Viognier 2012
A trip to Loma Prieta Winery is well worth a visit. Situated at about 2,600 feet in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it is like being on top of the world—and the view of the Monterey Bay is spectacular. Loma Prieta’s wines are wonderful, which makes it even more worthwhile to take a jaunt to their impressive property.
Ten of us went by bus on a recent wine-tasting jaunt in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and Loma Prieta was one of the wineries we visited. As always, I fall in love with their excellent award-winning wines, not the least of which is their 2012 Viognier ($24) with its bright aromas of pears, gardenias and lime zest. Although it is suggested that “it really satisfies on a warm day,” it was a cold day when I tasted it—but this wine is simply beautiful come rain or shine.
As well as the Viognier, Loma Prieta makes Pinot Noir, Syrah, Petit Sirah and Chardonnay—and they have now added a sparkling wine and a port to their list as well. They also produce a fabulous Pinotage, of which they are the largest producer in North America.
Loma Prieta participates in the Passport program organized by the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association (for info visit scmwa.com) and will be open for the next one on April 19. Loma Prieta Winery, 26985 Loma Prieta Way, Los Gatos. (408) 353-2950. Open Saturday and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. lomaprietawinery.com. The winery suggests that you follow the directions on their website to the tasting room.
Catamaran Literary Magazine
Congratulations to founder Catherine Segurson for her fifth edition of “Catamaran Literary Magazine”—out in February. This is an amazing magazine production for the small town of Santa Cruz, and kudos to Segurson for her foresight and grit in getting it out. Mark your calendars for two upcoming events featuring Catamaran and its staff: May 2-4 Catamaran booth at the 2014 Steinbeck Festival; and from 7-9 p.m. on May 6 Catamaran will be featured at Gabriella Café’s Literary Salon. Visit catamaranliteraryreader.com for more information.
Craft Artisan Ales
New breweries are springing up all over the place, and Craft Artisan Ales is one of them. Founded by David Olsen because of his love for good craft beer, especially India Pale Ales contract brewery, Craft Artisan is headquartered in Pacific Grove. As a connoisseur of IPA’s, Olsen decided to utilize his passion for the highest quality in food and beverage toward crafting excellent beer, with a focus on West Coast Style IPA’s. Andromeda is the first release of multiple releases planned for this year. For more information about Craft Artisan Ales and where you can find them in the Monterey area, please visit craftartisanales.com.
