August 5, 2013 – Newly remodeled Vendange Inn on Carpenter Street in Carmel is a celebration of Monterey County wineries. The new owners, brothers Jonathan and Brian Lee, have partnered with local wineries to help with the décor. The boutique inn is the first solo—or maybe we should say duo—venture for the brothers. For the past 15 years they have helped their family run local properties Chateau de Carmel and the Crystal Terrace, working as everything from night manager and front desk clerk to housekeeping and maintenance.
The Lees chuckle when asked whether they’re related to Bill Lee of Morgan Wines. “We’d like to say we are, but no,” said Jonathan. However, the brothers are wine lovers and their dad is an oenophile with a collection that made an impression on them. In fact, the name ‘Vendange’ means grape harvest. Jonathan says it’s French vernacular for late harvest fruit—longer hang time on the vines produces more sugar in the grapes.
The small gem of a property has 18 rooms and suites, 15 of which have been sponsored by local wineries to reflect what Lee calls “Monterey County’s flourishing wine industry.” He says that at first the wineries were somewhat skeptical, but they’ve become enthusiastic participants in the room branding program. McIntyre, for example, provided a stunning eight-foot-long section of a 100-year-old grapevine that is mounted over the bed in their sponsored room, along with a wall clock made from a wine barrel and an etched lamp made from one of their Jeroboam (double Magnum) bottles.
Cima Collina partnered with a local artist to create whimsical collages of wire, paint and wine bottle labels on repurposed wooden panels. Twisted Roots went seasonal, providing canvases with pictures of their vineyards in spring, summer, winter and fall. They also included a book where guests could record their experiences and leave tips for future occupants. J. Lohr provided bathrobes for the guests in their room. Other partner wineries include Joullian, Dawn’s Dream, Tudor and Manzoni.
Green features of the hotel include water-saving fixtures and insulation made of recycled jeans. Jonathan notes that in addition to being eco-friendly, the material was the most sound-
absorbent insulation they could find. They replaced an outdoor pond with a patio and pergola and are planning drought-tolerant landscaping updates, including decorative grapevines. A fire pit welcomes guests in the evening for live music. Weekends feature afternoon wine tasting in addition to daily breakfast in the refurbished lobby that features light walls and warm wood tones. And special vintages from partner wineries are available for sale that can’t be found anywhere else, except in the tasting rooms of the wineries themselves.
About the author
Elaine Hesser grew up in rural Pennsylvania and started cooking at age 6. By age 9, she'd made her first dinner and at midlife, is amazed when high school graduates can't scramble eggs. After the U.S. Army paid for her B.A., it also moved her to Monterey County, where she served on active duty at Ft. Ord and Ft. Hunter Liggett. She has a wide variety of interests, but is most passionate about faith, writing, and food - and encourages everyone never to stop learning and looking for truth.
