 Dare to Pair 2019 Local Culinary, Hospitality, and Wine students offered an event to rival the Bay Area food and wine scene. The Cabrillo College students spent almost two months preparing for the Dare To Pair. Small bites were beautifully plated. Each dish presented its own flavor elements to pair with the wine students chose. Food and wine were served under awnings, deep in the dark cellars, in tasting rooms, and under the gorgeous Santa Cruz sun. All of the wines were gifted by Surf City Vintners (Link). A heartfelt “Thank you” to each winery who donated their wines for the D2P and to the Cabrillo Culinary, Wine, and Hospitality Program throughout the year! Cheers to you for supporting our local students and the wine and food industry. A 'thank you' to Chef/Instructor Jeremy and Chef/Instructor Eric from Cabrillo College! Guests enjoy the pairings and time together. Cathy Bentley, D2P's faithful coordinator!  #1 Host Winery, Equinox Winery Team: Hannah S., Kim T., China P., and Elaina G. Dish: “Provencal Pies.” These upscale artisan pot-pies offered flavors of lemon chicken, with roasted garlic, and a swirled topping of brown butter mashed potatoes. Wine: 2001 Equinox Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, Santa Cruz Mountains. Pairing Highlights: Honey, apricot, and yeast notes from the Champagne-method sparkling-wine perfectly accented the buttery-rosemary crust, the earthy carrots and poultry, fresh lemon, and decadent mashed potatoes. As one taster said, “Chicken and bubbles go well together.” Destination: This dish took me to a farm-to-table dinner set in an apple orchard. Long, narrow farm tables are covered with white linens and jars of field flowers. Complete with hanging lights, and warm evening breezes. ---------------------------------------------------------------------  #2 Sones Winery Team: Natasha F., Jessie C., Alekzander M-N., and John B. Dish: Hamachi crudo with fresh citrus, avocado, and leche de tigre sauce. Wine: The“Hedgehog” is a blend of Torrantes and Sauvignon Blanc, California Pairing Highlights: The fresh, almost floral white wine set the stage for this clean-flavored dish. The compilation was a soothing orchestration of 9 plating elements. An attractive color palate greeted the eye. Destination: Appreciate this Californian-Asian inspired pairing in a metropolitan highrise—complete with a view of the city lights and night time stars. --------------------------------------------------------------  #3 Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Team: Joseph R., Fatima D., Thomas G., and Jade B. Dish: Sopes de Carnitas de Pato con Mole Wine: 2015 Melange Rouge, Santa Cruz Mountains. Pairing Highlights: Thick, rich, and full of balanced flavors, the subtle chili and chocolate of the Mole paired well with the earthy duck. The acidity of the pastoral Melange wine rounded out the dish, giving the pairing cohesion. Destination: This is the dish to savor with friends during a midnight dinner tucked in a Spanish courtyard. -------------------------------------------------------------  #4 Quinta Cruz Wines Team: Conall M., Max G., Ismael A., and Julie P. Dish: Manchego and Almond Stuffed Squid Wine: 2016 Sauzao, Santa Cruz Mountains. Pairing Highlights: Tasters enjoyed pan-seared squid stuffed with Manchego cheese, garlic, tomatoes, and almonds, atop arugula leaves. The browned squid, the subtle crunch of the almonds and notes of creamy cheese played off each other with an affinity. Destination: Get your style on because this pairing would be perfect for a pop-up dinner at a home. Artists, musicians, writers, and food lovers would wax-on eloquently about this combination. ------------------------------------------------  #5 Storrs Winery: Team: Laura R., Alex A., Gabe A., and Damian F. Dish: Bunuelos de Bacalao with Chili/Lime Aioli Wine: 2017 Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains Pairing Highlights: The salinity of the fish fritters, the light but full flavored Chardonnay, and the peppery arugula were an enticing flavor trio. The chili mayo gave this dish a powerful punch. Destination: