As if downtown Morgan Hill’s Annual Wine Stroll wasn’t enough fun on its own, the great thinkers of the city came up with Wine Week—a celebratory week leading up to the Wine Stroll. John McKay, board member of the Morgan Hill Downtown Association and lead planner of the event, said the week was comprised of wine education, winemaker dinners and free corkage for local bottles of wine. The events provide an intimate experience with local winemakers, pairing them with local restaurants to showcase wines while the restaurants show off culinary skills.
This was the second annual Wine Week, which included a dozen wineries pouring at six different venues. I was thrilled to attend several of the events—which ran April 21-25—and I am still reflecting on the amazing experience. Not only were we in the presence of some of the Bay Area’s top winemakers, we were seated across the table from them, able to share a gourmet meal and conversation.
Gilroy resident Teri Nelson attended the event and is anxious for it to return.
“Fabulous wines and winemakers, perfectly paired scrumptious food and an upbeat, fun atmosphere with great new and old friends,” she said. “I cannot wait for the next one!”
On April 21, I attended an educational wine seminar led by Sommelier Steve Beck at Bubbles Wine Bar. While we enjoyed a plate of delectable appetizers and a complementary selection of four wines, we learned that winetasting is all about “drinking what you enjoy.” Over the course of the week, Bubbles hosted four other local winemakers as well.
Ladera Grill held a winemakers’ dinner April 23, which was a magical evening that paired five wines from different wineries with a five-course dinner. The winemakers stood up and introduced the wines before the start of each course.
Bill Murphy joked how Clos LaChance was the result of a “hobby run amok,” but then on a more serious note said, “Wine figuratively and literally gets in your blood. Our winery is multi-generational, being passed down to our daughters.”
Murphy’s Chardonnay, a crisp, fruity wine, was served with the mixed greens and watercress salad.
John Aver, of Aver Family Vineyards, stood up to introduce the Benevolent Viognier.
“We specialize in Rhone varietals, and Viognier happens to be my favorite white grape,” he said.
The Viognier, tasting of tropical fruit, honey notes and a dry finish, was a paired with the Brazilian shellfish bake.
George Guglielmo, accompanied by his wife Jan, talked about being the third generation to operate Guglielmo Winery. Guglielmo’s Barbera, an Italian varietal with a good amount of acidity, was a delicious match for the tomato sauce in the cappelini pomodoro.
A rich, smooth Merlot from Medeiros Family Wines complemented the fourth course of masami wagyu New York steak.
“All of my wines are made from fruit I have grown myself, because great wine begins in the vineyard,” said Ted Medeiros.
When the final course of artisan cheese and dark chocolate was served, Jason Goelz of Jason-Stephen’s Winery talked about how Santa Clara Valley was the first premium growing region in California. Jason brought his Meritage, a rich and delicious blend of Estate Cabernet, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
The winemaker’s dinner on April 24 showcased Vic Vanni’s wines from Solis Winery and was held at The Good Fork Bistro, owned by Chef Maurizio Cutrignelli. The first course of goat cheese, apricot and caramelized Maui onions was paired with Vino Roseo di Sangiovese, a rosé with sweet flavors of strawberry and watermelon. The next course of braised short ribs and a gorgonzola picante wedge stood up to the rich flavors of Baciami, a
Rhône blend and
double-gold winner.
“This is our boldest wine ever,” Vic said.
Solis’s Port Lot No. 5 complemented a dark chocolate espresso torte—a grand finale that left everyone swooning. Vic sat among the diners, answering questions and sharing laughs.
At the conclusion of Wine Week, John McKay was left to marvel: “This is a golden moment in a new dawn of the South Valley wine age. Let’s enjoy it while it’s still young.”
Bev Stenehjem is a wine columnist for South Valley Newspapers. Reach her at be***********@gm***.com and check out her blog at gilroydispatch.com/blogs/grapevine_news/
