by Christina Waters | Jan 26, 2009 | Home, Wine |
Actually, John Locke — the uncommonly erudite raconteur du vin — is doing the honors with this duo of wine intensives at Soif Wine Bar spotlighting the noble grape of Burgundy (ta dah!), Pinot Noir.
John has scheduled two wine classes focused exclusively on the much-venerated Pinot Noir. Each class will feature different wines and a fresh pedagogical approach. Every class will cover basics such as wine and tasting terms, explanation of flavors and the mysteries of winemaking. I’ve already placed my own reservations.
Pinot Noir I – Sunday, March 1
Pinot Noir II – Sunday, March 8
Classes begin at 6:00 pm and last approximately 90 minutes. Each evening runs $40.00 per class or $75.00 when registering for the pair (tax included). Classes will include 4 to 6 wines, a cheese selected to highlight the wines, plus extremely helpful educational handouts.
Participants will receive an additional 5% discount on these wines [5% on individual bottles and 15% on mixed or whole cases].
To sign-up, call or email: 831-423-2020 or Luke@SoifWine.com. Vitement!
by Christina Waters | Jan 25, 2009 | Home |
No fewer than six top awards at the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition went to wines made by Pamela and Steve Storrs. Gold medals went to the Santa Cruz winery’s 2005 Zinfandel Santa Clara County Lion Oaks, its 2006 Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains, and two 2007 Chardonnays, including the renowned Stu Miller vineyard beauty.
A Double Gold went to Storr’s Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains Wildcat Ridge, but the one I’m having with dinner of Middle Eastern lentil stew tonight is the winery’s 2005 Petite Sirah Santa Cruz Mountains, awarded a Best of Class by the prestigious SF Chronicle judges.
Priced at around $20, the Storrs Petite Sirah is an intricate powerhouse of cloves and currants, cradled in a big tannic grip (more…)
by Christina Waters | Jan 25, 2009 | Holidays, Home, Wine |
Join wine-loving lovers for a day of romance, wine and chocolate up at the newest winery located on one of the oldest vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Vine Hill makes stunning pinot noirs and syrahs that you’ll be able to taste along with desserts from top area bakeries. You can also purchase the perfect Valentines gift.
The beautiful tasting room is surrounded by acres of vineyards – very romantic for strolling – and awesome views of the canyons below. Valentine’s Day makes a nice excuse to check out this lovely spot – and treat your sweetie to some fine wine (AKA the elixir of love).
When: Saturday February 14th
Time: 12:00PM to 4:00PM
Cost: $15 per person or $5 for wine club members
Check the website for details and directions.
by Christina Waters | Jan 25, 2009 | Home, Wine |
Fragrant with violets, redwood and berries, the all-biodynamic 2006 Dolcetto from Ca’del Solo Vineyard in Monterey County is a beautiful wine. It takes nicely to food, especially omega-laden seafoods, pasta dishes and lamb. But it’s sumptuous all by itself.
On day two, we detected loganberry, geranium and a citrus/mineral center. The dolcetto contains enough tannic insistence to firm up the fruit-forward nature of the grape.
Another lovely landmark in the Ca’ del Solo domain — yes, from the folks of Bonny Doon Vineyards. Around $20 and 13.4% alcohol.
by Christina Waters | Jan 24, 2009 | Food, Home |
The red trout, sautéed crispy and served on a bed of green beans and roasted sunchokes, is a sensuous way to celebrate a chilly winter evening. You need only walk into the warm brasserie ambience of Oswald (corner of Front & Soquel, in downtown Santa Cruz) and let the staff take care of you.
If you don’t get over there soon, you will literally be the last on your block!
Oswald – 121 Soquel Ave – 831.423.7427.