This dish took me to a beach side cafe' on the Iberian Coast. The lapping water and salty sea air would add to this pairing. --------------------------------------------------------  #6 Bottle Jack Winery Team: Sean A., Michael G., Sarah C., and Anita L. Dish: Durham Ranch Braised Wild Boar with Porcini Polenta and Pickled Fennel Wine: 2016 Firenze Tuscan Blend, Santa Clara County Pairing Highlights: The alluring flavors of the wild boar and umami polenta tied the knot with the Firenze. The wine's dark cherry, acidic, earthy, and almost farmyard flavors guaranteed tasters would hold a fork in one hand, and a glass of wine in the other. Destination: This dish will transport you to a hidden French bistro. The type of place where the locals eat, and tourist hope to get reservations. --------------------------------------------------------  #7 Silver Mountain Vineyards Team: Susan C., Erin D., Natalie B., and Wednesday H. Dish: Grilled Ostrich Sausage with Potato Croquette and a Red Wine Gastrique Wine: 2012 Oscar's Wild Red blend, Santa Cruz Mountains Pairing Highlights: Simply put, if this team decides to market and sell their sausage, I'll be their first customer. The balanced flavors of herbs, hints of dried cherries, and Manchego cheese give a bit of richness to the lean sausage. Starchy potato and fresh greens round out this dish, while the Merlot in the wine-blend offers soft tannins and dark berry flavors. Destination: Picture yourself siting on the dining-deck of a snow-capped mountain resort. The blue sky, warm sun, and fresh air will whet your appetite for this arresting dish.  -----------------------------------------------  #8 Bartolo Wines Team: Konrad S., Fajah J., and Jennifer P. Dish: Braised Pork Belly with Green Garlic Puree, Cauliflower and Herb Sauteed Fava Beans. Wine: 2013 Grenache, Santa Clara Valley Pairing Highlights: This pairing is full of striking contrasts. The rich, smokey flavors of the pork belly. The green, grassy flavors of the garlic. The cruciferous, fresh cauliflower and fava beans. All these tastes met up with the rich, yet smooth, Grenache. Destination: Tuck into this pairing while at an Eastern European restaurant. From your seat, you can see the chef in the kitchen cooking and braising the pork belly. Outside are views of presidential palaces.  The 10th Annual D2P Awards.... Favorite Wine: 2001 Equinox Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, Santa Cruz Mountains Favorite Dish: Wild Boar People's Choice Awards for the Best Wine & Food Pairing (guest polls) 1st Sones Cellars and Hamachi crudo 2nd Bottle Jack Wines and Wild Boar 3rd Bortollo Wines and Braised Pork Belly The Judges Awards for the Best Wine & Food Pairing 1st Bottle Jack Wines and Wild Boar 2nd Bortollo Wines and Braised Pork Belly 3rd Sones Cellars and Hamachi crudo Professional and hospitable, the students' dishes were noteworthy! As one taster shared, “the Culinary programs of our colleges need our support.” To donate to the Cabrillo College Culinary, Hospitality and Wine Program, or to dine at the student-run Pinot Alto Restaurant, visit (Link.) --------- Until next year's D2P, Shondra Savadkohi For a behind the scences look at D2P and its origins, visit my post.... 
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 Initially started as a jug winery in the 1920s, guests would come to Guglielmo Winery to refill their wine jugs. Some would take it home, but many stayed and made a day of it at the winery. It was a time for the locals to enjoy a picnic, catch up on the social scene, and relax together. Things tend to come back in style. The refillable wine jug, or Growler, is popular again. And why not? It's convenient, and eco-friendly.  Angelia Guglielmo (Customer Relations & Business Development) is 4th generation Guglielmo. With roots deep in the Santa Clara Valley, the staff are quick to point out that the family started the winery in 1925 and “Guglielmo Winery is the oldest, continuously operating, family owned winery in Santa Clara Valley.” Along with making wines, the focus extends to guest services and the winery experience.
