Looking for a fabulous wine for Thanksgiving? Look no further than Silver Mountain Vineyards.
Silver Mountain’s Alloy, a Cabernet-dominant Bordeaux-style blend, is superb. And it’s also a much-sought-after wine round these parts. Silver Mountain Vineyards founder Jerold O’Brien, who established his winery in 1979, has sold many barrels of this award-winning wine over the years. And I have drunk many a glass of Alloy as well. It’s one of my favorites with its smooth medium tannins, and dark-fruit notes of blackberry and plum. It has a warm layer of characteristic earthiness, and is an ideal food wine.
The delicious Alloy ($50) won Best Bordeaux Blend in the 2022 California State Fair Wine Competition, and double gold in the 2023 East Meets West Wine Competition.
If you prefer a pinot on the lighter side, then Silver Mountain’s Rosé of Pinot ($28) is the way to go. Silver Mountain also produces chardonnay, cabernet and syrah. And consulting winemaker Tony Craig turns out terrific wines under his own label—Sonnet Cellars.
All these wines are available at the Santa Cruz tasting room, and from the winery in Los Gatos.
Silver Mountain Vineyards, 328D Ingalls St., Santa Cruz; 269 Silver Mountain Drive, Los Gatos. 408-353-2278. Silvermtn.com
Vine Time in the Village
More than two dozen wineries will be pouring their vinos at the very popular Aptos Wine Wander—a partnership between Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Aptos Village businesses. Participating businesses take part in this fun day by hosting wineries. It’s an opportunity to taste many wines without traveling far and wide. Purchase the wines you like at the bottle booth.
Aptos Wine Wander, 1-4pm, Saturday, Nov. 22. Tickets $50 ($45 in advance). Info. Scmwa.com or 831-685-8463.
