Carmel Valley is an unincorporated area east of Carmel with Carmel Valley Village about twelve miles east of Highway One. Drive east from the coast and you immediately sense the rural fla-vor of the area as you pass ranches with grazing horses and cattle and view the beautiful vistas of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Recently built gated luxury developments have changed the casual environment some, but residents still enjoy the laid back country lifestyle of the Valley and enjoy hiking, horseback riding, golf, tennis and other outdoor pursuits. Wine tasting in the Village has become very popular with many tasting rooms offering samples from the numerous wineries and vineyards east of the village.