![Scratch Wines Tasting Room, Carmel by the Sea, CA](https://www.WineAndCheeseFriday.com/media/posts/264/45496013974_e021894505_z.jpg)
We were able to visit a second tasting room, during our visit to Carmel by the Sea. Coincidentally, this was another brand we learned about from the Pink Society. Scratch Wines was the featured guest, only days before we arrived in California. Carmel by the Sea isn’t a very big town but Scratch was just down the road from Holman Ranch. During the chat, I had found out that this tasting room is in a shared space with an art gallery, what a great idea! There wasn’t anyone else in the tasting room when we arrived so we had a private tasting with Ally, who happily shared some cheese recommendations to try with the Scratch Wines.
![Sideways Wine Bottle, Hitching Post, Buellton, CA](https://www.WineAndCheeseFriday.com/media/posts/254/29455876227_a69b3c574e_z.jpg)
For how many times Neil and I have watched Sideways, we’ve never been to the region to try the wines. We made a point to take a trip to the Santa Rita Hills AVA this summer to follow the Sideways tourist map. We were calling it our Sideways Wine Tour and it would begin outside of Santa Barbara and end in San Jose with us stopping every day or two along the California Coast.
![Dueling Merlots 1](https://www.WineAndCheeseFriday.com/media/posts/142/24151178103_e6587cef96_h.jpg)
![Dueling Merlots 2](https://www.WineAndCheeseFriday.com/media/posts/142/24751818556_272e71ebfb_h.jpg)
Recently during a layover at Newark Airport, we took a little time to enjoy some wine. The restaurant, Proof, was located in the center aisle between the gates. Although it was essentially in the middle of the walkway, it was surprisingly relaxed and chill. This part of the airport must have been recently remodeled because you placed your order on iPads, at your table, and could even pay with your frequent flyer miles!