Brandon Armitage is making some of the best wines around. On a recent visit to the tasting room, my husband and I went through a flight of complex and interesting wines, even trying a few over and over because they were so good.
Hospitality is the name of the game at the Armitage tasting room. Sarah, who loves pouring samples and filling glasses to the brim for customers, generously shared her food from next door’s Akira. We sat next to a couple on a high-rise table who did the same thing—asking us to try a few pieces of their sushi. There is always a good vibe at Armitage—and having Akira Sushi next door is a boon, for sure. The restaurant’s bold flavors pair well with Armitage’s fine wines.
Armitage’s 2020 Rosé of Pinot Noir falls into that category. This coral-hued beauty is upbeat, fresh and a cut above most rosés found on supermarket shelves. Its aromas and flavors of strawberry, rhubarb, watermelon and rose petals attest to this. And it’s only $19.60.
Those in the know are aware that Brandon Armitage farms superior grapes on the old Alfred Hitchcock estate in Scotts Valley. Tiny Winery concerts are held on the sweeping property during the warmer months and private events on Saturdays.
Armitage Wines, 105c Post Office Drive (between Starbucks and Akira), Aptos. 831-708-2874. armitagewines.com.
Bread & Butter Prosecco
Bread & Butter Wines makes a good Prosecco for under $15. This balanced bubbly is produced in a small Italian town and delivers lively notes of ripe apple, pear and white peach. And, as they say on their website, this wine is easy to pop, so don’t overthink it! Bread & Butter Wines are also made in Napa. Another of their wines I recommend is the 2019 Merlot for $15.99. 3105 Silverado Trail, Napa. 833-332-7323. breadandbutterwines.com.
