You know what some say about Merlot. It will certainly not be repeated here. But what will be repeated is what some famous wine experts said about the Merlot at Rexford Winery: it reaffirms that Merlot is one of the great wine grapes of the world. Rexford is right...
Santa Cruz
Sones Cellars
Reusability is alive at well here in Santa Cruz where Sones Cellars sells an uncorked glass bottle with a rubber stopper filled with their delicious Zinfandel and Petite Sirah blend at a very nice price. You can return to get a refill at another delightful price. It's...
Burrell School Vineyards and Winery
A little off the beaten path yet worth the trip, Burrell School Vineyards and Winery are pouring wine in this beautifully maintained historic schoolhouse. Or just to taste the view. But to taste the award winning wines. Staying true to their space and its history,...
Oswald – A Good Place for Happy Hour
If you are looking for a good place for happy hour in downtown Santa Cruz, Oswald has refreshing and creative cocktails. Delicious food follows that you cannot find anywhere else. Like Pine Nut butter atop roasted chicken. Sounds simple. It's like pesto without the...
Santa Cruz Mountain and Quinta Cruz
Grapes originally from Spain and Portugal thrive quite nicely in California. Stop by Quinta Cruz (the sister brand to Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard) for a taste of their wines if you need convincing. Each one was unique and delicious. Their Verdelho is the answer to...
El Palomar
In every California destination, I seek out the best Mexican food. The cuisine just makes me happy. My test: good margaritas, fresh and delicious salsa, and good quality ingredients. El Palomar downtown has all three and even a delightful atmosphere for any type of...
Storrs Winery & Vineyards
Storrs Winery & Vineyards is one of those tasting rooms that doesn't have a bad wine. You may try it, assuming you'll like the varietals that thrive in the Santa Cruz Mountains like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. And they do have some of my favorites in the state....
Equinox Wine – Home to Delicious Sparkling Wines
How many hand crafted, small production, family owned and operated, delicious sparkling wine producers do you know in California? Probably not many! Equinox Wine should be at the top of Santa Cruz tasting rooms to try not just for the wine and sparkling wine but the...
Pelican Ranch
Some winemakers think of themselves as scientists, balancing alcohol and sugar levels for the ripe fruit flavor and body. But the winemaker at Pelican Ranch actually is a science star at UCSC's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Tasting his wines can help you...
Cafe Brasil
I heard Cafe Brasil had a great breakfast but gets crowded quickly. On a hunch that Santa Cruz locals don't get up early, I arrived at 9 AM on a Saturday. I was right. There were only a few people on the waiting list when I arrived. But all the reviews of the...