Bernardus Lodge announces epicurean events

No culinary stoned unturned in this annual lineup, which spans a salute to the Lodge’s annual lavender harvest to an evening of sheer decadence focused on the world’s top treasures. Back by popular demand, chef Cal Stamenov’s 4th Annual Craftsmen Exchange (October 27) delivers a culinary cache of local artisans, cheese mongers and fungi foragers for a convivial afternoon. Reservations: 831.658.3595; www.bernarduslodge.com.

Carmel Valley is a unique microclimate delivering optimum conditions for growing grapes, lavender, fruit and a litany of obscure herbs and vegetables. Tucked into 28 fragrant acres of lavender, olive orchards and vineyards with sweeping Santa Lucia Range views, Bernardus Lodge & Spa savors the seasons with an enviable larder of on-property organic gardens paired with a back pocket of foragers, farmers and fishermen answering chef Cal’s call. Just 10 miles inland from the Pacific, the lodge features 73 luxurious guestrooms, including the 2016 debut of 14 exclusive guest suites and villas crafted from the ground up. Key perks include the award-winning Lucia Restaurant & Bar, guestrooms with alfresco rain showers, butler services, complimentary Mercedes-Benz convertibles, the 5,200 sq., ft., Spa at Bernardus and a three-to-one staff ratio.

Adults $45, Children ages 5-12 $20, plus tax & gratuity

Fire up the barbeque for a day of play in sun-drenched Carmel Valley. Enjoy live music at Lucia Restaurant & Bar paired with a lip smacking barbeque featuring free range chicken, natural Angus beef, smoked Caggiano sausages, country potato salad, organic green salad and the ultimate American sidekick, corn-on-the-cob.

Adults $45, Children ages 5-12 $20, plus tax & gratuity

Ah, bocce with a bourbon in hand, what more could dad ask. Settle in for an afternoon of family activities served with a side of delicious barbeque. The summer alfresco celebration includes savory free range chicken, natural Angus beef burgers, artisan sausage and plenty of garden greens from chef Cal’s organic garden.

Included in service pricing.

The longest day of the year symbolically fires up passions and heats up hearts to the potential of life that abounds. Choose from our array of new seasonal services including massage, bodywork and facials and extend the spa day with complimentary Summer Solstice activities including a guided hike through Garland Ranch, tarot card readings and poolside Bernardus wine tasting. Note: A minimum 50-minute service must be booked in order to enjoy the spa facilities and Summer Solstice events.

Embrace America’s independence with live music and Lucia’s Restaurant & Bar’s alfresco setting complete with zenith-of-summer dishes and artisan cocktails inspired by our country’s biggest break up. Sunshine, bocce and a bust-out line up of luncheon treats await.

Bees, beets and Brussel sprouts, oh my! Join chef Cal and garden guru Mark Marino for an informative walk through the Lodge’s three-acre organic herb, flower and vegetable gardens – as well as a visit to Bernardus’ legendary Italian honey bee.   This heady experience is certain to pique palates as many of the day’s pick are showcased on Lucia Restaurant’s daily menu.

$105 per person, plus tax & gratuity

Tucked throughout the Lodge’s 28-acres of lush olive trees, rosemary and rose gardens lie more than 1,000 lavender plants in full bloom. Provence in Carmel, this event is certain to please anyone who loves the scent of lavender. Glass of rosé in hand, stroll Chef Cal’s abundant organic garden and lavender beds with horticulturist Mark Marino; experience the new informative bee talk and honey tasting and slide into a unique grand lavender inspired buffet lunch with ingredients culled from our garden and vineyard. Space is limited and reservations are required.

$75 per person, plus tax & gratuity

It’s rose all day as Bernardus Lodge raises a rosy-hued glass to summer’s favorite buzz. Set in the blossoming Rose Garden, this is the event for flowing dress wear and big brimmed hats. Sip and saunter with a selection of rose wines, canapes, a seafood bar and seasonal fresh desserts.

$115 per person, plus tax & gratuity

It’s tomato time in Carmel Valley as Chef Cal celebrates the grand fruit in a variety for formats this fall. Sip a Bloody Mary while shucking oysters alongside local farmers Dick and Bonnie Swank of Swank Farms as they guide guests through over multiple varieties of their certified organic heirloom tomatoes. After an alfresco reception, step into Lucia Restaurant for a garden inspired lunch buffet featuring Tomato Ratatouille, Carmel Valley gazpacho, roasted free range Sonoma chicken and natural prime beef. Space is limited and reservations are required.