The Guglielmos produce their Italian-focused wines to go along with food and celebrations. The wines are much more acidic, low in tannins, with little oak. About half of the wine spends four months in oak barrels, imparting much less oak than many local winemakers do. The winery offers a touch of Old World family charm just miles from the Silicon Valley Tech hub. So if you're looking for a venue, the first step, naturally, would be to stop in (or schedule an appointment) for a taste of the Guglielmo heritage.  From their tasting room:
Wine styles come and go, but the Guglielmos have stayed true to their family's style of winemaking. It takes a great deal of grit and grace to be making wines for almost one hundred years. Saluti! -------------- A toast to your family & all those your love! Shondra Savadkohi Visit my feature on Martin Ranch Winery, thoughtful & enticing wines.   If you have one afternoon for wine tasting in the Santa Clara Valley, put Blended Winemaker's Studio at the top of your list. Most people don't have nearly as much time as they'd like for friends, to relax and be refreshed, or to engage in hobbies. Wine tasting in no exception. It's a let down when I visit a winery and find it's more about the setting and the wine is lacking. Blended is a collaboration of three boutique wineries, and here, it's all about the wine and the hospitality. One tasting room hosts wines from three very different, but three very passionate, winemakers. The beauty of boutique wineries is that often the owners/winemakers are on site and love to talk about their wines. The day of my visit, all three Blended winemakers poured, served, and chatted about their wines. Visit the Blended Studios site for current tasting room hours and wine selection at: http://blendedwinestudio.com/  La vie Dansante Jeff from La vie Dansante envisioned opening a wine studio in a co-op setting. While autonomy is valued in America, collaboration has its advantages. Jeff wanted the wine co-op to be a place to share the tasting room space, equipment, labor, knowledge, the lease, and troubles. Elbow to elbow in the tasting room (literally) the Blended team welcomes wine fans. Additionally, making wine has its challenges. Behind the scenes, they can offer support and problem solve together. Jeff and Leanne have a multi year lease on the property. Many people look to see what they can get out of a situation. Conversely, Jeff and Leanne are focusing on what they can contribute. From the first conversation with the land owners in 2014 to today, each year Jeff and Leanne add something along the way. They turned the property's old barn into an insulated winemaking facility. Later, the tasting room was built. They like to demonstrate progress to their wine club members.
 Medeiros Family Wines Winemakers will go far if they know their grapes and they know their customers. Ted and Tammi Medeiros have a good sense of what their tasters want. They also mindfully nurture their wines from the grape to the glass. Ted shared, “With so many (tasting rooms) opening up, tasters can pick and choose." There's been a change from the last 10 years. ”Newer tasters have a new goal--and that's more socializing." Wine fans are meeting at wineries to buy a glass or bottle, sit, and enjoy an outing or experience together. Ted mentioned new wine-tasters “are looking for wines and wineries that are the diamond in the rough.” The Santa Clara Valley is an ideal place, in that many of the wineries are small and personal. “Winemakers can pour, serve, and chat.” It affords guests a chance to enjoy talking to the winemakers. With the proud, glowing eyes of a parent, Ted showed me pictures of his vineyards and the fruit he manages. His Malbec is one cluster per cane. Ted can limit the size of the berries (grapes.) “Timing is critical; when to prune, when to cut back.”  More grapes per cluster, or bigger grapes don't equal better wine. It means a larger volume of juice (wine) but not better quality. He controls the quality of the grapes by growing and tending vineyards from 12 sites in the Morgan Hill—Gilroy area. Community focused, Tammi shared how Medeiros Family Wines pour at regional wine festivals and events. Programs, like the Passport, “Are good for the community. It encourages people to discover their community.” Tammi also focuses on the tasting room and guest experience. Medeiros Family Wines are relatively new to the Santa Clara Valley. After a few years in wine, Ted and Tammi began offering wines under their family label in 2012. “There's Old World longevity in the valley,” said Ted. “I hope to be that successful.” I think they're on to something. Meticulous attention to fruit and knowing one's guests is core. Couple that with respecting the historic wineries of the valley, while forging their own path, the Medeiros family is poised for what's ahead in wine.  