4 Reasons to Plan Your Next Event at Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley

Today's guest post is brought to you by Jen Andrade of The Mom Reviews.

Nestled in one of California's most beautiful locations, Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley is inland from the Monterey Bay and surrounded by grand oaks and rolling hills. The beautiful private estate offers unlimited possibilities for weddings, engagements, family reunions, holiday parties, or business seminars and any other occasion you can think of.

Once the center of social life in Carmel Valley, Holman Ranch hosted Who's Who in Hollywood entertainment parties with the likes of Clark Gable, Vincent Price, Joan Crawford, and Marlon Brando! The lovely manicured grounds immediately inspire peace and tranquility, the quiet surrounds you all but a the chirping birds and buzzing bees.

The focal point of the 400 acre Holman Ranch is its recently restored 1928 Carmel stone Hacienda, a magical estate that sits atop a grassy hill, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

1. Amenities

Planning a wedding? The picturesque location offers so much for the bride and groom and the wedding party. Imagine sipping estate-grown wine in our stunning vineyards, exchanging vows al fresco among the rolling hills, tasting buttery and sumptuous house-pressed olive oil at your rehearsal dinner in our enchanting olive orchard.

Exchange vows outdoors and within the sanctity of the Catholic Church doctrines or inside the private chapel, ensconced in the hacienda that has been sanctified by a Catholic Priest and seats up to 50 people.

Family Reunion in mind? Carmel Valley's first pool was placed at Holman Ranch, stroll past the Pinot Noir vineyard to the Wine Cave for barrel tasting, or head to The Stables for a horseback or carriage ride!

Gather and perhaps dance (quincenera?) in the Rose Patio. Other family events such as baptisms, memorial services, private masses, blessings, interfaith unions, and memorials are also welcome in the chapel on the property.

Planning a friends' retreat? Skeet Shooting, scavenger hunts, poker nights, billiards, and darts in the game room is available. Wine and olive oil tasting is available, space in the Carriage House can include tables for scrapbooking or crafting, yoga or Zumba!

Planning a business seminar? All the technology you need is included:

-Drop Down Screens, Projectors and Conference Phone
-Audio Visual Equipment
-Wi-Fi Access
-Fully Appointed Executive Board Room

2. Amazing Photo Opportunities

Everywhere you turn there is a view that you can't miss. There are gardens of flowers you have to see. The architecture of the buildings themselves are so ornate and unique they can be the stunning backdrop to wedding or family photography. Even if you're there for a business seminar, you can't help but snap a shot that may be the next framed art in your living room or office! Here's what I mean!

3. Cozy Cottages

10 guest rooms, most with two beds or a bed and sofa bed (sleeps up to 4) provide a comfortable setting to get back to at the end of a great day. Heating and air conditioned rooms offer a private full bath with organic bath products, and there is also a lobby area with a full kitchen and fireplace. We loved the patio decks most with their wooden rocking chairs and tables to enjoy your morning coffee or a night cap in the evenings.

4. The Wine

Holman Ranch has a small 20 acrre estate vineyard located in the world-class Carmel Valley appellation. Harvested by hand and cellared in their estate wine cave, the wines are crafted to present the true varietal character of the fruit "vine to bottle." Thanks to the climate of central coast California, the warmth of the valley combined with the cooling marine layer provides optimal growing conditions for Pinot varietals.

Their off-dry Pinot Gris was amazing, and if you love sweet whites, the Sweet Love late harvest Savignon Blanc tastes like Hawaii in a glass! The 2010 Hunter's Cuvee named for Holman Ranch owner Hunter Lowder is an award winner and has a delightful story to go with it!

Tasting Holman Ranch wines can be done at their tasting room less than a mile from the ranch, 19 E. Carmel Valley Road. and events can be planned at that location as well!

I've dined with the owners, enjoyed the wine, stayed in the cottage, and have toured the gorgeous grounds, vineyard, cave, and olive grove.

There is so much history, beauty, love, and professionalism at Holman Ranch that it inspires me to plan an event every time I think about it, it's truly an idyllic location!