Winemaker Ryan Beauregard was raised around the aromas of sandy loam topsoils and fresh dew on the vines. Growing up at the Beauregard Ranch, where his great-grandfather planted the original vineyard in 1949, he remembers playing among the vines and all the different smells he experienced. “To this day, he says, “I can smell a wine in the cellar and know specifically where it came from on the home ranch.”
Beauregard’s 2011 Chardonnay Bald Mountain Vineyard ($45) is made from premium grapes grown at an elevation of around 1,000 feet—a prime spot in Bonny Doon combining rare white sandy Zayante soil and cooling Monterey Bay marine influences. The result is a balanced acidity with flavors of pineapple, cream and honeydew. Tantalizingly delicious, this impressive Chardonnay is beautifully made by Beauregard, whose wines just keep getting better and better. Try them all in Beauregard’s lovely tasting room. Beauregard Vineyards, 10 Pine Flat Road, Santa Cruz, 425-7777. Beauregardvineyards.com.
Poetic Cellars Benefit
Katy Lovell, co-owner of Poetic Cellars, well-known local winemaker and single mother of three, died of pancreatic cancer on July 10. A benefit will be held for her family from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27 at Poetic Cellars’ beautiful tasting room in the Soquel hills. Featuring an avant-garde wine and donut pairing for $10, courtesy of Psycho Donuts in Campbell, succulent and savory flavors will complement Rhône and Bordeaux favorites. Also appearing at this “Bring Home the Bacon” benefit will be local musician Asher Stern and jeweler Elizabeth Moon. Food by Chef Desiree will be available for purchase along with samplings by Friend in Cheeses jams, and chutneys and preserves by B & R Farms of Hollister. This is the time to rally round to give a helping hand to Lovell’s family. Poetic Cellars, 5000 N. Rodeo Gulch Drive, Soquel, 462-3478. Poeticcellars.com.
Kathryn Kennedy Vineyards Special Event Sparkling Release
If you like a drop of bubbly in your glass, then don’t miss Kathryn Kennedy Vineyards at Vinocruz from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27. This is a very special event to celebrate the late Kathryn Kennedy’s birthday and the release of a sparkling 2002 blanc de blanc wine called Twenty-Seven, the year Kennedy was born. Vinocruz was given a very special pricing on this wine by the winery, so instead of the usual $45 a bottle, it will be available that day for $36, and special prices by the glass, too. And to add to the fun, Bill the Oyster Man will be shucking and selling his fresh oysters. What a combo—superb sparkling wine and fresh oysters! This méthode champenoise wine spent 10 years on the lees before it was disgorged and bottled. Vinocruz, 725 Front St., #101, Santa Cruz, 426-VINO (8466). Vinocruz.com.