TASS Vineyards and Winery Owners/winemakers Ron & Lynn Mosley produce TASS wines. Tradition. Art. Science. Style. Ron's managed over 80 small vineyards in the Santa Clara Valley. As a vineyard manager, he's cleared acreage, planted vineyards, produced wine, and crafted wines for personal clients. His approach to wine is three fold. First is wine growing. Next comes winemaking by small lot production. Lastly, the wines reach tasters via marketing and direct sales. Ron creates wines from Santa Clara Valley grapes. Since he also produces wines from a variety of vineyards for numerous owners, he also offers wines from other California regions. Ron commented that “Wine making is 90% ingredients.” He's given the right ingredients, now, as he says “Don't mess it up!”  Zigzagging through the vineyards, Ron often randomly reaches and grabs berries (grapes) off the clusters. He'll pick 50-60 berries off of 50-60 vines. Walking between the vines, he purposefully tries not to look at the fruit, but collects samples. Why? It's natural to want to pick the best, choice fruit and check it for flavor and ripeness. But Ron figures it's better to have a read on what the cluster is producing—some ready to pick, some needing more time. Next, he combines the samples into a plastic bag, smashes the grapes, and checks the flavors. He tastes the combined grapes. He also uses a refractometer, a tool that measures the brix (grape sugars) in the grape pulp. This two-fold check combines the benefits of senses and science.  Ron shared,“Don't stress the vines. Let them live up to their potential.” He can evaluate each year, taking into consideration the weather, the vineyards, and the fruit. From there, he can “hold back or release the vineyard to balance it out.” And speaking of balancing, Lynn's sharp eye for good color in wines, along with her attuned sense of smell, has influenced Ron's winemaking. Ron shared how women can often pick up essence, acids, and aromas in wines. There is a mix of horticulturist, scientist, and tease in Ron. He has a way of keeping the tasting room lively, yet he's is very down to earth. One minute he's pouring wine, the next he's outside chatting with tasters and answering their questions.  The Blended wineries offer some great Santa Clara Valley reds. Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with fine steaks and lamb, and simple fare such as smoked ham-hock and beans. Picture making a salad with a commercial, mass market, under ripe tomato vs. a fresh, red, flavorful tomato from a local farmer. It's easy to see the difference in quality, taste, and results. This is similar with grapes. Ron highlights the virtues of knowing the quality of the grapes with guests who are captivated and eager to understand wine. This collaborative effort--three tasting rooms in one location--works! Jeff is pouring his wines and keeping an eye on the big picture of the property. Ted is showing pictures of his healthy vineyards. So give yourself some time to linger and taste one or all three lines of wine. Cheers to your Gilroy wine jaunt! Shondra Savadkohi For more Santa Clara Valley tasting rooms, visit my Santa Clara Wineries page.   Sometimes, it's nice to visit a tasting room and park it for the afternoon. Enjoy a tasting, sip a glass, and savor the conversation and view with a friend. Other times, it's fun to tuck into a region and visit a couple tasting rooms in a day. I took a peak at two South Santa Clara County wineries and tasting rooms. I found wines that were just my style, and others that would suit friends I know. And all along the way, the wineries poured and shared their wines in a spirit of hospitality. Enjoy the tour!  Stefania Wine Driving to Stefania Wines will change your image of Gilroy. No outlet malls here. No fast food. Instead, ancient oak trees frame the winding roads. Stefania and Paul Romero are the husband and wife team behind the wines. From managing vineyards and producing commercial wine over a decade ago, the couple has now taken the leap to producing their own line of wines. Tag teaming makes it work. The hallmark of knowing one's strengths and the strengths of others allows Stefania and Paul to focus on what they do best. Most of the winemaking and guest services are handled by Stefania, while Paul focuses on sulfur tests, forklifts, and oak influence on the wines, to name a few. The wines are made with fruit sourced in the local Santa Clara Valley and the surrounding region. While Stefania's favorite varietal is Syrah, she produces a variety of wines.
The casual setting offers patio seating, so bring along something to much on if you'd like. While you're there, be sure to ask about the home-crafted tasting counter. The Wheat Back coins were passed on to Stefania by her brother and carry sentimental value. -------------------------  Heller Winery, San Martin Owners and winemakers, Bill and Janet Heller, recently opened the doors of their south county tasting room in March of 2018. But they've had a pulse in the crafting of wine for twenty years. After planting their vineyards in 2010, Bill and Janet had the patience and vision to wait until the grapes were ready to be produced into their own wines. Understanding that good wine can only come from good fruit, Bill said they are “very careful with their grapes and their vineyards.” Bill and Janet pour their wines at their San Martin tasting room, and also poured at the Santa Clara Wines Passport Kick-Off night.
