Mineral-laden and complex, The Hilt’s 2023 Estate Chardonnay ($50) is brimming with the fruits of crunchy nectarine to dried mango, along with peach nectar with lovely toasty notes. “The Estate wines are defined by the fruit and flavors of our little southwestern corner of the Santa Rita Hills,” says Matt Dees, winemaker at The Hilt Estate. He says this Chardonnay highlights the sunshine that shone upon their vineyards in 2023.
In 2014, the company acquired a historic 3,600-acre property which features three distinct vineyards: Bentrock, Radian and Puerta del Mar. A visit enables one to experience the beauty of the land, while experiencing The Hilt’s many excellent wines. As well as Chardonnay, they make Rosé, Riesling, Syrah, and Pinot Noir.
The Hilt Estate, 2240 Santa Rosa Road, Lompoc, Calif. 805-564-8581. Thehiltestate.com
Two Healthy Drinks
GRAASI Organic Barley Water comes in three different flavors and is packed with antioxidants. This low-calorie vegan drink offers 100% of your daily vitamins C, D, and zinc to boost your immunity. Graasi.com SHARE Aqua d’Oro is s a healthy vegan drink made from fermented fruit and veggies. There is no added sugar – the sweetness comes from the fruit. SHARE of Switzerland says it’s “a living fermented fruit for your living body.” Shareswiss.us
New Seascape hub
The Point in Aptos replaces Southpoint Coffee Shop, which closed a few months ago. The Point serves breakfast burritos, burgers, paninis, soups, smoothies, salads, ice cream, and more. Coffee is by Pacific Coffee Roasting at 7554 Soquel Drive, Aptos. The Point is at 10 Seascape Village, Aptos, 831-251-3644. Open daily 6am to 9pm.
Sample Wine on Wednesday
Seascape Beach Resort in Aptos holds its upbeat Wine Wednesday on certain dates (check the web for when). Morgan Winery & Vineyards is 5:30-7pm on Sept. 23. Seascaperesort.com
