Josie Cowden

Josie Cowden explores Dresser Winery’s 2023 Zinfandel, with its rich berry aromas, savory notes and floral complexity, plus a beachside dinner and Capitola wine-bar news.

Rosscienda is making a name for itself in Aptos with expressive estate wines, including the 2025 Big Char Chardonnay, a bright, layered bottle with notes of nectarine, lemon custard, white peach and baking spice.

Josie Cowden pairs Ian Brand’s 2023 Escolle Vineyard Chardonnay with chef Michelle Gomez’s inventive menu at Jack O’Neill’s Restaurant in the Santa Cruz Dream Inn.

The Hilt Estate’s 2023 Chardonnay from the Santa Rita Hills offers ripe stone fruit, dried mango and toasty complexity, alongside local food and drink notes from Aptos.

After a decade in California’s wine industry, Dan Murphy returned home to Columbia Falls, Montana, to launch White Raven Winery and make wines of his own.

La Bahia Hotel’s High Tide restaurant pairs Pacific Rim-inspired seafood and ocean views with a pale-pink Flowers Sonoma Coast Rosé.

Alfaro Family Vineyards’ 2025 “A” Estate Chardonnay offers bright pear, apple and white peach flavors, while a summer reception pairs local wine with photography.

Josie Cowden spotlights The Paring’s 2021 Red Wine from Lompoc, a crimson blend with notes of cedar, toast, coffee, tobacco and dark fruit.