There’s always a party atmosphere at Stockwell Cellars—a happening spot to have some fun and drink some good wine. Head inside their industrial-chic tasting room to get your wine, and enjoy it on the outdoor patio. Food trucks pull in at the weekends, and talented musicians play regularly, including the popular local Mike Hadley Band. Rotating art exhibits are held, too.
Stockwell’s 2013 Syrah Riverstar Vineyards ($35) is a luscious mouthful of blackberry, black plum, cinnamon and clove spices. There’s a touch of cedar on the nose, along with ripe cherry and toasted almond. Root beer, soft spice and warm earth mid-palate herald a complex finish of cinnamon, clove and tobacco—a potpourri of enticing aromas and flavors captured in this robust and earthy Syrah.
Winemaker Eric Stockwell and his wife Suzanne will warmly welcome you when you enter the portals of Stockwell Cellars. “While we know this is still far from our previous definition of normal, we can’t tell you how thrilled we are to be able to see you all again,” says Eric, “even from a distance. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s raise a glass to it, and get there safely and responsibly.”
Stockwell Cellars, 1100 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz. 831-818-9075, stockwellcellars.com.
Boardwalk Blonde Ale
The Boardwalk Blonde is one of four commemorative beers produced by local Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing in collaboration with the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This golden honey-tinged brew is celebrating all things Santa Cruz as well as famous local Marilyn Matthews.
Matthews was chosen to promote the Boardwalk in the 1950s and rose to fame when her image was posted on billboards all over northern California. That same wonderful image now decorates a can of beer by Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing. Matthews still lives in Santa Cruz and still visits the Boardwalk now and then—where she loves to eat a corn dog! Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing recently celebrated 15 years of making terrific beer for us all. Cheers!
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, 402 Ingalls St., #27, Santa Cruz. 831-425-4900, scmbrew.com.
