At a get-together with my Wild Wine Women group at the start of fall, we had lunch at Hunter Hill Vineyard at the invitation of Christine Slatter, co-owner of the winery with her husband Vann. It was a last hurrah for Christine as she and Vann decided some time ago to sell the winery—lock, stock and barrel.
Our chef that day was the talented Anthony Kresge, who is back in town to operate Sotola Bar & Grill in Capitola—formerly the Stockton Bridge Grille. Not only did Kresge prepare some outstanding food for us, we also had some marvelous Hunter Hill wines with every course, including Hunter Hill’s lush Estate Syrah 2013. Paired with chicken from Fogline Farms, it was a perfect match with Kresge’s culinary expertise. This estate Syrah is grown on the highest elevation of the vineyard and really shows Vann Slatter’s skills as a winemaker. We will sorely miss his Syrah—not to mention his Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. Since the Slatters are pulling out of the business, most of these wines are for sale by the case at a huge discount on the website store. A case of the Syrah is $200. Check online for more info.
Hunter Hill Vineyard & Winery, 7099 Glen Haven Road, Soquel, 465-9294. hunterhillwines.com. Sotola Bar & Grill, 231 Esplanade, Capitola, 854-2800. Sotolabarandgrill.com.
Albacore Feed
If you love a delicious mouthful of albacore, then this event is for you. The Castroville Rotary Club and the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project is putting on its 39th annual Albacore Feed starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12. There will be door prizes, a silent auction and project demonstrations. The event will be held at the Recreation Center, 11621 Crane St., Castroville. Tickets are available at the door and cost $20 (kids 12 and under $10).
Santa Cruz Wine Walk
Taste some terrific local wines as you stroll around downtown Santa Cruz for the fall Wine Walk. The event will be held rain or shine from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 on the day of (if not sold out). Check in is at Plaza Lane where you will be given a map of tasting locations. More info can be found at downtownsantacruz.com.
