“A hidden gem boutique winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains” is how owners Joshua and Sarah Stewman describe their winery in Ben Lomond – and they’re right.
Driving there one bright sunny day to meet up with my Wild Wine Women group for lunch, I was thrilled to explore this neck of the woods. Roberts Ranch lies in a pastoral setting surrounded by vines and grazing sheep. The Stewmans’ efforts to farm with permaculture practices are paying off. They keep bees, cultivate vegetable gardens, olive trees, fruit trees, and their French hybrid lavender grows in abundance. The Stewmans’ Red Tail Gardens provide fruits and veg for the meals they prepare for various events, including a seasonal French Worker’s Lunch and their popular Crushpad Concerts.
The 2018 Roberts Ranch Estate Pinot Noir ($85) is a force to be reckoned with – an ambrosial velvet wine that would be perfect for Valentine’s Day. It is barrel aged for 11 months in Francois Freres oak barrels with 50% new French oak – resulting in luscious hints of olallieberry and cranberry.
Get some for your romantic dinner by the fire!
Roberts Ranch, 875 Roberts Road, Ben Lomond, 217-714-3062. Robertsranchvineyards.com
Gluten-free Granola
True Primal makes an exceptionally good Grainless Granola featuring almond, coconut, and seeds – with a hint of honey. It’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, and soy-free. It has a natural crunch, and it’s all good stuff. It’s also paleo-friendly and baked in the USA. True Primal also makes a line of soup pouches that come ready to eat. Just heat and serve. Choose from six varieties, including Hearty Beef, Roasted Chicken, and a Savory Wedding soup with grass-fed beef, spinach, onion, and cauliflower. Trueprimal.com
