I have been a fan of Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery for a long time—their wines get better and better and it’s always a joy to visit their tasting room and happening outdoor patio. Winemaker Richard Alfaro and his wife Mary Kay Alfaro want every visitor to have a good experience.
I tried an impressive 2016 Rosella’s Vineyard Chardonnay ($32) recently, made with grapes from Santa Lucia Highlands. Tasting notes say: “This wine begins on the nose with the subtle hint of fresh-baked bread,” which is apropos considering Richard Alfaro used to own a bakery. This pale straw-colored Chardonnay also carries tempting aromas of caramel and cinnamon, leading to creamy tropical mango, peach and pear flavors. Richard suggests pairing it with fish, shellfish, pork, or dishes that have a cream or butter base. But with such a delicious wine, it’s perfectly fine to have a glass all by itself.
Local artist Scott Erwert designed the eye-catching label, which stars a young blonde driving a tractor through a lush vineyard.
Alfaro Vineyards & Winery, 420 Hames Road, Corralitos, 728-5172. alfarowine.com.
Challenger Tennis Tournament
Alfaro wines will be poured for the sponsors of the Nordic Naturals Challenger tennis tournament at Seascape Sports Club in Aptos, which runs Aug. 4-12. Main sponsors include Nordic Naturals and Santa Cruz County Bank. Won by Andy Murray in 2005, the tournament is an opportunity to see up-and-coming tennis players—and tickets are available at the door. Other wines featured are from Bargetto, Lucia Highlands, Bartolo, Pelican Ranch, and Margins. Wine and food will be available for purchase.
Seascape Sports Club, 1505 Seascape Blvd., Aptos. 688-1993, seascapesportsclub.com.
Harvest Dinner
The Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association will host a fundraiser evening under the stars at Deer Park Ranch in Aptos, home to Lester Estate Wines. The Pinot Noir & Chardonnay Harvest Dinner, with local cuisine prepared by Brad Briske of Home restaurant, is a benefit for Hospice of Santa Cruz County. This food and wine extravaganza will be held from 4-9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19. Tickets are $150. Visit scmwa.com for more info.
