First, a thanks for the bountiful harvest, as bizarre as it was. Here in the Santa Cruz Mountains, we are grateful to have a great yield of really decent grapes – students in the average test range, nothing too far off the norm and some quite promising.

Passport Day in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Saturday, November 20

Although most of the mountain wineries will still be picking fruit well into November, it’s time to pause a bit from the craziness of harvest and reflect for a moment on the bounties nature has given us, along with all the curve balls.

For Fall Passport, the Summit to Sea wineries, including Burrell School, Loma Prieta, Poetic Cellars, Hunter Hill and Vine Hill, will be offering attractive prices on special wines for the Thanksgiving holiday. On Saturday, November 20, pick up a card at any of the five Summit to Sea wineries, get it stamped at each one and be entered into a drawing to win a one-of-a-kind gift pack of decadently delicious dessert wines from each of the wineries, perfect for the upcoming holidays.

Give Thanks, Give Pinot

Although Thanksgiving menus are always well-served by Pinot Noir, there is life beyond that precocious princess grape. Start with a Viognier from Loma Prieta or Poetic Cellars, floral, fruity and refreshing, unruffled by the oak influence that can throw turkey off the bus. Move to Hunter Hill or Poetic Cellars for fruitier style Pinots, or to the Loma Prieta ’08 Estate for a more Burgundian rendition, Burrell School and Vine Hill make them bigger and plusher, the better to go with hearty roast turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and rich gravy.

If you’re adding some chiles to your cornbread stuffing, Poetic Cellars Mourvedre or Loma Prieta’s Pinotage will provide a wild and memorable ride for your palate. No fatigue here! There’s always someone who just isn’t into Pinot, so make sure you have some spicy Poetic Cellars Syrah or Hunter Hill Rock n’ Rhone on hand to supply the peppery panache that makes an exceptional repast really pop.

“Holiday Magic in the Mountains” Kicks Off Thanksgiving Weekend

If you prefer to fetch your Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving, your local tree farms and wineries want to make it easier for you to do your holiday shopping without leaving the mountains. Keep your money local with our 2nd annual “Christmas Tree Wine Trail.”

It all kicks off the day after Thanksgiving. Grab one of our trail maps at Summit Store,  Casalegno’s Market, Nonno’s or any of the Summit to Sea wineries. Ralph invites you to pick up a pizza to bake at home, or hang out and feast on his own home cooking. While you’re at Summit Store, stock up on party supplies, including festive cookies and Gizdich Ranch pies. Why slave in the kitchen? At Casalegno’s, pick up fresh organic eggs, raw milk and Clover products. Both stores stock local wines for those last minute emergency party supply runs!

Select a tree at Patchen Tree Farm ($5 off with ad), then head to the participating wineries (Burrell School. Hunter Hill, Loma Prieta, Poetic Cellars, and Vine Hill) for local wines and unique gift ideas, including custom cork ornaments.

The beauty of living in this mountain community is that everyone is passionate about something, whether it’s growing the perfect Christmas tree, making the most beautiful pumpkin pie, or crafting the most delicious Pinot Noir. Be thankful for the passions and talents of others: just another of many blessings we can count during this season of Thanksgiving.