 Here's to your discovery of local wines! Shondra Savadkohi For more wineries in the area, visit my Santa Clara Wineries page.   Wineries of the Santa Clara Valley gathered for an evening of pouring the wines of their region...San Martin, Saratoga, Gilroy, and Morgan Hill! The Wines of the Santa Clara Valley Passport Kickoff party was an amazing chance to tour the valley all within a few feet. Winemakers gathered and poured three of their wines. Guests tasted as few or as many wines at they liked. I tasted around 25 wines. No, I didn't drink all of the pours. Yes, my handy 8 ounce paper spit-cup came with me and was well used. There were over twice as many more wines to try. The experience was a full introduction the Santa Clara Valley wine region. The Merlots were less mineral-like than coastal Merlots. The Zins were less spicy and offered more warm fruit than California Foothills' Zin. The Cabs shined! The golden mantra of travel is “ask the locals.” One of the highlights of any wine event is meeting people. A group of local tasters shared their thoughts on the wines. They were so passionate about the area, they could have gathered and been a marketing team for the region! Here's what they had to say about the Santa Clara Valley Wine Country.
 The winemakers were eager to chat about their wines. Here are a few highlights. ----------------- Miramar Vineyards, San Martin: owner, Ed Castro GSM (Grenache, Syrah, & Mouvedre) is a red blend of wine. It's a light bodied wine but still full flavored—which makes for a perfect red wine on a hot summer's night. Dry, good tannins, and flavors of pomegranate, this would pair well with food, or small bites. 90% of their grapes are from the Santa Clara area, offering seven different varietals. Within a couple of years, Miramar plans to craft their wines using all Estate fruit. Gary Robinson, from Left Bend Winery, is winemaker for Miramar wines. (see my feature on his wines and tasting room on Los Gatos.) The 2013 Syrah boasted a deep, rich red color and was not as inky purple as Syrahs can be. A bit more body and mouth feel, the dry, boysenberry flavors made for an enticing wine. Dorcich Family Vineyards, Gilroy They have of vineyards. 5 acres on Montebello Rd. up the Santa Clara Valley, the Estate Vineyards on Day Road in Gilroy, and in San Martin. They offer, Sauv, Chard, Mouvedre, Merlot, Malbec, Estate Cab, 100% Petite Sirah, and Petite Verdot. Their “Dad's Blend” wine is a compilation of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. TASS Vineyards and Winery, Gilroy: owners/winemakers Ron & Lynn Mosley TASS: Tradition. Art. Science. Style. Ron has managed over 80 small vineyards in the Santa Clara Valley. As a vineyard manager, he's cleared acreage, planted vineyards, produced wine, and crafted wines for personal clients. His approach to wine is three fold. First is growing. Next, winemaking by small lot production. Lastly, the wines reach tasters via marketing and direct sales. Ron creates wines from Santa Clara Valley grapes. Since he also produces wines from a variety of vineyards for numerous owners, he also offers wines from other California regions. Lynn's sharp eye for good color in wines, along with her attuned sense of smell, has influenced Ron's winemaking. Ron shared how women can often pick up essence, acids, and aromas in wines. Ron commented that “winemaking is 90% ingredients.” He's given the right ingredients, now, as he says “don't mess it up.” 
I ordered a glass of Sparkling Rose', a salmon steak, and a Wedge Salad with classic blue cheese, tomato, and bacon. The Creme Brulee' and coffee were a perfect ending to the meal. This made up for the many In and Out Burger trips I've made between wineries. September is Passport Month, so there is still time to taste at the Wineries of the Santa Clara Valley. And even better, most wineries are open year round. (Link to WSCV) --------------------------- Cheers to your Silicon Valley Wine Jaunt! Shondra Savadkohi Take along some Nose & Palate Tips on your next tasting room visit.  |
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