Nicholson Vineyards, established in 2004, makes superb wines.
Their 2019 Brooks Block Estate Pinot Noir ($55) is a dark and flavor-packed beauty that will delight you straight out of the gate. Intense aromas of wild raspberry and blackberries lead to a soft palate of cremini mushrooms and mature tannins.
“It is a wine that represents the uniqueness of the terroir and the climate of sun, soil and early-morning ocean mist that create exceptional fruit,” owners Marguerite and Brian Nicholson say. And with the holidays coming right up, you can’t go wrong with this Pinot; it’s well made, it’s local and it’s delicious.
Years ago, when the Nicholsons were first getting their property up and running, they saw wild peacocks roaming the grounds and came upon a collection of feathers. Admiring their beauty, they opted for a colorful peacock feather on every label, including this 2019 Pinot Noir.
Nicholson Vineyards also produces a rich Il Boschetto olive oil from their estate trees. It comes with gorgeous flavors of green leaf, lemongrass and black pepper spice and is available at their lovely tasting room.
Nicholson Vineyards, 2800 Pleasant Valley Road, Aptos, 831-724-7071. Nicholsonvineyards.com
Stockwell Cellars Fall Case Sale
For $150, create your own mix-and-match case from various goodies: 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, 2018 Pinot Gris, 2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir, 2016 Pinot Noir, 2016 Merlot. Cost: $150 per case. Wednesday, Nov. 24, is Thanksgiving Retail Day. You’ll be able to pick out your favorite wines for all of your holiday dinners. (No wine tasting that day.)
Stockwell Cellars, 1100 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz. 831-818-9075. stockwellcellars.com.
Wrights Station Winery’s Black FridayBlack Friday is White Weekend at Wrights Station. All white wines will be 50% off Nov. 26-28. Join them Sunday, Dec.12, for their Holiday Open House. The local Mattia Pizza Truck will be onsite selling their mouth-watering pies. Everyone is welcome, but wine club members receive additional benefits and discounts.
Wrights Station Winery, 24250 Loma Prieta Ave., Los Gatos, 408-560-9343. wrightsstation.com.
