Saratoga’s Mountain Winery hosts Grand Tasting of Santa Cruz Mountain wines

The Grand Tasting of wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains returns to the Mountain Winery in Saratoga this Sunday, April 30, with a VIP tasting beginning at 12:30 p.m. and the Grand Tasting at 1 p.m.

This event is the perfect chance to taste pours from relative newcomers Lago Lomita, Madson, Maison Areion, Gali, Roberts Ranch and Sandar & Hem, along with those from rarely open wineries like Clos de La Tech, Naumann Vineyards and La Vida Bella Vineyard. Doon to Earth wines from Ser and Bonny Doon Vineyards will make their debut, and you don’t want to miss their striking new labels, which might look somewhat familiar to longtime Bonny Doon fans.

Grand Tasting tickets are $79 at https://winesofthesantacruzmountains.com/events, with VIP tickets at $120 for early entry along with rose and sparkling wines. Library Tasting tickets are $170 for tastes of nicely aged wines from Bargetto Winery, Big Basin Vineyards, Clos de la Tech, Cooper-Garrod Vineyards, House Family Vineyards, Kathryn Kennedy Winery, Kings Mountain Vineyards, Lexington Wine Co, Mount Eden Vineyards, Muns Vineyard, Ridge Vineyards and Silver Mountain Vineyards. A silent auction with over 50 unique items can be previewed and accessed online. Bidding starts on Friday, April 28 and closes on Sunday, April 30 at 3pm. Preview the auction and register at https://fly.causepilot.com/wines-of-scm/grand-tasting.

Wrights Station off Summit Road in the Santa Cruz Mountains is offering tours of the gorgeous grounds every Saturday, and weekends bring the tasty meat or vegetarian Argentinian tapas ($6) of Chef Diego Felix, which make a great snack or lunch. Interested in a tour of the historic property that was once the site of a railroad station and small town? Each Saturday at noon, you can stroll, glass in hand, through the vineyard and the redwood grove while you learn about the property’s past. Finish with a sip in the cellar. Wear your walking shoes. $40 for wine club members, $55 for non-members.

Wrights Station will also be staying open until 8:30 p.m. for wine, dinner and mountain views on the First Friday of every month May 5 through Oct. 6. A rotating roster of food trucks will be available, and wine will by available by the glass or bottle. The season kicks off on Cinco de Mayo, when Capitola-based Taquizas Gabriel will be on hand with tacos, burritos, quesadillas, birria, churros and more. A $17 ticket price covers the first glass of wine, with food and wine available to purchase until 8 p.m. https://www.wrightsstation.com

While visiting Wrights Station, be sure to stop by Burrell School, one of the most picturesque spots on Summit Road, with long-range views to the west. Founder Ann Moulton’s beloved heritage roses are glorious in May into June. The schoolhouse, built in 1890, celebrates its 133rd anniversary on July 4. https://burrellschool.com