We were off for another discovery trip to Northern California with our first objective a weekend in Monterey.  The Monterey Peninsula is a most popular destination with legendary places like Carmel and Cannery Row.
Our weekend destination was the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa.
One evening we attended a winemaker dinner which Executive Chef Steve Johnson preparing an exciting menu paired with Twisted Roots wines.
Owners Josh and Julie Ruiz were there to tell us about the Twisted Roots wines.  Josh explained that he is a Lodi farmer who developed a love for wines and so, nine years ago, started making wines from vineyards on the family land.
Chef Johnson started us with Tempura Miataki mushrooms with a soy-mirin dipping sauce. Our wine a 2015 Twisted Roots Chardonnay.
Next seared diver scallops,carrot pudding, Chanterelle mushrooms and shaved asparagus.  The wine a 2012 Petite Sirah.
Next was dry aged Niman Ranch New New York steak, duck fat cooked heirloom potatoes, and demi glace roasted blue lake beans. Perfectly matched was Twisted Roots 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Attending the dinner as hosts were Steve McNally, general manager, and David Lambert, director of sales and marketing of the Hyatt Regency Hotel
Our dessert was salted caramel, pot de creme, caramelized cocoa nibs and sea salt.
 The Hyatt Regency in Monterey includes an 18 hole adjacent golf course and many of the  500 rooms overlook the course.  The lounge, dining room,patio and sports bar  are all situated to overlook the course as well..
 The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa is located at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey with valet parking available. Telephone 831 372-1234.