Wines from just on the other side of the street to the other side of the world…Capitola Wine Bar has a selection that is hard to beat, Cheers!
Like our wines? Join our wine club. We have a simple club, we offer one white, one red each quarter. We source the wine that we think is something that you just have to try. Membership has it’s privileges! Here is the form.
Wine Club Release 3rd Quarter 2023 (September 14th, 2023)
There are sooooo many wines in the world! That’s why it’s fun to be part of our club, you get to try wines you hopefully never heard of that you end up falling in love with!
With that in mind…How about a white wine from Switzerland. Yep! Switzerland! Honestly the label caught our attention as soon it hit the bar, so retro and cool. More importantly, the wine! Wow! The grape is called Chasselas, ever heard of that one? Indigenous to the Alps it has an amazing mineral taste but bright and crisp. Sustainably farmed hand harvested, gentle pressing, fermentation in stainless tanks after six months on the lees (resting on sediment). Pairs well with Gruyere or even some spicey Asian fair. A great value at an everyday price of $29.00 a bottle, this is one to stock up and share, your friends will be wowed!
Red: Most of our club members are local so you might have heard of the Santa Lucia highlands (SLH) growing area and maybe even Pisoni Family. Stretching from just north of Gonzales and South of Soledad these highlands are the perfect balance of weather and soil for Pinot Noir. Some would argue some of the best in the world. We have partnered with the Pisoni family that started farming in the Salinas Valley in 1952 to bring you what we think is one of the best examples of a Pinot Noir from SLH. 2021 Let the wine maker describe it for you…
Lucia | Estate Cuvée Pinot Noir:
Entirely estate-farmed and sourced from these premier vineyard sites within the Santa Lucia Highlands, the 2021 Lucia Estate Cuvée of Pinot Noir represents our continued dedication to excellence in farming and winemaking. A sumptuous blend of 60% Pisoni Vineyard, 23% Garys’ Vineyard, and 17% Soberanes Vineyard, this wine offers up enticing aromas of strawberry compote, juicy cranberry, sandalwood, and black tea leaves, all contained within the embrace of its deep ruby hue. Carefully monitored fermentation temperatures and methodical extraction techniques have produced a wine of remarkable depth, concentration, and complexity. Layers of black cherry, Mission fig, spiced plum, and berry crumble provide a stepping stone for more subtle hints of fresh sage, clove, and vanilla bean to make their voices heard. A true snapshot of these wind-swept vines, this Pinot Noir finishes with vibrant acidity and a distinct, yet noticeably approachable structure. Don’t be surprised to see this wine continuing to amaze for years to come.
– Jeff Pisoni, Wine maker
Samplings of Previous Releases:
Wine Club Release 2nd Quarter 2023 (June 7th, 2023)
White: It all came together in this first wine perfectly. We wanted you to taste wine from Clarksburg. Some of you might say, where is that? Located South of Sacramento but close enough to the Delta, Clarksburg’s vineyards benefit from warm days and cool nights. This temperature helps create a long growing season and beautifully developed fruit. The varietal that we found we enjoyed the most from Clarksburg was this night harvested Chenin Blanc from Aperture. Done in 80% stainless steel and 20% neutral French oak It has very pretty scents of white peach, honeysuckle, beeswax, biscuit, and green herbs. The palate is silky, mouthwatering, and surprisingly expressive with intense, nutty fruit and a long, elegant finish. This beautiful California wine pairs well with chicken with lemon or a light seafood pasta, or maybe just with some nice Manchego cheese while sitting on the porch. more about this white on our spec sheet.
Red: Let’s chat about this red! This one is fun for the team here at the Wine Bar. The team traveled down to Monterey on a Monday to a big industry wine tasting, (poor us huh?) Our mission was to find the best old world red wine in the room for our club members. We tasted many to find the best taste and best value and we all agreed that this Anza Rioja from Spain was the show winner. It’s a dry blend of mostly Tempranillo with some Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, Viura and Malvasía Riojana. The vines are 30 to 50+-year-old bush vines in pure limestone soils of northern Spain. This wine pairs perfectly with our Meat Wave Flatbread, dark rich sauces, and chocolate desserts. Find out more about this red on our spec sheet.
Samplings of Previous Releases:
Wine Club Release 1st Quarter 2023:
White: The white wine on your shipment we discovered on one of our wine adventure trips, not at the winery this time but at a restaurant in Paso Robles recommended by a club member. Treana is part of the family-owned Hope family wines. They have been growing fruit in Paso Robles since 1978. This blend of white Rhône varietals is from the northern end of Monterey County, Central Monterey County, and Hope estate vineyard in the Templeton Gap district. We think this is a full-bodied blend with aromas of white peach and apricot. The aromas explode onto the palette and intertwine beautifully with lemon zest and fresh orange blossom flavors. The rich mouth feel weights the wine through the long creamy finish. A bright splash of acid balances this well-rounded white wine. Pair with some spicy food or even a light pasta or grilled fish. Treana Blanc 2020 Central Coast 67% Viognier 27% Marsanne 6% Roussanne Find out more about this white on our spec sheet.
