The Other Side Of The Mountain
Santa Cruz Followup Report

The Latest Adventure

By Dianne Boate and Robert Meyer

We did attend the April 17, 2004 Passport event in the Santa Cruz Mountains written about in last month’s issue. From the sound of things, a number of readers went down to enjoy the day, too. “New people from the North,” we were told. With 61 wineries in the Santa Cruz Winegrowers Association, it is impossible to go to all in one day, so we decided to go back to a couple favorites, then try new places. The starting point again, was Michael’s on Main in Soquel, because several people were pouring wine in the patio, but this time as we arrived so did the rain, and everyone scurried inside and set up their tables again, while a thoughtful employee lit the fireplace logs. Soon, Michael himself was bringing out the most glorious garlic laced hummus we have ever tasted. Quite a good breakfast!
While Robert was making the rounds in the room, Dianne’s attention was drawn to three new people seated at a table with books in front of them. Sometimes the Universe puts what you need right in front of you, for here was Mountain Vines, Mountain Wines, by Casey Young, with photographs by Ken Dawes. It was such a pleasure to meet them ! Their book is a very comprehensive look at the vintners and their wines, loaded with good history and up to the minute information. A very useful sidebar for every winery accompanies the text, telling you the address, telephone, etc, plus access, tastings, and picnics and programs. The book is really beautiful and highly recommended for a good look at this area.

The third person at the table was Barbara Marinacci, who is the daughter of Eleanor Ray, written about in the last article. Eleanor was married to Martin Ray, one of the first real wine revolutionaries in California starting in the 1930’s, whose ideas and vision helped shape the whole wine industry of this state through the 60’s. Eleanor and Barbara co-wrote Vineyards In The Sky: The Life of Legendary Vintner Martin Ray. It is a “memoir- biography” in fictionalized form about the eccentric, cantankerous, larger-than-life Martin Ray. “This is a must for those interested in the effort and long fight to improve wine quality in the United States,” Barbara told us. There are also echos of the shadows of Prohibition, which are still affecting us today, make no mistake. Read the newspapers.

For information about both books contact Mountain Vines Publishing at 831-458-3737 or via email at mail@mountainvinespub.com or visit wwwmountainvinespub.com.

Reluctantly we tore ourselves away from the warmth of the conversations and the fire and headed out into the elements.

At Silver Mountain Vineyard, altitude 2100 feet, the rain had made itself into hail. The O’Brien family provided a very welcome atmosphere with the addition of a classical guitarist. Here were more superb wines and a big crowd of people to enjoy them. In conversation with another guest, it turned out that 5 couples in the room belong to a wine club and came all the way from Livermore! Every month they select a new destination and go. This is a great idea!