Other Than Napa and Sonoma…This Saturday
The Santa Cruz Mountains? Yeah, you know, one of the oldest wine-growing regions in California. Things started back in the late 1800’s but were put on the back burner with Prohibition. Today there are over 60 wineries, many of them small and without tasting rooms. Perhaps, though, you may have heard of a few minor operations such as Ridge, Bonny Doon, and David Bruce? (Oh, yeah, and Thomas Fogarty….)
With the AVA running from south of Santa Cruz all the way up to Half Moon Bay, it covers quite a large area, but only 1500 acres are actually under vine. Therefore, it could take you days to hit all the spots. That’s one reason the Passport Program, courtesy of the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association, is such a dandy thing. For $30, you receive a passport which allows you to travel from one winery to another for special tastings and, of course, a stamp on the appropriate page. Some wineries which are normally closed participate, providing you, the tasters, a rare opportunity to visit. And it never expires, so you can take your time.
This Saturday, Jan.20, is one such day. Check out that link for the Passport Program above or call (831)685-8463 for more info. Some wineries have passports for sale, but it’s best to call ahead and check. In addition to tastings, the program also provides discounts and waived corkage fees at local restaurants. Or you might want to pack a picnic, as many of the wineries have places to sit, eat, and enjoy the amazing views.
You might also want to take advantage of the many trails in the area, in the style of The Winehiker. I know of some great ones on Skyline Boulevard, but he can lead you to other areas.
However you plan it, happy travelling!
Santa Cruz Mountains, passport program, winehiking, wine tasting
January 16th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Do you know if any of the participants in the Passport event have a wine cave? I like wine caves. Only been in one up in Napa-land. Just wondering if we have any down here in the Santa Cruz mountain area… could be interesting.
January 17th, 2007 at 8:41 am
Ahren, the only winery I can think of right now with caves in the SCM is right across the street from me. Clos de la Tech, but he’s had issues with the community so processes are halted for the moment. I’ll try to find out if any others do.
January 17th, 2007 at 10:09 am
Thanks for the heads up. I wish that I could be there. Great vintage-style poster–kudos to the designer! I like SCM AVA wines, and hope this increases attention to this area.
January 22nd, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Passport weekends are great fun! Wish I could have gone…
(A whispered aside to Ahren - Twisted Oak has a cave…)
April 19th, 2007 at 8:26 am
[…] *This Saturday is one of 4 each year that are part of the Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Program. I won’t go into too many details, as I’ve written about it before. Just remember it’s a great chance and a good price to try some SCM wines that you might not be able to otherwise. […]