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Tastes of Santa Cruz

Articles: Santa Cruz County: A Wine Lover's Paradise

The wine scene in Santa Cruz County is as inspired as its cuisine. And so, it's no surprise that area wineries and restaurants offer a variety of tasting opportunities. From Boulder Creek to Capitola, oenophiles are raising a glass to the Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation region, one of the oldest wine growing regions in the United States.

An array of local restaurants offer wine and food pairings. For the perfect blend of wine and cuisine, stop by Capitola's Shadowbrook restaurant during Winemaker Wednesdays. From October through April, sample wine in the lounge, meet the winemaker, and choose from specially priced wines. Soif Wine Bar in Downtown Santa Cruz features sumptuous pairings of food and wine from around the world in a hip, urban setting. And Casablanca restaurant boasts one of the most extensive wine cellars in Santa Cruz County.

If you're in the mood to celebrate, the Boulder Creek Art, Wine & Music Festival in May features live music, international food booths and local wines. Every August, the family-friendly Scotts Valley Art & Wine Festival displays the work of local artists accompanied by wine, music, and children's activities. In September, the Capitola Art & Wine Festival provides live entertainment, wine tasting and mouth-watering gourmet treats.

An idyllic region, the Corralitos Wine Trail features four family-owned wineries, surrounded by redwood trees and apple orchards. And on the west side of Santa Cruz, a spirited courtyard is a local favorite where wineries, shops and restaurants can be found. Always brimming with something new to see or taste, this lively spot is home to Bonny Doon Vineyards and a number of tasting rooms that make up Surf City Vintners. The five wineries on the Summit Wine Trail offer world-class wines and exhilarating views, all within close proximity to one another.

In Soquel Village, Bargetto Winery, one of the oldest family-run wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains, has been producing hand-crafted wine for nearly a century, including delicious Santa Cruz Mountain varietals.

Whether your love of wine takes you to a picturesque tasting room, an historic eatery, or a modern downtown bistro, Santa Cruz County is the idyllic destination for oenophiles everywhere. For a list of wineries, see page XX. Cheers!