Wow – what a quick harvest this has been! In fact, it’s almost history, as the estate Cab Franc is coming in this week. Even the Petit Verdot beat it to the punchdown! That pretty much leaves a wee bit of Grenache and Mourvèdre over at Pichon still hanging.
Don’t forget this evening, October 1, is the Burrell School Wine dinner at Lago di Como in Santa Cruz. With six amazing courses, each paired with Burrell School wine, this is sure to be a memorable evening. Call to reserve: (831) 454-8257. Lago di Como is at 21490 East Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz.
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Celebrating 20 Years This Weekend And All Month Long
Harvest has been fast and furious, but we’re taking a time out to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Burrell School Vineyards this weekend, October 4 and 5. Please come by to enjoy the festivities, including an informal party in the gazebo gardens, with delicious bites by Chef Desiree, along with special wines from Dave’s cellar, raffle prizes and special logo glasses. Stop by anytime from 1 to 5pm on Saturday or Sunday and raise a glass to Anne and Dave and their love affair with the fruit of the vine.
The celebration continues all month, with special tastings of library wines. Peruse the new “History Lesson” corner, featuring historic photographs and schoolhouse memorabilia. Anniversary sale pricing on select wines, too.
October 10, 6 to 10 p.m.: Season Finale “Farm to Table” Dinner at Chaminade, featuring the wines of the Summit to Sea Wineries and the bounty of Fiesta Farm. $80pp (plus tax & gratuity) includes five-course dinner, wines galore from Burrell School, Loma Prieta, MJA and Wrights Station, along with a goodie bag, views and ambience galore! Don’t miss the creatively delicious cuisine of Executive Chef Kirsten Ponza featuring bacon wrapped apple, fig and fontina grilled cheese, smoked tomato waffle bites, maple roasted squash soup and housemade pate. Yum! RSVP: (831)475-5600. chaminade.com/santacruz_restaurants/farmtotable/
Commemorating the Loma Prieta Earthquake 25 Years After
We mark another milestone this month, remembering that day 25 years ago that changed so many lives forever. Anne and Dave were living in the old schoolhouse with their daughters when the earth shook on October 17, 1989. The idea of a vineyard and winery was a “some day” concept at the time. Suddenly, the entire building tried to leave its foundation, and Anne thought the whole old school, built in 1890, was coming down around her. Slate chalkboards fell off the wall, revealing long-hidden blackboards made of painted heart redwood. On them, were chalked a Roll of Honor, a “Black List” and some addition problems for students to solve.
Inspiration often lives inside trauma: in this case, Anne and Dave decided they shouldn’t waste time in following their dreams, and the next year, Anne began to plant the vineyard, one scrawny stick at a time. And the rest, as they say, is history!!
Shake It Up! In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the earthquake, the wineries on the Summit are holding a “Shake It Up!” 25% off wine sale at Burrell School, Loma Prieta, MJA, Summit Store and Wrights Station, on October 18 & 19. Come see what’s shakin’ at the schoolhouse.
October 18, 3 to 6 p.m.: ”A Taste of Wine, A Sip of Water,” California History Museum, De Anza College. An educational wine tasting fundraiser, featuring a presentation on the history of water in the Santa Clara Valley, and an appearance by Jerold O’Brien of Silver Mountain, who will speak on the challenges of managing a vineyard during drought. If history is important to you, come check out this fun event with local wineries in one of the most beautiful museums in the area.
www.deanza.edu/califhistory/tasteofhistory.html