June 6, 2023 – It’s that time of year to be outdoors, enjoying California’s high tax bracket weather, right? We pay extra for this. So why is it sprinkling in June?
Answer: see 2011. We received almost two inches of rain during the month of June that year. It’s been feeling a lot like 2011 since February. Definitely a year for vigilance in the vineyard, especially with all the growth and vigor due to the winter rains.
The vines are raring to go and the clusters look plentiful and fairly large: the foliage is also going bonkers. Now, it’s a matter of getting a decent fruit set, meaning, that we hope this gloom and drizzle doesn’t persist too long during flowering, which has definitely begun in some of the local vineyards. Farming is not for the lazy, and years like this might prove hugely rewarding, if all goes well. Big IF.
Whatever is to come, there’s always time to celebrate the harvests of the past and the bounty they have bestowed on us. Here are some of the hottest tickets in town, even if the weather is feeling not so very hot and June-ish just now.
This Saturday, June 10, is the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association’s 30th Annual Monterey Winemakers Celebration, to be held in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It’s the “after party” for Carmel-by-the-Sea Culinary Week that you don’t want to miss. General admission is 2-4pm; VIPs receive valet parking and early event entry at 1pm. This is what you want to do, as there is so much to explore.
Have you been to these new wineries yet? Corral Wine Company (tasting room in Carmel Valley Village), JL Wood Wines (online only), Pelio Estates (brand new tasting room in Carmel Valley Village) and Tira Nanza (Cachuagua, by appointment only, formerly the Galante Ranch), will be pouring wine for the first time at this public event. It’s worth it just to check these guys out.
Corral Wine Company makes a lovely Sauv Blanc and a classy Petite Sirah from Paso, while JL Wood has four different Chardonnays from their vineyard in Arroyo Seco, each with a defined intent. You will not believe how different they really are. Each one has its own merits, including the low alcohol version (9%), which impressed us with its flavor and varietal character.
Pelio Wines, with a portfolio dedicated to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Pelio Vineyard (planted by Peter Figge), are made by Greg and Chris Vita. The 2022 Pinot Noir Rosé is a standout and just received Gold and 93 points at the 2023 Sunset Wine Competition.
Of course, all your good decades old favorites will be there, too, including Bernardus, Chalone, Hahn, J. Lohr, Scheid and Talbott. Among the newer brands are Albatross, CRU, Odonata, I. Brand, Lepe, Folktale, Kori, Scratch and Rustique, alongside Joyce, Folktale, McIntyre and Wrath. Monterey certainly has it going on in the diversity department, which makes it one of the most sought after sources of grapes, and one of the foremost producers of quality wine in the state.
The list of brands pouring is a “Who’s Who” of the Monterey wine scene, with a few “out of towners” thrown in for good measure.
Culinary Partners participating in the Monterey Winegrowers event from 1—4pm, include: Basil● Carmel Honey Company● Chef Dyon ● Flaherty’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar ● La Balena ● Lumpia Lady 831 ● Miss Lippe’s Dumplings ● The Meatery ● Mmm Churros ● Quail and Olive ● Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse ● Vesuvio ● Yafa
The event takes place on Seventh (between Dolores and San Carlos) and Dolores (between Ocean and San Carlos). The streets will be closed off for the event. Valet Parking for VIPs will be at Carmel Realty and a shuttle service for the main event will be provided from the Barnyard shopping center.
It is highly recommended that you make reservations at one of the participating restaurants for dinner following the event. Consider Anton & Michel, Basil, Chez Noir, Grasings, La Balena, Little Napoli, Hog’s Breath, The Grill on Ocean, Barmel, The Pocket, Dametra Café, Cultura Carmel, Café Luna, Promesa, PortaBella and The Catch. Tickets: MontereyWinemakersCelebration
SCMWA Terroir Series Dinners: June 25, July 14 & August 19
There’s no finer way to enjoy the special wines of our mountains than with splendid food served up in spectacular settings. Whether you want close up views of the Bay, long-range mountain vistas or in the middle of the winemaking action setting, these three upcoming dinner experiences are sure to make your hit parade.
Regan Vineyards plays host for the first time to the Terroir Series, on June 25th, followed by the epic mountaintop perch of Silver Mountain on July 14, and the hip meets historic winemaking vibe of Santa Cruz’s Westside at Madson Wines on the 19th of August. Buy tickets for all, if you really want a snippet of the incredible breadth of Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noirs.
Distinct Pinot Noirs of the Santa Cruz Mountains at Regan Vineyards, June 25
This will be the first in the Terroir series to actually dine among the vinerows! Enjoy the distinct Pinot Noirs of the Santa Cruz Mountains while you feast on the incomparable farm-to-table cuisine of Brad Briske, beloved chef/owner of HOME Soquel. It’s hard to beat the magical in-vine feeling you get from this site, overlooking the Monterey Bay, with lights twinkling along the far shore. Regan Vineyard wines, including the Pinot Noir you’ll be enjoying, along with a stellar Chardonnay and Merlot, are made by talented winemaker, Keegan Mayo. Wineries featured are Regan Vineyards Winery, Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery, Aptos Vineyard, Armitage Wines, Big Basin Vineyards, Charmant Vineyards, Lester Estate Wines, Mount Eden Vineyards, Sante Arcangeli Family Wines, Storrs Winery and Windy Oaks Estate Vineyards & Winery. $175pp
Midsummer Night’s Dinner At Silver Mountain, July 14
Nestled in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, discover exceptional wines at a reception and seated winemaker dinner at proprietor Jerold O’Brien’s Silver Mountain Vineyards, where he’s going into his 44th harvest this year. The breathtaking, panoramic mountain views overlooking Silver Mountain’s certified organic vineyards and the Monterey Bay from 2100 feet atop Skyland Ridge, allow you to see the vines of Mount Eden and Ridge in the distance. Chef Ross Hanson of Oak & Rye will doubtless cook up a memorably tasty meal, as there’s nothing he likes better than to wow a crowd with his seriously flavorful cuisine. You’ll enjoy wines from Silver Mountain Vineyards, Aptos Vineyard, Cooper-Garrod Vineyards at Garrod Farms, House Family Vineyards, Left Bend Winery, Muns Vineyard and Villa del Monte Winery. $175pp
Mountain to Sea at Madson Wines, August 19
Talk about a full circle setting: this old Santa Cruz Westside warehouse, now occupied by one of the hottest new brands in the AVA —Madson Wines— was once the barrel room for Randall Grahm’s Bonny Doon Vineyards. Right around the corner from Jeff Emery’s iconic Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard wine cellar, this place is in good hands now, with Cole Thomas, Ken Swegles and Abbey Chrystal running Madson Wines. You’ll feast on local bounty from earth and sea with cuisine by Brutta, one of the most sought after local caterers, expertly paired with some of the very best Santa Cruz Mountain wines. Featuring the wines of Alfaro Family Vineyards; Beauregard; Big Basin Vineyards; Madson Wines; Sandar & Hem; Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard; and Storrs Winery & Vineyards. This is truly a classic melding of old and new brands, in one of the most historic locales in Santa Cruz winemaking history. $175pp
Tickets for Terroir Series: 2023SCMTerroirDinners
About the author
Laura Ness is a longtime wine journalist, columnist and judge who contributes regularly to Edible Monterey Bay, Spirited, WineOh.Tv, Los Gatos Magazine and Wine Industry Network, and a variety of consumer publications. Her passion is telling stories about the intriguing characters who inhabit the fascinating world of wine and food.
