The Kuumbwa Jazz Center is not only a popular music venue, it’s also a good place to enjoy a libation and some tasty food. I usually get a bottle of wine to enjoy throughout the show, and I shared my bright Storrs Winery 2014 Chardonnay with friends at a recent concert—and even offered some to an out-of-town visitor as an introduction to local wine.
One of the better-known wineries in the region, Storrs’ award-winning wines are easily found in local liquor stores and supermarkets. Winery owners Steve Storrs and Pamela Bianchini-Storrs have been producing fine wine for almost four decades, and their skillful winemaking shows in every bottle.
The 2014 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay, which sells for about $24 at the Storrs tasting room and elsewhere, is a blend from several vineyards and aged in Burgundian oak for 10 months. It’s a full-bodied mouthful of deliciously complex Chardonnay, which, not surprisingly, won Best Chardonnay of Region and a gold medal at the California State Fair 2016. Speaking of accolades, their 2013 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir also won gold and Best Pinot Noir of Region at the same fair, as well as the editor’s pick in the November issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine—garnering a hefty 94 points.
Storrs Winery tasting room is open noon to 5 p.m. daily at 303 Potrero St., No. 35, Santa Cruz, 458-5030. storrswine.com.
Saratoga Holiday Wine Stroll
If you’re looking for a fun wine-tasting event over Thanksgiving weekend, then head to the Holiday Wine Stroll in downtown Saratoga from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26. The village is set to come alive with fine wine, musical groups, caroling, Father Christmas, holiday lights, and special food—with a City of Saratoga tree-lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $40. Call 408-867-0753 or visit saratogachamber.org.
Mountains to the Bay Wine Tours
A group of us from the Good Times went on a fun wine tour recently. Many thanks go to Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery, Soquel Vineyards and Silver Mountain Vineyards for hosting us—and to Seth Kinman, owner of Mountains to the Bay Wine Tours, for driving us around in his comfortable bus.
