I was over the moon at a recent Windy Oaks wine tasting with their 2017 Monterey Night Owl Red. An enticing blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, it is produced, cellarred and bottled by Windy Oaks Estate.
Windy Oaks has garnered an excellent reputation over the years—and winemakers Jim and Judy Schultze deserve their well-earned success.
The crimson Night Owl Red ($28) is a full-throttle wine full of fruit-forward flavors and aromas. It gets its name from winemaker Jim’s trips down to the winery at night, particularly during harvest and crush. “On his walks through the vineyard, he sometimes encounters the great horned owl that lives next to the winery,” says Judy. “Two night owls in the vineyard.”
It was during these late-night winery sessions that Jim developed this red blend.
“Night Owl Red has some of the elegance for which Windy Oaks’ wines are known,” it says on the label. The winemakers say the blend also has a robust character that allows you to pair it with many heartier foods.
Windy Oaks now has three tasting rooms—the original one in Corralitos and now in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley.
Visit windyoaksestate.com for more information.
Sevy’s Bar and Kitchen
Severino’s Bar and Grill is getting a facelift and a new name: Sevy’s Bar and Kitchen. It will include a new bar, updated interiors and fully renovated outdoor seating and décor. The management says that the restaurant is 100% committed to staying true to its local nature, and will continue to offer farm-fresh cuisine, classic cocktails and live entertainment.
Sevy’s Bar and Kitchen (located in the Best Western Seacliff Inn), 7500 Old Dominion Ct., Aptos, 831-688-8987.
Integrity Wines
Integrity Wines offers free shipping on six bottles or more until the end of December, so there’s still time to get some to kick off the New Year. Or pick up some wine at their tasting room at 135 Aviation Way, #16, Watsonville, 831-322-4322. Visit integrity.wine for more information.
