Santa Cruz Mountain AVA great summer getaway, according to Modesto wine columnist
We got lucky. Our ocean house rental just happened to be the week of consecutive 100-plus degree days here in the Valley. We woke up every morning to a chilly fog bank (Yes!). It burned off by noon with temps in the mid-60s with cool on-shore breezes. That’s what we call chillin’.
The Santa Cruz Mountains are called “America’s Premier Mountain Appellation” because it was the first wine region to be defined by a mountain range, in 1981. The AVA is big, covering 480,000 acres with 70-plus wineries and over 200 small vineyards. Fifteen hundred acres are planted in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot and Zinfandel grapes.
It would take weeks to experience the entire AVA. I suggest you do it by regions. Since you can’t move into your beach cottage until late afternoon, start with the Gilroy region with Clos LaChance Vineyards and/or the Martin Ranch Winery. As you head over Hecker Pass you’ll drop into the Corralitos/Aptos region. This little region is producing excellent chards and pinots. My favorites are Windy Oaks Winery (great lunch spot), Storrs Winery and Alfaro Family Vineyards. If it’s near 4 p.m. head to your beach cottage and settle in. Remember, relax and enjoy your escape from the sizzling Valley heat. Take a nap or just do some sipin’ and chillin’ on the deck.
Day two is close by in Aptos Village. You can park and walk to Armitage Winery, Santa Arcangeli Family Wines, Ser Winery and the Cantine Winepub. Day three is optional. Whale watching, fishing, riding the big dipper, hitting the beach or continue tasting 12 more wineries in and around Santa Cruz. To escape the heat. see winesofthesantacruzmountains.com for more info. Cheers!
Madera wineries shine
In the recent Sunset International Wine Competition, the Westbrook Wine Farm won a Double Gold Medal and a Best of Class Award for their Malvasia Bianca Solera dessert wine called Malmsey Dearest. The San Joaquin Winery also scored a Double Gold and a score of 95 for its 2021 Toschi Vineyard Red Moscato. Double Golds are awarded only when all the judges agree a wine deserves a Gold. Congratulations!
What’s on our table
The 2019 Arborist from Vina Robles Winery is a red blend from Paso Robles. The wine is 45% Syrah, 40% Petite Sirah, 10% Grenache and 5% Tannat. Aged 16 months in oak barrels, the wine has dark cherry flavors, and mild tannins. The SRP is $20, Costco price is $12.95. That makes it a steal and a deal. A portion of every bottle sold goes to the Arbor Day Foundation. With the proceeds to date, 21,000 trees have been planted. Cheers to the Vina Robles Winery!
Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.