Humble vibe, homelike feel at Big Basin
The Santa Cruz Mountains’ serpentine roads make exploring the region’s many small, family-run wineries a bit of a challenge, albeit a rewarding one.
Happily, some wineries like Big Basin Vineyards have set up tasting rooms in more accessible areas to serve as outposts. While Big Basin’s production facility is tucked away in Boulder Creek on a homestead property that dates back to the late 1800s, its tasting room is conveniently located in the charming village of Saratoga. Nearby, you’ll find boutiques, restaurants and a handful of other tasting rooms. The vibe: The modest tasting room has a gallery-like feel and features vibrant artwork by local painter Matt Jones, whose art also graces Big Basin’s wine labels. The experience: Tasting room manager Matt Ryan oversees pours with a knowledgeable enthusiasm and easy-going style that makes one feel immediately at home. Sip at the handsome curly redwood bar or grab a window seat for a more leisurely paced tasting. The team: After a leaving a career in Silicon Valley, wine enthusiast Bradley Brown founded Big Basin in 1998. Along the way, Brown was mentored by winemaker John Alban, one of the founders of the Rhone Rangers group. Today, Brown oversees the winemaking, along with associate winemaker Lindsey Otis, whose previous gigs include Williams Selyem Winery. Brown’s sister and co-owner, Wendy Brown, oversees the business side. The wines: Bold yet balanced Rhone varietals, particularly Syrah, dominate, but the 14-year-old winery also produces several single vineyard Pinot Noirs. Choose from two flights, each $10 (refunded for each $100 of wine purchased). The standard tasting offers five wines, including the 2010 Homestead ($36), a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre harvested from vineyards in the Santa Cruz and Gabilan Mountains, as well as Paso Robles. A tasting of four reserve wines includes the 2008 vintage of Big Basin’s flagship, Rattlesnake Rock Syrah ($55) and 2009 Alfaro Family Vineyard Pinot Noir ($44).
The extras: The tasting room has a large patio situated directly on the main drag, Big Basin Way, making it a great spot for people-watching over a glass of wine. While tours aren’t available at the winery, the Boulder Creek property is home to a yoga studio, Shakti Yoga Shala, which Brown co-founded with his wife, Samantha Shakti-Brown. More information on classes offered at samanthashakti.com.