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.
