Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Day, April 18th, 2009
Ξ April 15th, 2009 | → 0 Comments | ∇ A Day at a Time, Wine News, Wineries |
The event has come yet again. Saturday, April 18th is 2009’s second Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Day. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. some of the finest wines of the region will be served. Only a portion of the AVA will be participating but that does not mean that other wineries will not be open and pouring. The participation of a winery only means that a Passport may be purchased on the premises and that a souvenir stamp may be affixed.
I have a few winery suggestions:
Ridge Vineyards is a great visit. I do not know what they shall be offering Saturday but it hardly matters. Their quality is across the board.
Next I would recommend Black Ridge Vineyards. Not only is it a beautiful vineyard and well situated as a first stop for visitors coming up to the Santa Cruz Mountains from the Santa Clara Valley, but at a recent tasting I found their 2006 San Andreas Red to be quite wonderful. It is a traditional Bordeaux blend, 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% of both Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Their 2006 Estate-grown Pinot Noir was also superb. I preferred it over their 2007. Whether they will be pouring any or all of these I cannot say. Couldn’t hurt to ask should one of the mentioned wines be absent!
I would also suggest Heart O’ The Mountain in Scotts Valley. The winery itself will be open for the first time. The house was formerly owned by Alfred Hitchcock from 1940 to 1974, and has enjoyed an interesting farming history.
When mapping out your winery itinerary be sure to check the latest updates from the websites of the participating wineries themselves. Many wineries are off the beaten path, tucked along small mountain roads, and it would be inconvenient to have to turn around should your destination be closed.
Drive safely!
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