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A Taste of Monterey's large Visitors' Centers on Cannery Row overlooking the Monterey Bay and in historic Old Town Salinas are perfect locations to enjoy a variety of local wines. Representing over 70 regional wineries, each of our locations are great places to taste, shop and relax. From Chardonnay to Zinfandel, we carry a large range of locally produced wines, wine accessories and gifts. After hours, our tasting rooms transform into the perfect venues for private events, team building activities, small parties and our wine club festivities. Our unique gift shops feature an extensive selection of local gourmet food and décor items and wine accessories. The facilities are available for special events. Features Daily wine tasting ($5 for a selection of 6 wines) - Large selection of wine, gifts, gourmet foods and wine accessories Private tastings and events 1500 sq. ft. private wine cellar event space and catering Other Information Monterey Theme Gift Center Winery Maps & Tour Information Available for private parties and special events

Ag Venture Tours specializes in wine tasting, sightseeing and agricultural education tours of the Monterey Bay region of California. Wine tasting tours visit either the Monterey Wine Country (Salinas, Carmel Valley) or the Santa Cruz Mountains. Agricultural education tours feature the Salinas Valley. Sightseeing tours include the Monterey Peninsula (Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Carmel) or Big Sur. All our tours are designed to be fun and educational and can be customized to your interests, offering both half and full day excursions. Our guides are friendly and knowledgeable with extensive backgrounds in the agriculture and the wine industry. Tours We offer a wide variety of guided tours and/or step on guide service. Any size group can be accommodated, please call for more information. Each tour includes pickup and return at your residence or hotel, (individual rates include transportation in a comfortable 14 passenger van, group rates include van or bus transportation), expert guide service and commentary, wine tasting fees, winery tour and vineyard walk. A cooler of cold drinks is available and a winery map for each guest is included with each tour. Ag Venture Tours & Consulting is a full service tour operator with ten year's experience that can organize any tour that you may be interested in. We are flexible with the tour schedule and will customize the tour to meet your interests. All tours are designed to be fun and educational. Foreign language interpreters can be arranged on request. Individual Tours
Half day (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm) tours cost $60-65/person (minimum of 2 guests, lunch not included) Additional $30 fuel fee for groups of 3 or less.
Full day (10:00 am - 4:00 pm) tours cost $85-100/person (minimum of 4 guests, optional picnic or restaurant lunch). Group Tours
Half day (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm) tours cost $50-80/person (lunch not included).
Full day (10:00 am - 4:00 pm) tours cost $75-120/person (optional picnic or restaurant lunch).

About Our Tours Treat yourself (or your loved ones) to a totally new perspective!

Zeppelin flight has come to the Bay Area. The height of luxury travel at the turn of the century, airships were overtaken by the advantages of the next newest invention – the propeller driven airplane. Today and 80 years later, new technology meets old world luxury with the arrival of the Bay Area’s newest icon – the Airship Ventures Zeppelin NT.

You will enjoy leisurely paced and remarkably scenic flight. Cruising at an altitude of 1,200 feet at 35 to 40 mph, you will literally have the world at your feet. Large expansive window panels surround the cabin to allow 360° views as you walk around to take in your favorite Bay Area view. Enjoy vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, sailboats on the Bay, the Oakland Bay Bridge, Treasure Island or the headlands like you have never seen them before. Gain a perspective on the frantic nature of human daily life, taking place below you in a space squeezed by the oceans and the mountains.

We fly from three different locations; historic Moffett Field in Mountain View, Oakland Airport’s North Field and day trips and tours out of Monterey Peninsula Airport. Each location offers distinctly different sights and flight experiences. Please check with our Guest Service representatives as to which location and times works best for your travel plans. There are no difficult decisions to make, just wonderful choices!

We’re looking forward to seeing your pictures of sights from the airship. For snapshots of vistas we have seen flying on the Zeppelin in other parts of the world check out the many posts for July 2008 on our blog.   Flight Pricing
From Moffett Field & Oakland One Hour Flights1 Standard $495 Sightseeing Special (for 2)  $745 Group Rate Standard (12) $5,750 Group Rate Special (12) $4,950 Group Rate Special (6) $2,475 Two Hour Flights1 Standard $950 Sightseeing Special (for 2) $1,425 Group Rate Standard (12) $11,500 Group Rate Special (12) $9,900 Group Rate Special (6) $4950   Custom routes and destinations can be planned for specific purposes within the Bay Area. Out of area flights are possible depending on distance, weather and route requirements. Please be sure to inquire with our Sales & Marketing staff for your "Special Mission" planning! 1 All fares subject to local taxes and airport fees.   Background The initial concept for Airship Ventures was the vision of an entrepreneurial husband/wife team, who brought their love of aviation, aerospace and airships to life to create a unique, upstart company designed to bring Zeppelin airships to the skies over America for the first time in over 70 years.

