On a visit to Regale Winery and Vineyards in Los Gatos with a group of friends, I tasted an outstanding Zinfandel 2006, Dry Creek Valley ($45). Now here’s a wine to make your heart beat faster. Balanced and elegant, this not-too-jammy Zin is total sensuality with its soft and spicy berry notes, crushed violets and light minerality. Earthy aromas of tobacco and coffee with touches of spice add to the warmth of this concentrated full-bodied wine. Pair it with red meat or enjoy it with appetizers and cheese.
Made from 80-year-old vines, only 240 cases of this wine were produced, so if you want to treat yourself, you had better make it to Regale’s tasting room fast. Visiting Regale when it’s open on weekends is a wonderful experience, even though the tasting room can be very busy. If that’s the case, there is a huge expanse of perfectly manicured outdoor patio, complete with fountains, an herb garden, a bocce ball court, and even a wood-fired oven for chilly days. With such beautiful landscaping and marvelous views, it’s not surprising that this Italian-style villa and gardens is a hot-spot destination for weddings and corporate events.
24040 Summit Road, Los Gatos (408) 353-2500. Regalewine.com. Tasting room is open noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Music in the Courtyard
There’s still time to take in a couple of Bargetto Winery’s fun-filled music nights from 6-8 p.m. every Thursday until the end of August. With Bargetto’s wine for purchase by the glass and food by Erika’s Catering, enjoy the vibe on the winery’s creekside courtyard while catching the last rays of the summer sun. Visit bargetto.com for more information.
Farm to Table Dinner
The next Farm to Table dinner coming up at the beautiful Chaminade Resort & Spa is at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15. This one will feature Fiesta Farm and Alfaro Vineyards & Winery. Always served outdoors on the terrace, a farm to table dinner is a delightful, one-of-a-kind wining and dining experience where executive chef Kirsten Ponza provides culinary wonders, and local farmers and vintners delight your palate. Tickets are $80, plus tax and gratuity, for a five-course dinner and endless wine. Visit chaminade.com for more information.
Oliver! At Cabrillo Stage
The Cabrillo Stage production of the popular musical Oliver! has hit one out of the ballpark. From start to finish, the show is packed with wonderful acting, singing and dancing by a very capable cast. Most impressive are the extraordinarily talented children. Starting with the opening number of “Food, Glorious Food,” set in the cruel times of yesteryear’s workhouse, to the very end, they never missed a beat. Visit cabrillostage.com for tickets.
