If you’re looking for a beautiful spot to go wine tasting, then Clos LaChance fits the bill.
With its lush gardens, abundant vineyards and its lively hummingbird theme—the bird is emblazoned on just about everything—it’s a pleasurable place to visit. Situated on Hummingbird Lane—what else would it be called?—in the San Martin area of Santa Clara County, this family-owned winery has truly earned its reputation as a destination of renown.
Among the wines I tried at a recent tasting was a Malbec 2014 Central Coast ($36)—a lively dark purple wine with hints of leather, spice, mocha, blackberry, and fig. Aromas of black licorice, pepper and cinnamon add to the wine’s appeal. Very dry and teeming with flavors of red and black fruit, the Malbec pairs well with dishes like beef stew and shepherd’s pie.
Clos LaChance produces an abundance of different wines, including a 2017 Rosé called Colibri (“hummingbird” in Spanish) for only $20. Special promotions run regularly, when a case of wine can be had for $60. And be sure to check the winery’s website for their many events, including music line-ups until the end of September.
Clos LaChance Winery, 1 Hummingbird Lane, San Martin (Gilroy area off Watsonville Road), 408-686-1050, clos.com.
Wine Classes at Cabrillo
Want to learn more about wine? Enology expert Sue Slater, department chair and culinary and wine instructor, will be teaching a class at Cabrillo College in the fall called French Wines, which runs from Aug. 28 to Dec. 18. Another class, Wine Faults, will be taught by Deborah Parker Wong. It runs from Aug. 29 to Dec. 19. These classes are upbeat, fun and interesting—and you’ll certainly be much better informed about wine.
To register go to cabrillo.edu or email Slater at su******@ca******.ed for more info.
Wine Map
The Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association (SCMWA) puts out a wine map periodically, with updated information about winery openings and closings. It contains information on events and the history of Santa Cruz Mountains wines. The map is free and can be picked up at local wineries and elsewhere. Visit scmwa.com for more info.
