Briefs: Promotional wine tour launches

Monterey County's wine industry launched a promotional tour this month in conjunction with the 2009 Wine Enthusiast Toast of the Town celebrations in Atlanta, Chicago and New York.

More than 25 county vintners are represented as the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association takes part in a wine tour.

The tour started April 16 at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, with an April 30 stop at The Field Museum in Chicago and June 15 appearance at Lincoln Center in New York.

Participating wineries include J. Lohr, Carmel Road, Paraiso, Chateau Julien, Morgan, Cima Collina, Ventana, Delicato Family Vineyards, Manzoni, Estancia, Michaud, Galante, Scheid, Jekel, La Rochelle, Pessagno, Line Shack, Pierce Vineyards, Lockwood, Pianetta, McIntyre, Parsonage, Bernardus, De Tierra and San Saba.

CARMEL
Chamber hosts business workshop

The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will hold a business accelerator workshop on "The Easiest and Fastest Way to a Business Plan That You Can Take to the Bank," noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Carmel Mission Inn, 3665 Rio Road.

The workshop speaker is Bob Kramer, president of the Alternative Board of Monterey and Salinas.

The workshop is $10 for chamber members, $15 for the public. Check-in is 11:30 a.m. Box lunches can be ordered in advance for $14.

For information, call 648-5360, or see www.mpcc.com.

SEASIDE
Junior league holds networking event

The Junior League of Monterey County hosts a networking and training event on "Building Community Partnerships" from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 1 at Embassy Suites Hotel Monterey Bay, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd.

The training event, open to all local nonprofits and their board members, will feature networking training facilitated by Vicki Clark, a consultant, trainer and speaker. Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of their organization's mission statement.

The registration deadline is Tuesday. For information, call 375-5356 or see www.jlmontereycounty.org.

SALINAS
Lunch Local coming to Loose Caboose

The Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold this month's Lunch Local noon Wednesday at Loose Caboose, 934 Park Row.

The monthly program supports the Buy Local campaign and offers informal networking opportunities.

Attendees pay for their own lunch, with no additional cost to attend and no reservations required.

For information, see www.salinaschamber.com.

— Herald staff reports