The first place to look for Beauregard Vineyards wines is Shopper’s Corner. Winery owner and winemaker Ryan Beauregard has strong ties with the food store’s owner Jim Beauregard: that’s his father. It stands to reason, then, that Shopper’s carries a good selection of Ryan’s wines, along with their eclectic assortment of wines made locally and abroad. Over the years, Jim has planted “hundreds of acres of vines throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains,” he says. Ryan’s brother Andre also has his own wine label—West Cliff Wines—and works in the store.
Beauregard Vineyards’ 2015 Bald Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay ($49.99) is a gorgeous mouthful of grape that impressed me with citrusy-tropical flavors and apple-pear aromas. Master Sommelier Ian Cauble, who was featured in the informative 2012 documentary Somm, made commending notes on this Chardonnay. “The nose is gently perfumed with notes of white flowers, honeysuckle, yellow apple, Meyer lemon, stirred lees [used-up yeast cells], raw hazelnut, a touch of oyster shells, and wet white rocks. This wine will get better and better with time … I can’t wait to taste a bottle in 10 years!”
For those who can’t wait that long, head to Shopper’s Corner.
Beauregard’s tasting room is open daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 10 Pine Flat Road, Santa Cruz. 425-7777, beauregardvineyards.com.
Bridal Expo
Bargetto Winery will be providing wine tasting as well as detailed information from event coordinator Cheir Harty about weddings, rehearsal dinners, and private events at Bargetto’s creekside winery. Booths galore will be set up for tasting other local wines and vendors’ goodies, including Corralitos Brewing Co. Fashion shows are at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m., put on by Joyce Anderson (of Joyce Anderson Productions) and featuring Bridal Veil Fashions, Men’s Wearhouse and others. The Expo is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 29 at the Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. beachboardwalk.com/bridal-expo.
