Vine Hill Chardonnay 2009
Vine Hill Winery happens to be located on one of the oldest grape-growing regions in California – established by brothers John and George Jarvis and others in 1867. It is one of the most gorgeous spots in Santa Cruz County – sitting high on a hill with magnificent views of the Monterey Bay. This particular area is known for the thin sandy loam that carpets the lithic bedrock of the mountains. Add to this the cooling air of the bay and the result is prime grape-growing land.
The Vine Hill Chardonnay 2009, Santa Cruz Mountains ($24), has all the characteristics of grapes that were grown in that particular neck of the woods – a unique minerality of flavors and balance of tannins and acids. Enticing aromatic notes of pineapple and lychee are present, and a swirl round the mouth reveals delightful pear and almond flavors.
But an excellent wine such as this needs good guidance to come to fruition. And here is where “winegrower” Nick Guerrero and winemaker Sal Godinez come in. Guerrero oversees the running of his winery and Godinez is responsible for making the wine. Godinez has more than 20 years’ experience with “the grape,” learning as he went along until becoming the master winemaker he is today.
Vine Hill Winery, 2300 Jarvis Road, Santa Cruz, 427-0436. vinehillwinery.com.
Wine Events
Wine Wednesdays at Seascape Resort
The very popular Wine Wednesdays is starting up again for the fall/winter season on Oct. 5 from 5:30-7 p.m. The event includes a flight of wine, tapas and live music for $15 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Pouring their wonderful wines on Oct. 5 will be Vine Hill Winery, and Oct. 12 will be Pelican Ranch Winery.
Seascape Beach Resort, One Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos, 662-7120. seascaperesort.com.
Cabrillo College Pino Alto Restaurant in the Sesnon House
A Beermaker’s Oktoberfest Dinner will be held on Thursday, Oct. 6. Students will create four German-inspired courses to pair with four of Seabright Brewery’s craft brews. This will be a wonderful event, for sure. Info: pinoaltorestaurant.org.
Seascape Foods Hosts Wine Tasting
Seascape Foods will host a wine and art event as a fundraiser for Rio Del Mar School in the Seascape Plaza. Seascape Foods owners Julie and Dan Hunt will give all proceeds from ticket sales and a percentage of wine and art sales to benefit the school. There will be local artists, live music, face painting, and an art table at the kid-friendly event. Pouring their wines will be Alfaro Family Vineyards, Beckmann Vineyards and others. Sunday, Oct. 2 from 1-4 p.m. Tickets: $10 per flight – at the door or call Julie Hunt at 251-0093.
