Spring is just around the corner, ushering in the warmer weather that comes with it. I suggest we greet this temperate season full-on with a nice bottle of Chardonnay.
Ettore Wine’s 2018 Chardonnay Pure ($28) is the perfect addition to your wine rack. Should you want to try another Ettore Chardonnay, Zero ($42) is a fantastic option.
The winery’s master winemaker and namesake, Ettore Biraghi, is an Italian-born son of flower growers, so his attachment to the land came early. But when he first saw the Sanel Valley in Mendocino along the northern stretches of the Russian River, he describes it as “love at first sight.” So, this is where he founded the boutique winery.
The Chardonnay Pure ($28) is made with organic grapes, as are all Ettore’s wines. Notes of white flowers and exotic fruits accompany butter and vanilla nuances. With its deep straw-yellow color and golden reflections, it’s appealing to look at as well as to taste. The soft and flavorful finish is a fine ending to this elegant wine.
Don’t forget to “spring forward” your clocks on Sunday, March 13. ettore.wine.com.
Dream Inn
Santa Cruz’s iconic landmark hotel, the Dream Inn, has some special events lined up for spring break—a daily Street Taco Cart, Kids Happy Hour featuring $6 Marianne’s ice cream bars, a Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar and a citywide Scavenger Hunt with maps and prizes. City tours are available on “Slowboy,” a newly restored 1964 VW bus. The Dream Inn has recently revamped the Jack O’Neill restaurant and all 165 rooms, adding to the enjoyment of a welcome break right next to the beach. dreaminnsantacruz.com.
Bee-Keeping Workshop
If you missed Love Apple Farms’ workshop on backyard bee-keeping, there’s another one scheduled for April 2. Love Apple, based in Scotts Valley, is hosting classes through September, focusing on an assortment of your gardening needs. growbetterveggies.com.
