Monterey County wineries offer taste of holidays

From wreath making to singing choirs, Monterey County wineries are getting into the spirit of the season, serving up Central Coast hospitality and holiday cheer. Here's a sampling of the offerings:

Inns of Distinction: today, from 2 to 5 p.m., several Monterey County wineries, including Heller Estate, Joullian Vineyards, Cima Collina and Boete Winery, are partnering with area inns and restaurants in the Carmel Heritage Society's annual tour and fundraiser. Tickets can be purchased at the First Murphy House, the society's headquarters, starting at noon. $30 per person. Carmel Heritage Society: Lincoln and Sixth, Carmel-by-the-Sea; (831) 624-4447 or carmelheritage.org.

Bernardus Winery & Lodge: Chef Cal Stamenov will host Bernardus' 14th annual truffle dinner at 6:30 p.m. Friday in Marinus restaurant at the winery's luxe Carmel Valley digs. The dinner features a cocktail reception and six-course truffle-centric tasting menu, paired with Bernardus wines. The following day, pastry chef Ben Spungin will join Stamenov in hosting a chocolate and desserts demo from 1 to 3 p.m. Contact the lodge for reservations. Dinner: $500 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Dessert event: $85 per person. 415 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley; (831) 659-3131 or bernardus.com.

Chateau Julien Wine Estate: Chateau Julien hosts its holiday open house from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. today, featuring the Choral Project, a San Jose ensemble. The performance will be followed by a wine tasting and gift reception in the winery's great hall. Contact the winery for reservations. $40 per person; $30 for club members. 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel; (831) 624-2600 or chateaujulien.com.

Cima Collina: Leave the milk and cookies for Santa. From 5 to 7 p.m. Christmas Eve, this Carmel-by-the-Sea tasting room hosts "Five Pinot Friday," including a vertical tasting of five vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs and small bites. $5 per person. San Carlos Street, between Ocean and Seventh Avenues (in the Paseo Courtyard), Carmel-by-the-Sea; (831) 620-0645 or cimacollina.com.

Hahn Estates Winery: Hahn celebrates its 30th annual Christmas open house from 11 a.m. to

4 p.m. today. The event includes a light lunch, wine tasting and souvenir glass. There also will be holiday wine specials, wreath-making activities for the whole family, barrel tasting, live music and even Santa is scheduled to make an appearance. Contact the winery for reservations. $25 per person. 37700 Foothill Road, Soledad; (831) 678-4555 or hahnestates.com.

Otter Cove Wines: Next Sunday, owner and winemaker Richard Oh will host a five-course chocolate and wine pairing from 2 to 4 p.m., featuring Oh! Chocolates (no relation) at Otter Cove's downtown Monterey tasting room. Contact the winery for reservations. $25 per person. 315 Calle Principal, Monterey; (831) 333-1313 or ottercovewines.com.

Ventana Vineyards: The annual holiday boutique is ongoing at the winery's Monterey tasting room, through

Dec. 24. The boutique features wine specials, custom gift baskets and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Tuesday,

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday. 2999 Monterey-Salinas Highway, No. 10, Monterey; (831) 372-7415 or ventanawines.com.

E-mail Sarah Fritsche at sfritsche@sfchronicle.com.

This article appeared on page S - 9 of the San Francisco Chronicle