Plus Upcoming WIne Events
Lois and Michael Sones met at sea when they were both working on a cruise ship in the mid-1980s – hence the nautical theme of their white wine – Canción del mar. Even their bottle labels, which are beautiful and eye-catching, continue this theme and depict the bow of a boat with a masthead of Minerva holding a bunch of grapes.
Sones Cellars started out in a very small way, as most wineries do, but I have now noticed their wines all over town in one store or another. Michael Sones is getting due recognition for making some superb handcrafted wines. As well as Canción del mar, the winery produces Petite Syrah and Zinfandel.
The Canción del mar 2008 ($21) is a very crisp, fruity and aromatic white wine blend that pairs well with food. There are lots of citrus and grapefruit aromas going on – with peaches and warm spice as well. The winemaker recommends that you try his wine with spicy Asian food, cracked crab or seared scallops. I think this very good wine, which includes components of Viognier, Pinot Gris, Torrontes and Sauvignon Blanc, would also go well with a big chunk of blue cheese (preferably Roquefort), some crusty bread and a few sliced pears.
Michael has garnered a wealth of experience by working at some of the most prestigious wineries in this area, including Ridge Vineyards, Bonny Doon Vineyard, and David Bruce Winery. He is presently the winemaker at Bargetto Winery in Soquel.
Sones Cellars, 412 Swift St., Santa Cruz, 420-1552. sonescellars.com.
Upcoming WIne Events
An Evening of Wine & Roses is a splendid event put on annually by the Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust to help support their health care mission. This benefit wine and food festival takes place with the cooperation of the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association, and those who attend will get to taste some of the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation’s best wines. Gourmet hors d’oeuvres are served from area restaurants and caterers. There will also be silent and live auctions with wonderful things to bid on. 6:30-9 p.m Friday, Nov. 6 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville. Tickets are $50 or $60 at the door. Info: 761-5639 or pvhealthtrust.org.
Seascape Resort
Many restaurants are offering really great specials right now. Seascape Resort is doing Happy Hour “Two for Ten” from Sunday through Thursday. Enjoy a cocktail and appetizer for only $10. They’re also doing Prime Rib Specials on Friday and Saturday nights, and Early Neighbor Nights Sunday through Thursday. Seascape Resort, 1 Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos, 688-6800. Seascaperesort.com.
