Chardonnay 2008
Soif wine bar on Walnut Avenue in the heart of Santa Cruz is well worth a visit if you haven’t been there. When it comes to wine, they don’t pussyfoot around—preferring instead to carry a selection of wines of note and interest. This is where I tasted Coastview Vineyard’s Chardonnay 2008, Terraces—a pale yellow beauty made by winemaker Ian Brand. Awash with luscious fruit, this is a bold Chardonnay for sure—with amazing flavors of lemon, golden apple and a touch of pear. The wine was fermented with native yeast—and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Sitting on a granite ridge top 2,400 feet above sea level in Monterey County, the vineyard is an amazing spot to grow grapes— and to admire the view from the top. A rugged road leads to the top and it’s rather a challenge for Brand and farm workers to get there. By far an easier trek is to head to Soif and share a bottle of Coastview Chardonnay with friends. Try it with a plate of cheese and some good bread.
Coastview Vineyard info:
co*******@gm***.com
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Wine Events
Poetic Cellars at Chaminade for Farm to Table
Chaminade is putting on its very popular series of Farm to Table dinners—the first one featuring local Soquel winery Poetic Cellars. Held outdoors on Chaminade’s beautiful patio—with that magnificent ocean view—we can look for excellent food prepared by executive chef Beverlie Terra. Local produce, meats and cheeses will be showcased on every menu. The first Farm to Table dinner is on Friday, May 20. 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, 475-5600.
Roaring Camp Railroad’s Wine Express
Join the winemakers of the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association on Sunday, May 15 from 1-5 p.m. for a unique pairing of wine and food – along with music and a trip on the Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Express. Sample wines from about 70 different wineries, try the wonderful food and then board the train at 3:30 for a scenic tour. Tickets are $55 in advance and $65 at the door. Info: 685-8463 or
in**@sc***.com
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Bonnets & Blooms in Saratoga
The first annual springtime Bonnets & Blooms Wine Stroll will take place on Saturday, May 21 from 3-6 p.m. in Saratoga Village. More than 16 shops and restaurants will have wine for you to taste – most of them from wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains. There will be live music, gourmet food, and magnums of wine for auction. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 on the day. Info: saratogachamber.org or call (408) 867-0753.
