I spotted this Pacific Redwood wine in New Leaf for $8.99—a totally organic Chardonnay with no sulfites added. Many people are allergic to sulfites in wine, but this one contains only naturally occurring sulfites.
“Uncork a bottle of real organic Chardonnay,” says Pacific Redwood. “We don’t stop halfway when it comes to bringing you organic wine. It’s not just grown organically, but processed organically.” They also note that their Chardonnay is acceptable for vegans. “Natural farming is a way of life for our family winery.”
This Mendocino 2015 Pacific Redwood Chardonnay has a distinctive label featuring, fittingly, a single redwood. It’s fermented in stainless steel, and the end-result is a fruity bright wine with notes of apple, pear and caramel that goes well with many kinds of food.
Visit pacificredwoodwine.com for more info.
Brewers Unite for David Purgason
Around a dozen breweries have united to help David Purgason, a local brewer who was severely injured on the job in July, and was hospitalized in Valley Medical Center with major burns over 60 percent of his body, says local brewer Dustin Vereker of Discretion Brewing. Donations are ongoing. To donate directly to the VMC Fund set up for David, visit: vmcfoundation.org/vmc/support-the-david-purgason-fund.
Revival Ice Cream
A wine event I attended in Carmel Valley was serving Revival Ice Cream, made with organic milk from Clover Dairy and fresh, organic, locally sourced, in-season ingredients. I tried the Heart of Darkness chocolate, and the award-winning Bee’s Knees—a vanilla ice cream with bee pollen and honey comb. Both flavors were incredible.
Revival Ice Cream, 463 Alvarado St., Monterey, 747-2113. revivalicecream.com.
Shelley’s Biscotti
Shelley’s Biscotti was one of the vendors at Gourmet Grazing on the Green in Aptos Village Park this month. Shelley Patterson always turns out the best and crunchiest biscotti—and they’re all handmade and delicious. They’re available in gift boxes, too. Shelley’s Biscotti, 216B Fern St., Santa Cruz, 479-4121. shelleysbiscotti.com.
