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Christy at the Aviator's Bar

Travel · November 4, 2026

Air India Maharaja Lounge SFO Review: Cocktails, Food, and My Experience

What I wore and where it took me in October. I’m What I wore and where it took me in October. 

I’m a big fan of both well-made basics and pairing them with vintage designer pieces for a high-low look. 

This outfit is an example - I paired a vintage Burberry quilted jacket and silk scarf with my go-to linen pants from @onequince. 

My go-to online shop for basics is Quince, even before I was a #quincepartner. 

Now that the weather is cooling down, I’m trying to get the last wears of my summer linen in. 

Took myself to the Carmel Farmers Market to @matcha.by.the.sea for the first time.

Cozy white sweater and navy skort from my favorite brick-and-mortar shop for basics: @uniqlousa 

What can I say? I grew up in Japan and I’ve been wearing Uniqlo most of my life. 

Annual fall content shoot with the bestie @fannys.wine.bliss. This year we went to Earthbound Farm Stand and stayed till it got dark.

Hot weather called for this airy linen dress from @everlane. This was my first purchase from this company and I liked the dress. The linen felt thicker than a lot of brands. 

I didn’t know I was going to stomp grapes when I got dressed, but I’m glad I wore this outfit!

I knew Pebble Beach would be chilly, so I built this outfit around my @onequince cashmere wrap and what I already had in my closet. #quincepartner

Whiskey & Fire at Pebble Beach! We had so much fun trying the different whiskeys and all the flame-grilled food. Really glad I brought the wrap, it was chilly after the sun went down. 

I knew I would be outside all day, so I wore a linen button-down and my @onequince wide-leg linen pants so I wouldn’t worry about getting a sunburn. These were a new purchase this year my other linen pants are cropped. #quincepartner

This was one of the hottest days of the month, but the weather was perfect for the first annual Tides & Terroir walk-around tasting at Asilomar.

Carmel mornings are chilly. So I love a comfy sweater, and this navy and white striped one from @uniqlousa is a favorite of mine.

Went on a solo date to get a permanent bracelet from @bonded.carmelbythesea. Thanks, Mindy! I love it.
Had so much fun at Whiskey & Fire Pebble Beach fro Had so much fun at Whiskey & Fire Pebble Beach from @heritagefiretour x @whiskiesoftheworld. 

When they told the Chefs to bring the heat, they certainly did! I’ve never seen so many flame grilled delicacies. This event was truly a carnivore’s dream!

From fall of the bone ribs, to bison steak, and even grilled octopus. My all time favorite bite was the A5 Wagyu from Chef Pablo Mellin from Roy’s. Although, the Flame Roasted Beast from Chef Christian Pulido at the Lodge was the most impressive to look at! 

While I usually drink wine, I still had fun sampling some fantastic whiskeys, and even mixed my own blend of bitters for a custom smokey old fashion 

This evening was so much fun, I enjoyed sampling delicious bites while the sunset over Pebble Beach and the flames from all of the grills lit up the night. 

Thank you Heritage Fire x Whiskies of the World for the tickets.
Taking myself to @tejidocollective on a solo date Taking myself to @tejidocollective on a solo date to get a @bonded.carmelbythesea permanent bracelet. 

I’ve always loved the idea of a bracelet you never have to take off, or worry about losing. After my friend showed me her permanent bracelet, I wanted one too! 

So I took the plunge and went to see the expert, Mindy Hamilton, owner of Bonded and the @hamiltonhatlounge. 

The whole experience was so much fun. I love my new bracelet! It’s so dainty and I love that it’s just always on. Thank you for the bracelet Mindy!
I feel that wine is best when shared, and what bet I feel that wine is best when shared, and what better way to bring people together than a home cooked meal? As someone who loves to have people over, but doesn’t always make time, Come Over October is my annual reminder to reach out to friends.

When I have friends over for dinner, I like to open both a red and white wine like this Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon and Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc from @oberon_wines. That way guests can try pairing the wines with different food and maybe even try a wine they don’t usually drink.

October may be wrapping up, but that doesn’t mean the spirit of Come Over October has to. So take some time before the busy holiday season and reach out to someone you’ve been meaning to.
Sometimes the plans are relaxing at home and havin Sometimes the plans are relaxing at home and having a glass of wine. I’ve noticed it’s getting darker earlier, and it’s making me a homebody. 

I always love curling up on the couch under the blankets with a fire in the fireplace, and with Fall in full swing, I now have an excuse to. 

Sipping on this @mommessin_ Grand Mises Morgon Côte du Py 2024 reminded me it’s time to start planning out my Thanksgiving menu and wine pairings. 

I’m always a fan of pairing Turkey with Gamay based wines, such as this Morgon Côte du Py, because lower tannin red wines won’t overpower lean turkey meat like Cabernet Sauvignon and other higher tannin red wines can. Pinot Noir is another of my go to choices. 

While this wine would pair well with Turkey, it’s also an excellent sip on its own. Thank you @winebow for the wine sample.
My very first time stomping grapes at the @tiranan My very first time stomping grapes at the @tirananza Fall Release Party! 5 years of wine content and a wine studies degree later and I’ve never stomped grapes before, can you believe it?

Last weekend we visited Tira Nanza’s beautiful Carmel Valley property. You truly feel like you’re on a mini vacation in the countryside at their winery. 

This was my first time visiting and experiencing Cachagua Rd. It’s a long winding road, but so worth it. Be prepared though, you will lose phone service! 

Tira Nanza also has a tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea if you’re looking for something closer. 

The weather was perfect and I really enjoyed their Albariño especially paired with the Paella from @partyforyourpalate. Tira Nanza also makes a Cabernet Sauvignon, which you don’t see as much in Monterey Wine Country as a lot of the wine growing areas in the county aren’t warm enough. Carmel Valley (which is where their Cab is from) is warm enough. 

We really enjoyed exploring their winery, the sunshine and the mini break away deep in Carmel Valley. 

Thank you @tirananza for hosting us. We can’t wait to visit again. 

#montereywinecountry
My go-to restaurants and bars in Monterey and Carm My go-to restaurants and bars in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea for cocktails. 

While I usually stick to wine, I sometimes order a vodka dirty martini with as many olives as the bartender will give me. 

As a local, here’s 5 places I would take you for cocktails if you were visiting Monterey Bay:

@budsatlaplaya 

@cheznoircarmel 

@sardinefactory 

@stokesadobe 

@thecaledonianrestaurant 

Have you tried these places?

#montereybay #seemonterey #carmelbythesea
About Me

About

I’m Christy, a wine blogger based in Monterey wine country who loves exploring California’s diverse wine-growing regions and telling the stories of the wineries I visit.

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