Inspired by the culinary bounty of California's Central Coast, Holman Ranch Tasting Room, located at 19 E. Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village, is working Edible Monterey Bay to invite local culinary chefs and artisans to demonstrate how wine can be best complemented with fresh culinary products found throughout the Central Coast.

The “In Your Backyard” series brought to you by Edible Monterey Bay and Holman Ranch will have chefs and artisans sharing their tips and techniques for finding the perfect, fresh ingredients for preparing truly memorable meals, side dishes as well as understanding flavor pairings. From paella to cheese tastings, the series will showcase local experts knowledgeable on everything from how to select the best meats to creating savory pastries with ingredients from the local Farmers Market. Each demonstration will offer recommendations for the best wine to pair with the featured culinary item.

Here is a sneak peak at the first quarter classes:

In Your Backyard 2014 Class Schedule:

• January 23rd at 6:00 p.m.– Tony Baker, Montrio Bistro and Bakers Bacon, Bacon Demonstration and Tasting

Baker will be doing a cooking demo on how to make Braised Baker's Bacon, smoked Bacon Peanut Butter, Pickled Apples, and Chicharrones.  He will touch on cooking techniques such as Braising, Roasting, Dehydrating and Frying.  Each guest will get a sample of his bacon dish and a recipe card to take home.  This was the dish Baker prepared at Pebble Beach Food and Wine this year.  Delicious!

• February 27th at 6:00 p.m. — Elena Salsedo from Sweet Elenas will teach the art of making the perfect sweet and savory morsels and what wines complement her delights. She will focus on cooking with products from the Farmers’ Market.
• March 27th, 6:00 p.m. – Chef Brandon Miller, Mundaka, National Paella Day

Every cuisine has one – a one-pot meal, a peasant dish that is the quintessential definition of that place and the people. Louisiana has jambalaya. Chile has the cazuela. There’s Irish Stew and Pad Thai. And the Spanish? Well, they have Paella. March 27th is National Paella Day so let Chef Brandon take you on a culinary journey through Spain and teach you the tips and secrets of how to make traditional Spanish Paella. Sip Holman Ranch wine, learn how to make Paella and take home a recipe card so that you can create this dish for your family and friends.

• April 29th, 6:00 p.m. – Schoch Family Farmstead Cheese Class

Spend an evening with Schoch Family Farmstead in an intimate class discovering and savoring seasonal, artisanal cheeses that they make on their farmstead in Monterey County.  Explore the world of cheese making and pairing by tasting Schoch Family Farmstead cheeses with Holman Ranch wines.  Beau Schoch will delve into the story behind each cheese, as well as give practical advice about selecting, serving, pairing, and more!

• May and June classes in final confirmation stage – stay tuned!

Reservations are required for all classes. This includes the class, wine tasting, small bites, and meeting, learning, and sampling from a local artisan. A portion of the class proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer's Association.

Holman Ranch’s Carmel Valley Village Tasting Room is the perfect backdrop to swirl, sip, and savor the different complexities of Holman Ranch Vineyard and Winery wines while learning about the culinary bounty available in your own backyard.