The Other Side Of The Mountain Santa Cruz Followup Report The Latest Adventure
By Dianne Boate and Robert Meyer
Published: May, 2004
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!
You know that folks go to drink the wine, but some places are famous for their food, too. At Hunter Hill Vineyard and Winery, secret sauce barbequed beef tritip was in strong competition for first prize against their bagna couda. This is made with a mountain of garlic, anchovies and oil - a hot dip for vegetables and good bread. They thoughtfully provided a tub of iced soft drinks and water, something one of us was heavily into.
Next Passport weekend is in July.
A New Adventure: Dianne Has A Surprise For You
We went to the Main Library to see a program about Ballanchine ballet choreography, and while we were there asked at the Information Desk about some wine books that had been recommended. This led me to the 4th floor, something not explored before. Found the books and was heading out when I was stopped by a beautiful sight. A group of polished wood tables with their own lamps and chairs were like a little island. Each table has a double shelf bookcase attached, like a desk with books at arm’s reach. These are the reference material books. I wanted to move right in when I found the 8 compartments on one side containing nothing but the best published books of food and wine. I actually counted the books - 180. Here is a quick sampling of titles: Oxford Guide to Wine, Oxford Companion to Food, , The New Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia, Cambridge World History of Food, and three bible books -Wine Bible, Spice and Herb Bible, and the great The Bread Bible by my friend, Rose Levy Beranbaum. O Heaven , Thy name could be the San Francisco Public Library!
Now we are hot on the trail of Wine Bars for next month; as Charlie Rose says at the end of his show, “See you next time!”
Dianne Boate is a San Francisco based journalist and photographer. Her new show opens May 6, 2004 at the Variety Club, 582 Market Street in the City. Robert Meyer is a consultant to the wine and spirits industry. They have sipped wine together in about 18 states and 18 countries.