Brian and Alexandra (Alex) Hall both began life with a fascination for aviation. Brian spent summers at a family retreat in upstate New York, near an aerospace museum – Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome – featuring vintage World War I aircraft. Watching dogfights there got him hooked on aviation of that era. A child of the moon-landing generation, he was also intrigued with space – building an extensive collection of model rockets.

Alex grew up dreaming of becoming an astronaut and going into space. When investigating careers, she thought about becoming a pilot so she could then become an astronaut, but discovered that, at the time, she was too short to fly commercial planes. She also had an early connection with airships – growing up near the Cardington Airship Hangars in Bedford, England. Seeing the huge airship sheds, she became fascinated with the oversized aircraft, and interested in airship history, particularly the trans-global flights of the Graf Zeppelin.

When they first met, Brian and Alex discovered they had shared interests and aspirations. Early Days In 2005, 14 years after starting Mark/Space, a successful company offering software to move data between mobile phones and computers, Brian was ready to start another business endeavor. While attending a software conference in Cologne, Germany in July, 2006, fate was about to step in. One of the only three Zeppelins in the world was in Cologne, offering a rare chance for Brian to fulfill one of his dreams – to ride in a Zeppelin.

One ride aboard the Zeppelin NT was all it took – Brian was hooked. Designed exclusively for passenger operations, the Zeppelin NT (“New Technology”) is unlike any other airship in the world. Engineered with the best in German technology, the airship's precise handling, and quiet, spacious cabin with oversized windows and restroom were designed for luxurious passenger operations. Realizing that there was no experience like this, and no airship technology like this in the U.S., Brian immediately embarked on his next business venture.

The Zeppelin's manufacturer, Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik (ZLT) and their operating company DZR, had been offering Zeppelin passenger rides successfully in Germany since 2001, with sold-out flights for all eight months of favorable flight weather available each year. Brian sent an email to the company, with an initial business plan to bring a Zeppelin NT to the Bay Area. Two months later, in September, 2006, he returned to convince ZLT that the American marketplace, San Francisco resident and tourist base, and more favorable flying weather in the Bay Area would make for a successful Zeppelin flight operation. They agreed. A deposit was made for the next Zeppelin NT pending production, the fourth Zeppelin NT to be constructed. Up Ship! On May 21, 2008, Airship Venture's Zeppelin NT emerged from Zeppelin's hangar for its maiden flight – launched with pride by the ZLT and Airship Ventures teams, and residents of its hometown of Friedrichshafen, Germany.

The Zeppelin has completed an ocean transit onboard the deck of a container ship from Europe to the U.S. A cross-country transit flight to its new home base at Moffett Field is underway. From there, the Airship Ventures Zeppelin will dazzle guests with luxurious "flight-seeing tours," from select Bay Area airports. Itineraries will include stunning tours of the South Bay/Silicon Valley, San Francisco skyline, Sonoma/Napa Valley wine country, and Monterey/Big Sur.

Airship Ventures' future business plans include the addition of a second Zeppelin airship, to be based on the U.S. east coast, followed by a third Zeppelin devoted to air shows, special events and scientific research missions. The company will also expand its facilities at Moffett Field, moving into the restored former bachelor's officers quarters building – offering facilities for catered corporate and special events.

The vision held by the company's founders is to create an organization that delivers a truly "wow" experience, with a high quality, service-oriented staff that reflects the top quality of its products. They also are excited about the broad range of possibilities for airship technology and working with NASA and others to realize those.

