The California Coastline and Wine Make for a Tasty Tuesday
The other day I was seeking advice for where to go for the day, and my teacher friend was on spring break, so I had a partner in crime. We decided that morning to drive down to Big Sur. I haven’t been along that stretch of Highway 1 before, and it was a glorious day to view it. The greens and blues in the water and in the sky were quite a sight under all that glorious sunshine.
The weather was ideal, as well. Just the right amount of breeze for going on a pleasant hike– no sign of mountain lions–and then a picnic lunch. I was quite pleased with the split of 2004 E.Guigal Côtes du Rhône blanc which was corked the last time I tried. This time it was lightly floral with tons of fruit, mostly apricots and pears. Very nice with the turkey sandwiches and salad.
Then we had to hit at a couple of tasting rooms.
The first stop was Ventana Vineyards, located along the Monterey-Salinas Highway. I was especially curious to try their Gewurztraminer, as we have been making ours at Fogarty from the Ventana grapes for around twenty years. Theirs was definitely sweeter with lychee, banana, and lemon, but without so much the soaring aromatics and spiciness. The wines that impressed me the most were the Syrah and the Tempranillo–a first for Monterey. Then we drove to Salinas for some samples at Taste of Monterey. I liked the decor: brick walls and posters of California produce. However, none of the wines stood out and I didn’t take any notes. And sadly, Escafeld wines were not being poured and the Petit Verdot wasn’t even available for purchase. Curses–foiled again!
A quick trip to a produce ’stand’ before heading home resulting in 2 bags of fruit and veggies (for less than six dollars!) was the finishing touch.
Big Sur, E.Guigal Côtes du Rhône, Ventana Vineyards, Taste of Monterey
….Farley Walker
April 11th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Hi Farley - so sorry we haven’t been able to hook you up with that PV yet!! I’ll be pouring it at A Taste of Monterey on Cannery Row on Friday from 6-7:30. It would be great to see you there!
April 11th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Farley - someday you must go all the way down Hwy 1 to San Simeon, you won’t regret it. Also, there is a road the name of which I think is Nacimiento Road that climbs quickly from the coast and heads inland - the vistas are spectacular!
April 14th, 2007 at 9:37 am
Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd is right in my back yard! It starts in the San Antonio Valley and twists through the mountains to the coast–a gorgeous drive. There’s a great camping spot right beside the ocean on the other side at Highway 1.
April 14th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Thanks for the suggestion,Jeff. It sounds great.
Elsbeth, if you here someone stomping through your back yard, please don’t shoot!