Pebble Beach Food & Wine returned after a four-year hiatus the first week of April, making a brilliant debut for the new management company, with a refreshed format and many first-time wineries, including Rhys Vineyards from the Santa Cruz Mountains, as well as Napa’s Frank Family Vineyards.
If you enjoy a head-to-head wine and food pairing competition, check out “The Perfect Pair” at Cabrillo College, set for Saturday, April 27. Inclusive ticket of $140 includes a sensory evaluation class, a walk-around tasting of Santa Cruz Mountains wines, plus an exciting food and wine pairing competition with creations by students in the Cabrillo College Culinary program. https://winesofthesantacruzmountains.com/events/the-perfect-pair
Also on April 27, is an open house at Vidovich Winery on Monte Bello Road in the Cupertino hills, from noon to 4:30, with the chance to meet their new winemaker, Barry Timmins, who hails from New Zealand and brings a new perspective to the brand.
Move over, Mint Juleps! Kendall-Jackson has released two limited-edition, commemorative wines for the 150th Run for the Roses on Kentucky Derby Day. The handsome labels feature Rachel Alexandra, a retired American Thoroughbred racehorse from Stonestreet Stables, the Jackson family’s thoroughbred operation in Lexington, KY. Rachel Alexandra has prestigious races at Churchill Downs, Belmont Park and Saratoga Racecourse to her credit. Show your Derby spirit with the 2022 “150th Running” Chardonnay (Mendocino, $14.99) and 2021 “150th Running Cabernet (Sonoma, $24.99).
How about a Derby-themed party with local wine and bites for a good cause? The Morgan Hill Community Foundation, in partnership with the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley, presents the annual Santa Clara Valley Wine Auction, May 4, at Clos LaChance Winery. VIP room opens at 5 p.m.; general admission is 6-9 p.m. A live auction action begins at 8 p.m., with big-ticket items like a VIP suite at a Sharks game, spectacular vacation home stays and a grande meat package from Rocca’s market. Dress in your finest Kentucky Derby attire, as you’ll have lots of company. Valet parking. https://visitmorganhill.org/santaclaravalleywineauction
The Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains “Taste Of Terroir” Dinner Series kicks off with “Vineyards in the Sky,” Friday, May 10, at Wrights Station Winery, featuring contemporary Italian cuisine by Chef Nick Sherman of Trestles & Cavaletta, and wines from Big Basin Vineyards, Charmant Vineyards, Cooper-Garrod Vineyards, David Bruce Winery, Muns Vineyard, Silver Mountain Vineyards and Wrights Station. https://winesofthesantacruzmountains.com/2024-tot-dinner-series
Sparkling is a Mother’s Day must-have, and Mumm Napa just launched new lines of premium domestic sparkling wines: Mumm Sparkling ($23.99) and Mumm Napa ($32.99). Both lines consist of three cuvées, including a rosé, and the latter boasts a Mumm Napa Blanc de Blancs.
For those looking to drink lower-alcohol wines with actual flavor, try the 2021 CRU Low Calorie Unoaked Chardonnay (Arroyo Seco), which clocks in at $20 and 12.1 percent alcohol. CRU has a tasting room in Soledad.
“Sunny With a Chance of Flowers” rosé, from Scheid, is another low-alcohol option available at grocery stores, and was a big hit at Pebble Beach Food & Wine.
Looking for a winery setting for an unforgettable party, celebration of life or bridal shower? Alamitos Vineyards on San Jose’s Almaden Reservoir offers gourmet wine-paired culinary options from their own private chef, ranging from charcuterie to seven-course wine paired dinners. The winery can accommodate private events of 20 to 250 people, with weekday and weekend dates available. info@alamitosvineyards.com
