Moscat at Midday
Soif is giving us even more reason to enjoy wine in the daytime, now that the menu has expanded to include lunch fare. From noon to 2pm, Wednesday through Saturday, the destination-worthy wine bar and eatery offers a more casual list of weekly changing selections. Some examples of Soif's first lunch menu include a roasted beet salad with watercress, walnuts and chèvre and a prosciutto, fig, and mozzarella panini. Specially picked and unique wine offerings remain, as does the adjoining wine shop, which is open throughout the day for all of those pre-dinner party needs. (www.soifwine.com)

Home At Last
Years of nomadic crushing and transient winemaking have finally come to an end for Jeff Emory and Dennis Huey of Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard. Their brand new production space and tasting room on Ingalls Street is finally open, and the location couldn't be better. The space, in the old Bonny Doon production building, will house tasting rooms for Bonny Doon Vineyard (which is relocating off the mountain), Sones, Vino Tabi, Pelican Ranch and Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing Co. The high visibility of the surrounding Swift Street Courtyard area makes the new home a sure success. "We're doing everything here. ... It's gonna be large and in charge!" beams Huey. Selections being poured the day I visited included some classics such as the 2004 Baily's Vineyard Pinot Noir and the 2005 Branciforte Creek Pinot Noir. As of this spring, Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard became the sole growers of the grapes from the latter, a Double Gold-winning wine, planted on four acres in 1988. They are also busy crafting wines from Pierce Ranch in the San Antonio Valley, all Portuguese varietals. (www.santacruzmountainvineyard.com)

Food for Village People
After getting several tips to stop by Seascape Foods in Aptos, I revisited the little South County market and deli for some picnic items. If you happen to be hanging around the Seascape Village area, a place that is a baffling combination of resort town and gated community, this gourmet grocer holds an abundance of options. I was told to try the homemade muffins (blueberry with crusty, sweet turbinado sugar tops) and the classic Greek salad with cucumber, feta, Kalamata olives, tomatoes and herbs. There are made-to-order deli sandwiches, custom tailored or house specialty, all featured on Kelly's bread, homemade soup of the day, a cold case full of deli salads and substantial dishes, and even some hot breakfast options. The rest of the store maintains a large selection of wines, chocolate, organic produce and quality snacks, with an obvious local nod to some of our outstanding producers and businesses. As of June 29, Seascape residents can now enjoy their very own farmers market every Sunday morning. (831.685.3134)

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