This month, Jerold O’Brien, owner of Silver Mountain Vineyards, marks 40 years of harvests in the Santa Cruz Mountains and four decades of experience in the wine business.
During the month of September, Silver Mountain is celebrating by rolling back prices to 40 years ago—and select wines will be $144 a case, both at the Los Gatos winery and at the Santa Cruz tasting room. “Come in to either location to discover this incredible deal,” says O’Brien.
O’Brien’s philosophy is to be “a good steward of the land,” and kudos are due to him for being at the forefront of organic growing. His Chardonnay estate-grown grapes are grown on what was probably the first certified-organic vineyard in the county.
His Silver Mountain Vineyards’ 2013 Estate Chardonnay ($34) is an elegant, Burgundy-style wine—and 100 percent organically grown. Aromas of vanilla and citrus peel are followed by palate-pleasing notes of minerals, pineapple, apple, with subtle hints of lemon-vanilla sorbet, pineapple and starfruit. Zesty and refreshing, it pairs well with different kinds of food, especially seafood, and, of course, French Brie. So, put your feet up and try a glass!
Congratulations to Jerold O’Brien!
INFO: Silver Mountain Vineyards, 402 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, and 269 Silver Mountain Drive, Los Gatos (off San Jose-Soquel Road), 408-353-2278. silvermtn.com.
Steam to Table Dinner
All aboard for a unique culinary journey—a romantic steam-train ride through the redwoods with dinner prepared by Roaring Camp’s Chef Alessio Casagrande. Wander through the Cathedral Grove of redwoods at Bear Mountain and enjoy a glass of wine and local beers from a redwood bar—with no-host wine and beer also available for purchase from Hallcrest Vineyards. The event is 4:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 29 and tickets are $99.
INFO: For tickets visit roaringcamp.com/events#steam-table.
Vino Locale Opening
Roll out the barrel for the grand opening of Vino Locale on Friday, Sept. 14 on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf—in the space once occupied by Vino Prima. Vino Locale (they have another location in Palo Alto) will be serving wine, beer, tapas and more.
INFO: 55 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 426-0750. vinolocalesantacruz.com.
