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Events + News: Articles
Wednesday, October 16, 2002 Article by Lynne Char Bennett Bargetto Winery 3535 N. Main St., Soquel (800) 422-7438 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Rating: TWO STARS Soquel is a picturesque town in the Santa Cruz Mountains where long stretches of civilization are fewer and farther between than in many other places in the Bay Area. Yet, Bargetto is easy-to-find, just off Main Street. Bargetto's tasting room appears modest from the street, located in a long, cream wood building that is attached to the winery. The main entrance is through the retail area, filled with clothing, cute wine-motif socks, hand- blown wine glasses, picnic baskets and insulated tapestry wine bags. Step from the main retail area down onto a red brick floor that defines the tasting area. Various antique farm implements displayed on rough plank walls combined with the timber-beamed ceiling create a rustic barn feel. The focal point of the room, however, was the magnificent wood tasting bar carved with leaves that gently curved along the length of the wall. But it was too nice a day to taste indoors, so my friend and I joined the other guests to taste wines outdoors. From the long, narrow tasting room that is dark and cool, we experienced a quick transition into warm sunshine by crossing a deck shaded by a redwood tree. One side of the deck overlooks a partially dry creek bed. The rest of the large courtyard, where private evening receptions and dinners are held, was covered with 30-inch tile. Flowerbeds with azaleas, trumpet vines and yellow hibiscus skirt the area. At the far end of the courtyard, we found the rustic outdoor tasting bar and talkative, engaging staff. The winery, founded in 1933 by Italian immigrants Phillip and John Bargetto, is the oldest winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The third generation of Bargettos carries on the family wine-making tradition, producing three lines of wine—Bargetto, Chaucer's and Coastal Cellars. There are different "levels" of wine offered for tasting and for sale at Bargetto. Most wines are available for your choice of four complimentary tastes. In addition, the limited supply of Reserve wines is $1 per taste (Estate Chardonnay, Estate Pinot Noir, Merlot Reserve and Cabernet Sauvignon, $20-$35). Two wines were considered in even more limited supply -- the 1997 Blanc de Noir ($25) and 1998 La Vita ($50). These wines cost $5 per taste, but includes a logo glass, which you may keep. A fourth group, the library wines, may be unavailable for tasting because there is a very limited supply. Bargetto offers three dessert wines, Chaucer's wines, made from olallieberries, raspberries (each 500 ml, $11) or honey (750 ml, $11). The mead is made from 100 percent honey and comes with a packet of mulling spices to simmer for the holidays. Just smelling the aroma of the spices brought images of family, cold weather and holiday feasting. Note: Take the Bay Avenue/Porter Street exit off Highway 1, then go east a half-block to Main Street. Bargetto wines (750 ml) are $11-$50. Winery tours by advance appointment only; facilities are available for private evening functions. Handicapped accessible. Log on to www.bargetto.com for more information. |
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