Coastside Great Escape: Santa Cruz Wineries Passport Event

Last week, Great Escape suggested heading to the grassy hills of Pacifica’s with a picnic lunch from Colombo's Delicatessen to get away from it all.

This week, head to even higher ground to the Santa Cruz Mountains for the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association's Passport event. It's an opportunity to meet the winemakers of this rich viticultural region and to see where and how they produce some of the world’s greatest wines.

In 1981 the Santa Cruz Mountains Viticultural Appellation, one of the first American viticultural areas to be defined by geophysical and climatic factors, became federally recognized. The appellation encompasses the Santa Cruz Mountain range from Half Moon Bay in the north to Mount Madonna in the south.

The number of wineries and the acreage planted in the Santa Cruz Mountains has increased dramatically in recent years as the area continues to evolve as a unique grape-growing region. There are now more than 70 small, family-owned wineries in the region.

On April 16, wine aficionados can experience the handcrafted, independent spirit that Santa Cruz Mountain wines and their winemakers are known for during Passport, when participating wineries open their doors to Passport holders from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For $40, each Passport covers tasting room fees for one person at all participating wineries and is valid until completed. Additional Passport dates include the third Saturdays in both July and November. Some of the wineries are not open to the public except on Passport days and many pour special wines or barrel samples on these days.

At each winery, a page of your Passport will be given a unique commemorative stamp. During Passport Day you can also enjoy discounts at local participating restaurants, and there is a prize for completing the Passport.

To purchase a Passport, call 831-685-8463 or go to www.scmwa.com. Passport are also available to purchase at any participating winery on Passport day, while supplies last.