What a fine day the Central Coast Vineyard Team (CCVT) put on for all vendors and guests alike. With 50 wineries, dozens of food purveyors, and a bounty of earth friendly vendors it was a great day to celebrate the planet and its many gifts.
Amid the rolling hills and vineyards of California’s scenic Central Coast the historic Santa Margarita de Cortona Asistencia Ranch made a perfect venue to raise money to support the sustainable winegrowing efforts of the CCVT.
The award winning foods and wine featured were grown on local Central Coast farms committed to environmentally friendly practices. The Festival is the only event of its kind in the country and is a unique opportunity to visit with the growers, wine makers, chefs, and others who contribute to a healthy environment. The sun even cooperated and was producing electricity from Pacific Energy’s solar panels.
I hope you didn’t miss Salisbury Vineyards or Halter Ranch. They were each pouring delicious Cabernet and Syrah with Skipping Stone Production’s Ciro Pascuito providing some of their great bread. (On Fridays they deliver fresh products to the tasting rooms at Halter Ranch and nearby winery Lone Madrone.)
We also loved the Syrah at Mitchella Winery and the lightly oaked Chardonnay at Tolosa and the tropical fruit infused Chardonnay from Wolff Vineyards. And we can’t forget to mention the rich jammy 1880 Zinfandel from Sausalito Canyon, or Zenaida Cellar's earthy, fruit forward Zephyr Estate Cuvee or the cherry and plum flavored Pinot Noir from Paraiso Vineyards.
Antonio Vara’s Bueno Tavola was a crowd favorite with their freshly made pasta. The bruschetta from Novo, the tasty treats from Trader Joe’s, the squash soup from Dining with Andre, and the olive oil tastes from Olea Farm, Olio Nuevo and Pasolivo were all scrumptious.
The event also included exhibitors showcasing their earth friendly products and services. Engineering and environmental companies were present alongside landscapers, and lavender farms. Coffee roasters and organic growers shared space with grass feed beef producers and vegetable growers.
As the day grew late we danced to the Mighty Croon Dogs, sampled tasty organic treats from Sweet Earth Chocolates, desserts from Linn’s Fruit Bin and checked on our silent auction bids. Knowing that the event raised money to support the sustainable winegrowing efforts of the Central Coast Vineyard team we made plans to return next year for another Earth Day celebration.
