When I get together with my group of British women once a month—we are all transplants from Dear Old Blighty—we share food and wine, catch-up with what’s going on in our lives, and then end our evening with good strong cups of tea.
I took some 2011 Storrs Zinfandel to enjoy with some hors d’oeuvres, and all of us loved it. But, then, it’s hard to go wrong with a bottle from local favorite Storrs Winery & Vineyards.
“Very flavorful with notes of cherry and soft vanilla, this wine has the perfect balance between spice, fruit and oak,” says Pamela Storrs, who co-owns the winery with her husband Stephen. “Our only regret is that we didn’t make enough.” There is, however, still time to pick up a bottle or two. This stellar Zin sells on the Storrs’ website for $22, and quite a few local markets carry it as well. I bought my now-empty bottle at one of Seascape Beach Resort’s Wine Wednesdays, a tasting event that takes place every Wednesday during the winter months, featuring a different winery each week.
Grapes for the 2011 Zin were grown in the foothills of California’s temperate Central Coast, where the maritime influences allow for slow ripening. Filled with bright aromas of blackberry and cherry, this delicious Zin is complemented by subtle notes of vanilla. Both Pam and Steve are known for making truly wonderful wines—and this zesty Zin is no exception.
Storrs Winery, 303 Potrero St., #35, Santa Cruz, 458-5030. Storrswine.com. Open daily from noon to 5 p.m.
Hay Day for Horses at Comanche Cellars
Enjoy a fun afternoon of Comanche Cellars wine, toffee, chili, and sausage tasting—all to benefit Christine Marie’s STAR Riders program, a horseback riding thrill for children with special needs in the Salinas and Carmel areas. Butch’s Sausages and Cowboy Toffees will be selling their wares to benefit the program. The event is from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 at 189 Harrison St., Monterey and tickets are $25. RSVP 320-7062.
Fun Classes at It’s Wine Tyme
It’s Wine Tyme in Capitola Village is offering fun and informative classes on wine. I attended one recently where Cathy Bentley shared her knowledge of the history of wine in the Santa Cruz Mountains. These enjoyable events include a tasting, of course!
It’s Wine Tyme, 312 Capitola Road, Capitola, 477-4455. Itswinetyme.com
