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California’s wineries and breweries are reopening once more for tastings by reservation. But if you’re sticking close to home, don’t fret. You can still enjoy a bit of that fun via virtual tastings. Here’s just a sampling of events online and in real life
Oyster Fete 2021: Wednesday, Left Bank Brasseries, Larkspur, San Jose and Menlo Park. Enjoy an oyster and wine flight with one dozen assorted premium oysters ($39) and optional sommelier wine pairings ($20). www.leftbank.com Virtual Wine and Cheese Tastings: Crafted by Cardinale’s estate chefs and selected to pair with winemaker Chris Carpenter’s mountain wines, each kit includes a set of two to four wines accompanied by an assortment of cheeses, cured meats and seasonal small bites. $100-$150. www.exploretock.com/cardinale
Matanzas Creek Winery Tastings: This Santa Rosa winery and lavender garden has reopened for tastings ($30) by appointment from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Tastings include five wines that showcase the variety the winery offers and the chance to stroll through the property’s lavender fields. Picnic table and bottle service ($50) and bocce court ($30) reservations are available as well. Just want to take a peek? Matanzas Creek’s virtual walk-through tour lets you explore the property from home. Find details at www. matanzascreek.com.
Cider Summit SF Virtual Tasting Festival: 6-7:30 p.m. April 17. Hear tasting notes on the ciders included in your festival tasting kit as well as local musicians. Choose from a festival-to-go harvest cider kit and modern cider kit. $45$20. www.cidersummitnw.com Longevity Wines: This Livermore Valley winery is open for outdoor tastings ($15) by appointment from noon to 5 p.m. on weekends. The tastings are held in the covered lawn and patio areas and
Santa Rosa’s Matanzas Creek Winery has reopened for tastings by appointment. Visitors also can explore the property’s lavender fields. there are heaters, but you may Bouchaine Winemaker Tasting Kit want to bring a jacket, if the day delivered to your home, then book is chilly. Outside food is allowed. a virtual wine tasting appointment www.longevitywines.com online. Each kit provides tasting Bouchaine Vineyards: Order a notes and vintage summaries, so you’ll be all set for your private tasting with a host — seated before the panoramic view of Bouchaine Vineyards — who will lead you and your guests through a discussion of the wines. www. bouchaine.com
Wood Family Vineyards: This Livermore winery is offering wine service by appointment Friday through Sunday, with wine available by the bottle, the glass or the six-wine flight ($20, including a souvenir glass). Find details at woodfamilyvineyards.com.
Gloria Ferrer Virtual Tastings: This Sonoma Valley winery offers private, virtual tasting experiences with wine educators, who sip along with you through a selection of Gloria Ferrer wines. You can taste with just your household or invite friends to join in via Zoom. The Trio of Sparkling Wine & Chocolate Pairing experience ($115), for example, includes three bottles of sparkling wine and a 12-piece box of wine country chocolates. Details: www. gloriaferrer.com.