Late for the Dance – Zinfandel Dessert Wine 2009
Don’t you love the name “Late for the Dance”! A couple, pictured in silhouette on Dancing Creek’s distinctive label, conjures up a picture of having dinner out, some nice wine – and then finishing off the evening with a voluptuous touch of sweet Zinfandel. With a tooth for all things dulce, I love to end a meal with something sweet, and a dessert wine gives one that little honey-in-the-mouth fix. Dancing Creek Winery owners, Jim and Robin Boyle, have made a lovely wine here in Late for the Dance. It has just the right amount of sweetness without being cloying. And with a piece of chocolate, it’s just divine.
At only $10 a bottle (for 750 ml.), one can afford to buy several and dance the night away.
Dancing Creek Winery, 4363 Branciforte Drive, Santa Cruz, (408) 497-7753. Dancingcreekwinery.com. The tasting room is open the third Saturday of the month from noon to 5 p.m.
Wine Events:
Winemakers’ Dinner at Seascape Resort – Friday, May 11
This is an opportunity to experience the superb wines of three local wineries at a splendid dinner at Seascape Resort. Chef Boris Ilabaca is preparing a scrumptious four-course dinner to pair with the wines of Nicholson Vineyards and Pleasant Valley Vineyards (located in Aptos), and Windy Oaks Estate (located in Corralitos). This special dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. with passed hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wine. Tickets are $95 (tax and gratuity included). For reservations call Seascape Resort at 662-7141. You might want to consider staying overnight at the resort after this one.
Saratoga Wine Stroll – “Bonnets & Blooms”
Saratoga is putting on its second annual springtime Wine Stroll on Saturday, May 12 from 2:30-6 p.m. This is an opportunity to explore Saratoga Village on Mother’s Day weekend whilst sipping on wines from local wineries. It’s also a good time to buy your mother a bouquet for her special day. Info: Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, (408) 867-0753. in**@sa*************.org“>in**@sa*************.org.
Ristorante Barolo on TV Show Restaurant Impossible, May 16
Ristorante Barolo is putting on a king-sized party on Wednesday, May 16. From 3-6 p.m. get a glass of wine (or beer) and pizza for $20; or from 6-9:30 p.m. enjoy a three-course prix fixe dinner for $55 (which also includes a glass of champagne); or just go to the after -party from 9:30-11:30 p.m. for $25, which includes fruit, cheese, dessert pizza and a glass of champagne. The $55 dinner includes all three parties. Restaurant Impossible featuring Ristorante Barolo will be shown at 10 p.m. on a big-screen TV in the restaurant. There will be entertainment throughout the night, including live music and fire-dancing.
Ristorante Barolo in the Bayview Hotel, 8041 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-8654.
