It’s a good idea to start planning early for Mother’s Day on May 11. Why not take her wine tasting at one of the many tasting rooms that abound in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties?
A drive down bucolic Carmel Valley Road leads to tasting room, where some superbly made wines await you. Dedicated winemaker/owner Ian Brand makes a plethora of different wines, including a Piquette Nat.
“Piquettes are made by soaking grape must in water and pressing the grapes a second time,” Brand says. Must is the freshly pressed juice of grapes before fermentation occurs. In other words, this is a light wine that is perfect to enjoy anytime, especially in warmer weather.
For their 2023 Piquette Nat, the winery soaks the skins of their organically grown Sauvignon Blanc, from the Zabala Vineyard in Monterey County, with organic hibiscus flower for two days. And at under 9% alcohol, the Piquette “is fresher and livelier than a craft beer, lighter than a chilled red wine.” And it’s only $18.
I. Brand & Family, 19 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley Village, 831-298-7227. Ibrandwinery.com
Mother’s Day Brunch
Planning to take your mom out for breakfast on Mother’s Day? Heavenly Roadside Café is famous for its breakfasts and lunches. Welcoming and unpretentious, the café serves delicious, fresh homemade American dishes “with a touch of Greek influence,” as the co-owner/chef, Danny Voutos, is of Greek descent. Wife Marty and daughter Isabella are all involved in this family-run business. Try one of their house specialties or a benedict. Even a lumberjack would not leave hungry.
Heavenly Roadside Café, 1210 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 831-335-1210. heavenlyroadsidecafe.com