Family Fun If you’re traveling with kids, Cannery Row’s family-friendly entertainment and attractions appeal to adults and children alike. Park the car; you won’t need it while you’re here, because everything is within walking distance of your hotel. A visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, kayaking and tide pooling bring the marine environment to life. Ceramics painting and bead jewelry design provide enjoyment for the older children, while youngsters delight in the interactive exhibits at the Monterey County Youth Museum. Meals are hassle-free, with a variety of full service restaurants offering children’s menus, and delicious snack options for the whole family. Adventure So you like to explore, discover the unknown? Come to Cannery Row and challenge yourself. You won’t be roughing it, because you’ll wake up in a great hotel and start the day with a hearty breakfast prepared for you. But then the contest begins. Climb into a kayak and paddle your way out into the “wilds” of Monterey Bay, where you’ll experience marine life in abundance. Back on shore, examine the wealth of the tide pools along the rocky shoreline; be sure to come back tomorrow because the tide changes the scenery daily. Be one of the select few to enjoy this premiere cold water diving destination, and discover the secrets under the surface. The joy of this adventure is that it’s easily accessible and can be enjoyed in two or three days, each of which ends with clean sheets, a fabulous meal and the memory of exploration. Romance There is no more romantic getaway than Cannery Row on Monterey Bay. Choose from accommodations that include a full-service resort to luxury inns, all with stunning ocean views and the soothing sounds of the surf. Relax with a walk on the beach, or put the world behind you and take a kayak out on the bay. Step out of time and explore the coast in a vintage roadster, then rediscover each other with a couples massage at the penthouse spa. Taste some of Monterey County’s fine wines before you stroll to an intimate dinner that reminds you why food enjoyed by candlelight is so romantic. A memento of your trip won’t be hard to find in the unique specialty shops that dot Cannery Row. Then again, there’s always the memory. The Good Life The Good Life, that perfect combination of environment, treasures and experiences, is the definition of Cannery Row. Your day begins with breakfast in a featherbed at a luxury inn overlooking the water. Spend the day indulging your senses with the perfume of handmade soaps and candles, the vision of fine paintings and photography and the taste of fine wines from around Monterey County. Dinner is a feast of local produce and the freshest seafood, with the sound of waves splashing on the shore. The next morning you play Jay Gatsby with a ride along the coast in a vintage roadster, returning for a leisurely lunch while watching the otters play. In the afternoon you escape to the penthouse spa for a massage and body wrap, and linger in the whirlpool tub drinking in the panoramic views. The Good Life demands precious mementos, so you return to the quest. No need to decide, take them all…jewels, art, gourmet foods, handmade accessories. Note to self: Cannery Row is the Good Life. Click Here to view a photo gallery exploring the rich heritage of Cannery Row. For information on leasing, contact: Cannery Row Company
555 Abrego
Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: 831-649-6690

Built to serve as a public school and town meeting hall, Colton Hall was named for Reverend Walter Colton who was appointed to serve as Alcalde or Chief Magistrate of the Monterey district. It now offers visitors a re-creation of the meeting room where California's first Constitution was drafted in October 1849 and exhibits on early Monterey. Colton Hall is a landmark in the City of Monterey, once the capital of Alta California.

The Historic Edgewater Cannery and Packing Building has been preserved and completely rebuilt by Bella Cinema, LLC and now offers visitors to Monterey County a new expanded experience of Cannery Row and Monterey Bay with an integrated entertainment venue in the heart of Cannery Row. The 17,000 square foot development includes a 290-seat 3D IMAX Theatre, the Edgewater Café, and an exclusive Guy Buffet Art Gallery and is conveniently located at 640 Wave Street across from the main parking facility for Cannery Row, and just a block from the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The Cannery Row IMAX features films in 3D on a giant screen, including the new and exciting National Geographic film production: Sea Monsters 3D. Sea Monsters 3D brings to life the extraordinary marine reptiles of the dinosaur age, through revolutionary CGI animation and real paleontological digs from around the globe. “It’s ‘Finding Nemo’ with a ‘WOW!’ factor of about 100,” says Ann Hornaday of the Washington Post. IMAX 3D is the world’s most immersive 3-Dimensional moviegoing experience. The images appear to jump off the screen and into your lap as a result of the simultaneous projection of two strips of 15/70 film—one for each eye. With superior 3D technology, the giant IMAX screen, digital projection of crystal clear images and 12,000 watts of digital surround sound all combine to make the ultimate Monterey Bay movie experience.

The Edgewater Café, with fixtures crafted in Italy, features a variety of Ciao Bella gelato and sorbetto created with original recipes from Torino, Italy, espresso drinks and a selection of pastries and chocolates. Not only will the café serve visitors to the IMAX theatre, it will also be open and accessible to the general public enjoying a day on Cannery Row.

In addition to the IMAX 3D Theatre and Edgewater Café, the new Cannery Row IMAX Theater complex also features the exclusive Guy Buffet gallery presenting the whimsical paintings and limited editions by French-American artist Guy Buffet, best known worldwide for his colorful designs of chefs and waiters as well as French and Polynesian works.

Experience the wonders of the ocean at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Rated the nation’s No. 1 aquarium in the Zagat Survey U.S. Family Travel Guide, the Aquarium will put you closer to sea life than ever before. Our Ocean’s Edge galleries will amaze you with the three-story living kelp forest, above and below the surface views of playful sea otters, and a walk-through wave crash experience. The Outer Bay galleries put your nose-to-nose with giant tunas, sea turtles and sharks and mesmerize you with huge displays of living jellies. The many mysteries of seahorses are now revealed with "The Secret Lives of Seahorses," the Monterey Bay Aquarium's newest special exhibition. More than 15 species of seahorses, sea dragons, pipehorses and pipefish will entice visitors into the elusive world of charismatic creatures that conduct elaborate courtship dances, are masters of camouflage and rely on the males to get pregnant and deliver the babies. The exhibit highlights what visitors can do to protect seahorses and their fragile habitats in the wild.  Buy Tickets Now Avoid ticket lines and breeze on in—just buy your tickets online. There is no service charge when tickets are printed at home or picked up at will call.   Plan an Event Now! Whether you're planning an intimate reception or a black-tie gala, our onsite event coordinators, animals and stunning exhibits are all here to make your evening special.   Click on the RSS Feed link below to browse additional Monterey Bay Aquarium podcasts!

