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Let's eat.

From Big Sur's killer cliff-clinging eateries to Salinas' unparalleled produce, this blog aims to sniff out all things Monterey County can stomach, via picture and prose, curiosity and appetite, hand and mouth.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Wine Down Wednesdays Winding Down

The very cool offseason winery spotlight series at Tarpy's Roadhouse (647-1444) is down to its last few 5-7pm humpdays. Last week it was the good juice from Joyce being poured as part of the triple threat evening: 1) Free tastings happen in the fireplace room; 2) a special prixe fixe menu is just $21.95 (and paired glasses of Joyce at half price), and 3) bottles of the featured label that Tarpy's carries are available at a 50 percent discount.

The next two wineries featured before the series takes the summer off: Neyers (today, Wednesday, May 12) and Joullian (May 19).

If you get there early (or on a different day of the week), that only means more tasting sensations at next door Ventana Vineyards (372-7415). Elizabeth (above) took local chef-Weekly contributor Michael Whalen and me through some Sauv Blanc, Gewurtztraminer, Tempranillo and Granache and a Rubystone Rhine blend. The star, undoubtably, was the new Le Mistral. It's a must sip.

And some of the deals at this point in the year are silly. I walked with a case of 2006 "Gold Stripe" Chardonnary for $50, or about $4 a bottle. There aren't many left.