Santa Cruz Wine Country 411

STAY

Motels abound within blocks of the Santa Cruz waterfront, but the Sea & Sand Inn, just a few hundred feet above the wharf, promises a view of Monterey Bay from every room.

rooms: $99 to $379.

address: 201 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

phone: (831) 427-3400

web: www.santacruzmotels.com

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EAT

Grapevines hang as art on the salmon-colored walls of the casually elegant Soif Wine Bar & Merchants, which serves tapas ($4 to $6), appetizers ($8 to $12) and entrées ($17 to $22) from 5-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5-11 p.m. Friday; 3-11 p.m. Saturday; and 4-10 p.m. Sunday.

address: 105 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz

phone: (831) 423-2020

web: www.soifwine.com

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SHOP

With its mix of book and antique stores, surf shops and clothing boutiques, Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz is the premier destination for browsers. But the 93-year-old Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf (www.santacruzwharf.com) offers a taste of the sea. Don’t miss the saltwater taffy at Marini’s at the Wharf (55A); (831) 425-7341; https://www.mariniscandies.com , or the nighttime view of the rides on the boardwalk from the Beauregard Vineyards tasting room (55B).

phone: (831) 425-7777

web: www.beauregardvineyards.com

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PLAY

Alister MacKenzie, architect of the Augusta National and Cypress Point golf courses, designed the layout of the semiprivate Pasatiempo Golf Club. It’s undergoing renovations, but tee times are available to the public.

FEES: $175 to $195.

address: 20 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz

phone: (831) 459-9155

web: www.pasatiempo.com

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MORE

For information on wineries in the region, including wine tastings, tours and special events, contact Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Assn.; (831)685-8463; https://www.scmwa.com

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ONLINE

For more photos and wine finds, go to latimes.com/winecountry