The Maritime Museum of Monterey can trace its origins as far back as 1931, when Amelie Elkinton, then curator of Monterey’s old Mexican-era Custom House, dreamed of a waterfront maritime museum. The Monterey History & Art Association first began its own quest for a waterfront museum in 1966. But the need became more pressing in 1970, when Adele Knight, widow of MHAA member and former Association president Allen Knight, donated her late husband’s extensive maritime collection to the Association.

The first Maritime Museum of Monterey opened in 1971 as the Allen Knight Maritime Museum, housed in the basement of the Monterey Museum of Art on Calle Principal. After extensive planning and fundraising, the new Maritime Museum of Monterey and History Center opened its doors on October 31, 1992.

Today the Maritime Museum holds almost 6000 artifacts, over 50,000 photographs, and 6000 books and papers in the collection. The 580 glass prisms of the historic Fresnel lens from the Point Sur Lightstation illuminate the Maritime Museum and its seven exhibit areas, from the Rumsien/Ohlone Indians and Spanish explorers, to the USS Macon and war in the Pacific, to Monterey’s era as the sardine capital of the world.  The Allen Knight Collection The Allen Knight Collection formed the core of the Monterey History & Art Association’s Maritime Museum.

Knight’s fascination with the sea had begun in his early childhood growing up in Carmel and San Francisco, when he heard stories about his grandfather’s experiences sailing around the Cape Horn bound for the California gold fields. In 1918, Knight signed on as an able-bodied seaman aboard the ship Falls of Clyde, an adventure that lasted only three months yet sparked an interest in everything nautical that stayed with him the rest of his life. By 1960, Knight’s collection included 9000 photographs, 250 logbooks, scores of ship registers going back to 1839, and 30 ship models.

The first Maritime Museum of Monterey opened in 1971 as the Allen Knight Maritime Museum. It was housed in the basement of the Monterey Museum of Art on Calle Principal but it was generally agreed the location was temporary until a new waterfront site could be found. In 1982, the Monterey City Council approved a proposal for a new museum to be built on the Custom House Plaza – but the city could not provide all the funds needed for construction.

Although it took the MHAA almost 10 years – and a $1 million dollar gift from Virginia Stanton – on July 15, 1991, ground was broken for the new museum. On October 31, 1992, the newly christened Maritime Museum of Monterey and History Center opened its doors. Facility Rental Bring your event to Monterey in style!

Monterey History & Art Association possesses some of Monterey’s loveliest and most historic buildings, as well as one of the largest museum spaces in Monterey. Most are open to visitors, so everyone can appreciate them, but three are also available to rent for special occasions like weddings and birthdays, meetings, business retreats, dinners and receptions. The Maritime Museum is located near Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey. The museum is within walking distance of several major hotels and adjacent to a large public parking lot, making it particularly popular for corporate events and receptions. The Stanton Center Theater offers lecture-style seating for 100, as well as a small stage, projection equipment, and lighting.

A fully operating lamp from Point Sur Lighthouse is the focal point of the Museum, which comprises two story of maritime history. The 400-square-foot lobby makes a great dance floor, with an overhead bridge that’s the perfect place for a jazz trio or DJ. It can seat 150 guests in the upstairs museum or accommodate 500 for a ‘strolling dinner’ between buffet stations. The open-air deck looks out over Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey Bay, and Custom House Plaza.

The Maritime Museum is suitable for everything from intimate dinners for 60–120 people (depending on current exhibits) to receptions for 400. The property has a kitchenette and prep room, and easy access for caterers, decorators and photographers.

The rental fee includes a facility supervisor who remains on-site for the duration of the event.  Docent may be requested for an additional fee.

5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey Available 7 days a week from 5pm until midnight. Theater and Lobby: $1000 (maximum number of guests: 100) Lobby and Museum: $1500 for groups of 250 or less ($3 per person for each additional guest) Theatre, Lobby and Museum: $1800 for groups of 250 or less ($3 per person for each additional guest) Community Room: $50 per hour (includes kitchen) Required deposit: $350/$700 Call Sharon Halvorson at 831-372-2608 ext. 29 or email shalvorson@sbcglobal.net