Now is the time to plan for Thanksgiving, and that includes choosing some fine wines. We are blessed to have an abundance of superb local wineries, and it feels good to support them.
Loma Prieta Winery’s 2014 Saveria Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir is a good bet for cracking open around the holidays. Pinot Noir pairs well with poultry, and if you’re looking for something special, then this Pinot ($50) fits the bill with its aromas of wildflowers, cranberry sauce, woodsy fern, pekoe tea, dill, and sandalwood. Loma Prieta owner Paul Kemp says the wine has tangy flavors of bright cranberry, pomegranate, orange marmalade, and more … and that the overall impression is of “savory breeziness.” Two suggested pairings are with grilled game hens stuffed with cranberry-orange rice, or duck legs in orange sauce.
Loma Prieta Winery, 26985 Loma Prieta Way, Los Gatos, 408-353-2950. Open Saturday and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. lomaprietawinery.com. Check the map on their website for directions.
Fundraiser for Hospice
From 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 the Sockshop & Shoe Company will hold a fundraiser for Hospice—and eight percent of all sales that day will be donated to Hospice of Santa Cruz County. Snacks will be available, as well as donated beer by Discretion Brewing, and wine from Sante Arcangeli. Live music is by the Joint Chiefs. Raffle tickets for various prizes are $5 (five for $20). Sockshop and the adjoining Legs store will donate eight percent of sales over the whole weekend (Nov. 3-5). It’s an opportunity to support Hospice and load up on gifts for the holidays.
Sockshop & Shoe Company, 1515 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 429-610.
Premier Cruz: A Mountain Cabernet Experience
Taste world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from winemakers of the Santa Cruz Mountains paired with delectable small bites, and bid on rare, exclusive and library wines, with several rare older vintages offered. The event is 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Toll House Hotel in Los Gatos. Tickets are $65. Contact Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association at 685-8463 or email contact@scmwa for a list of participating wineries and more info. scmwa.org.
