Santa Cruz

Wineries {nid MPC}

Santa Cruz Mountains Winery Passport. Every third Saturday in January, April, July, and November, the wineries in the area open from 11-5 for free tastings to Passport holders. There are special pourings, discounts, and food as well. The passport costs $30. {nid MPD}

MatthewOConnor recommended Coooper-Garrod vineyards as a fun place to go wine tasting. It's just outside of MountainView, and there's horseback riding. {nid MPE}

On January 19, I visited to the following wineries in the county with MatthewOConnor, BethMolnar, and KenPier: {nid MTC}

• Vino Locale -- Wine bar in PaloAlto specializing in local wines. {nid MTD}
• Ridge Vineyards -- Excellent place! I really enjoyed three of the four tastings (2006 Chardonnay Mikulaco, 2003 Lytton Estate Syrah, and 2005 Zinfandel Dusi Ranch), which is unheard of for me. Lots of history too, both with SiliconValley and the birth of the California wine industry. It was especially fun to go with Ken, who designed the Advanced Tasting Program logo. {nid MTE}
• Naumann Vineyards -- basically someone making wine out of their house. The wines were solid, but a bit too sweet and lacking body for my taste, especially for the price. {nid MTF}
• Picchetti Winery {nid MTG}