Celebrate Summer... with a barbecue, zinfandel and sunshine. On Saturday, Jouillian Vineyards has a coming-out party for their 1999 Cuvee Zinfandel. Jouillian's scenic 655 acres, nestled in the Cachagua hills, is the perfect place for wine and feasting among the grapevines. Carnivorous crowds wishing to eat the vineyard-supplied barbecue will spend $5, while DYI picknickers will enjoy a free glass of Joullian Vineyard's newest release. Ridge Watson, Jouillian's winemaker, has created a much-acclaimed blend of Zinfandel, Petit Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that filled only 387 much-coveted cases this year--partaking of this limited release is the first reason oenophiles will be attracted to the shinding. And since these guys are the only producers of Zin in Carmel Valley, this could be the only chance to indulge in a hard-to-come-by local treat. The grill will be sizzling with sausages, baked beans and a smorgasbord of cheeses that compliment every nuance, subtlety, and aroma of the Jouillian's new Zinfandel, a perfect barbecue red. The vineyard's oak barrels will be uncorked and flowing for the tasting.

Joullian Vineyards, 20300 Cachagua (near Tassajara). Saturday, 11am to 4pm. Free wine tasting, $5/barbecue. Call 659-2800 for more details. 

Tomato Futures... It's closing in on this year's Tomato Fest at Quail Lodge. Sure, September seems like a long time away, but considering that last year's tickets were sold out two months in advance, now is the time to reserve space for the September 16 tomato extravaganza. Fifty of Central and Northern California's best chefs--from Napa Valley, Santa Barbara and the Monterey Peninsula--have been invited to enter their best tomato creation for everyone to try. Seventy-five bucks buys a tasting of more than 300 tomato varieties grown by Gary "Tomato Man" Ibsen, more than 60 Monterey County wines, an extravagant country barbecue, an international olive oil tasting, and the chance to get some of the very hard-to-come-by heirloom tomato seeds for planting. Ibsen's tomato festival has been called a "veritable nirvana of tomato delights"--I wouldn't want any tomato lover to miss it.

Call 625-6041 for reservations.

No Ghost Story... A few years ago, I took one of those historic walking tours of the adobe houses in downtown Monterey. The local historian leaned over to me as we crossed over Polk Street onto Hartnell saying, "Do you know about the ghosts in old Stokes Adobe?" I didn't --but from that moment on I have been insatiably curious. While I don't have any ghost stories to relate, I can tell you the latest news from the popular Monterey eatery. Back in February, Stokes closed their doors for a full month of renovations--transforming the farmhouse into a Mediterranean villa. The much-celebrated Daniel Peterson, Utah's artist of the year in 2000, filled the off-white walls with vibrant colors bringing the warmth of the Mediterranean into every corner of the historic home. Of course, some of the warmth I felt might have come from the new, exposed, wood burning stove that opened up a whole new world of gastronomic possibilities for chef Brandon Miller. This small-town gem known for their big-city food now has the decor to match. The regulars are thrilled with the changes inside, making a place that's already well known for its cozy atmosphere even more inviting.

Stokes Adobe Restaurant, 500 Hartnell, Monterey. Call 373-1110 for reservations.