Compared to the fun times we have at other regions’ passport events this Santa Cruz Mountains event sucked.  We’ve experienced better there.  We visited Ridge, Pichetti, Naumann, Savannah-Chanelle, Loma Prieta and Silver Mountain.  Two that were on the passport weren’t open which was an inconvenience.  None had interesting food.  I’m disappointed with my native wine region.

The slight advantage of buying a $40 passport is that you may find a discount here and there and you get to visit mountain wineries that are normally only open by appointment without calling ahead.  However, because some were closed anyway we had to call ahead.  Passport days are more social and that is a benefit but only if you go to the wineries that are normally closed.

The generally remote mountain wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains ARE worth visiting.  The wines are bold with lots of flavor and aroma.  You can actually taste the Pinots. They aren’t too soft.  The people are often interesting to talk to.  The views can be incredible!  The narrow winding mountain roads are a treat to drive and explore.  The redwood and oak forests are deep and beautiful.

We particularly enjoyed our late afternoon with vintner Jerold O’Brien of Silver Mountain.  This winery is remote but the people are worth the drive.  Jerold is 68, single, fit, and very personable.  We really enjoyed his wines and the interesting after-hours kitchen “tour” with a few other tasters. Definitely going back someday.

For wineries with views to die for try Loma Prieta, Silver Mountain, Burrell School, Ridge, and Byington.  Yesterday the air was clear over the SF Bay Area so the view from Ridge was perfect and the fog burned back from Monterey Bay so the view from the wineries on the west side of the mountains was outstanding!

- jim