Plus Upcoming Wine Events
La Honda Winery specializes in producing small lots of distinctive wines from carefully managed vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains and throughout California. Winemaker Ken Wornick is truly dedicated to his craft – working hard to produce his award-winning wines. The 2006 Cabernet/Sangiovese is a blend of 57 percent Cab and 43 percent Sagiovese—all from grapes grown in the La Honda vineyard on the “stunning” Modica family ranch. When you open up a bottle of this superb wine, you’ll get a touch of spice mixed with coastal fog. At only 12.5 percent alcohol, it’s a very food-friendly wine for taking on picnics or to drink on a summer’s day.
This is La Honda’s first release of this unique wine, and it has already won two silver medals. With only 94 cases produced, I’m sure it will sell out pretty quickly. I bought my bottle at Vinocruz for $25.
La Honda Winery, 2645 Fair Oaks Ave., Redwood City, (650) 366-4104. lahondawinery.com. Open the third Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and for special events, including the Vintners’ Festival on June 12 and 13.
Wine Events
Dare to Pair: Cabrillo College culinary students will be preparing some delicious appetizers to pair with the wines of Surf City Vintners—a competition judged by guests and local chefs. It all takes place from noon to 3 p.m. with a 4 p.m. awards ceremony. The event is Saturday, May 22 at the Surf City Vintners tasting rooms on Swift and Ingalls streets, Santa Cruz. Tickets are $50 and proceeds benefit Cabrillo College’s culinary program. Call the Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard at (408) 607-0661 or visit pinoaltorestaurant.com.
Roaring Camp Railroad’s Wine Express: Join the winemakers of the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association on Sunday, May 23 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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La Vita Release at Bargetto Winery: On Sunday, May 23 from 3-5 p.m. Bargetto Winery will hold the release party of its 2006 La Vita, a very special rich and complex wine blend. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this wine (which retails for $60 a bottle) goes to a different nonprofit every year. CASA of Santa Cruz will be this year’s recipient. Along with the tasting there will be hors d’oeuvres and music. Tickets are $20. Info: 475-2258 x 10. bargetto.com.