The rustic ranch-chic design of Lucia Restaurant & Bar blends with a sunny Carmel Valley vibe with alfresco seating, warm hospitality, and vineyard views. Enjoy live music, dishes highlighting the start of fall while our cocktail artisans serve up autumn inspired specialty hand-crafted cocktails.

Included in service pricing.

From guided hikes to holistic wellness experiences focused on balance, The Spa at Bernardus Lodge rejuvenates the entire being-mind, body and soul. Fall is considered the season of stability, a time in which one restores equilibrium to their life. Choose from our array of relaxation services including massage, bodywork and facials and then extend the spa day with complimentary Autumn Equinox activities including henna art, cold pressed juice bar and vino & vinyasa. Note: A minimum 50-minute service must be booked in order to enjoy the spa facilities and Autumn Solstice events.

$85 per person, plus tax & gratuity

Pay homage to the Carmel Valley annual grape harvest with a traditional grape stomping and Bernardus Winery barrel tasting backed with savory barbeque oysters, live country music and a family-style barbeque lunch. Celebrate the 2018 vintage firsthand in Ingrid’s Vineyard with winemaker Dean DeKorth and vineyard manager Matt Shea as hosts. Space is limited and reservations are required.

$75 per person, plus tax & gratuity

An annual favorite saluting a cache of culinary superstars including seaweeds farmers, craft cheese mongers, heirloom fruit enthusiasts, local beer artisans, bee keepers, fungi foragers and wine producers for a convivial showcase of flavor and style. Enjoy a casual Carmel Valley vibe in a sophisticated setting where alfresco seating, warm hospitality, and vineyard views are paired with tastes throughout.   Space is limited and reservations are required.

Adults $95, Children ages 5-12 $32, plus tax & gratuity; children 5 years and younger are complimentary. Traditional Thanksgiving favorites accented with Chef Cal signature cuisine.

$135 per person, plus tax & gratuity

An innovative four-course tasting menu combining intimate fireside seating overlooking breathtaking mountain and vineyard views.

$350 per person, plus tax & gratuity

It’s tough at the top! Indulgence hits a high note at the annual event that continues to wow palates and literally blow minds. Celebrate the world’s top culinary treasures as the evening kicks off with caviar and a glass of champagne or black truffle martini and behind the scenes stroll into Chef Cal’s award-winning kitchen for savory bites right “off the line.” On tap are winter’s most decadent delights: France’s black truffles, Maine’s lobster, ranch-raised Wagyu beef and locally foraged golden chanterelles. Chef Cal combines these inspiring ingredients with rare wines from around the world to create the ultimate winter menu. The tasting menu exemplifies how luxury ingredients can be preserved, reinterpreted and crafted into sophisticated dishes. Seating is limited and reservations are required.

Price included in service.

The Winter Solstice is the start of the solar year and a significant time of ritual, reflection and renewal. Choose from the Spa at Bernardus Lodge’s award-winning array of relaxation services including massage, bodywork, facials or salon services and extend the spa day with complimentary Winter Solstice activities including holiday cookie and cider hour, wine tasting, fire dancers and starlight swim. Note: A minimum 50-minute service must be booked in order to enjoy the spa facilities and Winter Solstice events.

$145 per person, plus tax & gratuity

An innovative four-course tasting menu celebrating the season with intimate fireside seating overlooking breathtaking mountain and vineyard views.

$195 per person, plus tax & gratuity

Ring in the New Year with a sinful six-course tasting menu showcasing chef Cal’s culinary prowess. Focused on healthy, seasonal fare, the menu reflects on the ultimate pleasure of what exceptional dining does for your soul.

                Enjoy live music with a backdrop of a fresh New Year and sumptuous brunch.

                Perennially recognized by discerning readers of Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Resorts” and Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top Resorts” and as well as a Wine Spectator award recipient (2001-2017), this Forbes Travel Guide Four Star property has long set the gold standard for wine country vacationing.   Reopened after a full resort renovation in 2015, Bernardus Lodge & Spa is set on 28 pristine Carmel Valley acres awash with vineyards and lavender and boasts 73 luxurious guestrooms, suites & villas, the signature Spa at Bernardus Lodge, award-winning Lucia Restaurant & Bar, a junior Olympic size swimming pool, a hilltop adults-only infinity Jacuzzi, an alfresco croquet and bocce court, two tennis courts and 4,300 sq. ft. of meeting space.  Woodside Hotel Group (www.woodsidehotelgroup.com), an operator of a portfolio of distinguished independent luxury properties throughout Northern California, is the management company for the property, which is located on the Monterey Peninsula, 120 mi./193 km, south of San Francisco and 330 mi./531 km., north of Los Angeles. For information, contact Bernardus Lodge & Spa at 831-658-3400 or visit www.bernarduslodge.com.