Visitors might notice some unexpected, though entirely welcome, dinner guests at A Taste of Monterey-Wine Market & Bistro. Whales, sea lions, otters, and other marine animals often pop up to say hello through the floor-to-ceiling windows that cover an entire wall of the dining room, which overlooks Monterey Bay. A grand sight, but what stands at the room's opposite end is perhaps even more impressive. Here, wine racks hold some of the best bottles from more than 95 local wineries. In short, the place is a far cry from its humble origins, as a sardine cannery built circa 1918, the year California legalized putting fish in small containers.

Patrons can pick a favorite wine, opt for a flight to sample several varietals, or go a completely different route with a house-made prickly pear lemonade. Whatever the choice, the bistro's chefs are ready with promising food pairings, including more than 20 artisan cheeses from California. Other shareable plates arrive in the tasting room loaded with Monterey crab dip and flatbread pizzas in inventive flavors such as the Viva Italia: prosciutto, Ricotta cheese, apple, arugula, and balsamic.