Windy Oaks’ recently released Rosé comes with a delightful title—Bastide La Combe—named after a lovely guesthouse where the winery’s proprietors Judy and Jim Schultze stay in Provence. Dedicated to producing fine wines, the Schultzes usually take an annual trip to France to visit the cooperage where they purchase barrels. Only the best will do.
It says on the Rosé’s label that “Bastide” means farmhouse in French, and “La Combe” owes its name to the incline of vineyards and forests akin to the Windy Oaks estate vineyard in Corralitos. And while we’re talking about the label, it’s such an eye-catching drawing of the guesthouse that you will immediately want to pack your bags and head to Provence.
And as for the contents of the bottle, this Rosé is light and crisp—using locally grown Grenache grapes from Monterey. A beautiful blush pink and full of flavor, it’s just perfect for upcoming summer picnics. The Schultzes say the wine is to be enjoyed year-round, chilled, and paired with almost all casual foods.
Windy Oaks tasting room in Corralitos is on a bucolic estate with gorgeous views of the Monterey Bay. Visit their tasting room in Carmel, also. At the Carmel location on Friday nights from 4-7 p.m., you can enjoy a wine and cheese party with a charcuterie plate and specially paired cheeses from The Cheese Shop for $15 a person, which includes a tasting of four wines. Check their website for open hours and upcoming events.
Windy Oaks Estate Vineyard & Winery, 550 Hazel Dell Road, Corralitos, 786-9463, and Su Vecino Court on Lincoln Street, between 5th and 6th streets in Carmel, 574-3135. windyoaksestate.com.
Bargetto Winery’s Customized Labels
With all of the weddings and celebrations coming up this summer, it’s fun and impressive to have your very own customized wine label. You can design your own label and select from Sparkling Brut ($35 a bottle) or Merlot, Pinot Grigio, and Chaucer’s Mead ($22 a bottle). Visit cu*************@ba******.com. Bargetto Winery is at 3535 North Main St., Soquel, 475-2258.
