5 Co-owners of the Sardine Factory Ted Balestreri and Bert Cutino stand in their award-winning wine cellar which houses nearly 16,000 bottles. The pair is proud to be honored with the Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” for 2025. Photo: Kelli Uldall food for thought The Sardine Factory Receives Excel lence Award from Wine Spectator ; Vin Wine Bar Opens New Carmel Locat ion; and Cocina 1932 Of fers Cal i -Mex BBQ in Sal inas B Y B R E T T WI L BUR