Red: We have been looking for a Mourvèdre to share with you and we found one we love locally. Shale Canyon Winery is in the perfect place to grow these grapes. It can be a difficult grape to grow, preferring “its face in the hot sun” meaning that it needs very warm weather. If you have been to Arroyo Seco in the middle of June, you know it’s hot! The vines’ susceptibility to many viticultural hazards such as powdery mildew are less of a risk with cool evenings and warm days with nice breezes from down the canyon. We have known the owner and wine maker Keith Prader for years, so we are extra excited to share his excellent wine with you. This dark red wine pairs with rich foods like beef short ribs, pork shoulder, barbeque, and especially Doug’s mom’s Beef Bourguignon, ask for the recipe next time you’re in. Find out more about this red on our spec sheet.
Wine Club Release 4th Quarter 2022:
White: The white we selected for you is one of Doug’s favorite regions and varietals, Sancerre aka Sauvignon Blanc. Domaine Cherrier Et Fils Sancerre is fruity, floral and has a tiny bit of spice with a warm and round crisp palate. Doug’s Family tradition is crab, sourdough bread, and white wine for the Thanksgiving table. This Sancerre would fit that pairing and fish very well. Even as an Aperitif this wine will shine. Domaine Cherrier Et Fils is vegan practicing wine estate, that’s cool too! Find out more about this white on our spec sheet.
Red: For members that come to our Makers Evening with Ken and Mitsuno from Baurmeister Cellars you can appreciate the science that goes into creating a great blend. Ann Marie’s pick for the Holiday table is an amazing intense blend from Argentina of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The aromas on this wine are so satisfying red berries, dark plum, vanilla from the oak, and a minerality on the palate that we believe is representative of the terroir. Mendoza is at 3,600 feet and produces so many wonderful wines, Ann Marie can’t help herself, our inventory from this amazing region is growing. Find out more about this white on our spec sheet.
Wine Club Release for 2nd Quarter 2022
White: We find it a fun challenge when customers look at our menu and point out a grape varietal they don’t particularly like. Usually, it’s poor old Chardonnay. In turn, we steer them towards the flight of Chardonnay on our wine flight menu. “You should order it”, we say. It will change your mind. Well guess what happens when they taste an unoaked, non-malolactic Chardonnay. They are converted back! Phew! So, with that in mind, chill down with this next Chardonnay in your shipment. We like to call it Raw Chardonnay. It has been fermented at low temperatures in small stainless-steel tanks. That’s all. The wine maker and founder Greg Brewer was named winemaker of the year by wine Enthusiast. We hope you enjoy Diatom!
Red: As wine merchants we understand that there are just some iconic areas like Châteauneuf-du-Pape that must be experienced. picking wines from this AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) it’s not easy as one might think. As you know we strive for small production wines of value, that wow your palate. Hence we are proud to preset you with Domaine de Saje.
Unlike its northern Rhône neighbors, Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC permits thirteen different varieties of grape in red wine but the blend must be predominantly grenache. In 2010 there were 320 producers. The total annual production is around 100,000 hectoliters (equivalent to 13 million bottles of 0.75 liter) of which 95% is red. The remainder is white: the production of rosé is not permitted under this AOC.
- “White”: Well, we lied, it’s not a White this time but a Rosé. Wait, now, just don’t judge – you know it’s going to be good if we can get behind it. Besides we really didn’t get to enjoy a full Rosé season last year. We’ve found the Prisma from Chile for you. It’s a Rosé of Pinot Noir. The nose on this will have you coming back for another sniff. No oak on this baby, it’s only Stainless Steel for this darling. What can’t you pair this with? Prisma
- California Red: We are going to call this our “Evacuation Wine”, as that is when it was discovered. Good things can come out of life changing situations. While hanging with friends, new or old, don’t just bring out the everyday wine. Go Bold! Drink that Bottle! This is your “Special Occasion”. I wonder, do we need to say more than “Five Bordeaux Blend”? This is actually a Library Selection from Soquel Vineyards. All the accolades it deserves. This Napa Valley blend will not disappoint. Intreccio
- Sparkling White:
- During the holidays it is a “must have” in our house to have a bubbly to open. The pop of a bottle always brings a smile to our faces. We think of the classic Prosecco aromatics and fresh, light, fruit forward notes of this wine by Marsuret will bring a smile to your face too! Pairs well with almost any occasion, dinner to dessert and many cuisines. For spec sheets on this wine click here. Marsuret
- California Red:
- When our guests come in and ask for “ABC” (Anything but Cabernet), we always answer with our family favorite Joullian Zinfandel. From vines planted in the 1980’s in the magical Carmel Valley this dark cherry colored wine pairs well with Doug’s Mac & Cheese, curry, red meats and more. We hope this wine becomes a family favorite of yours too. For spec sheets on this wine click here. Joullian
- “White”: Simonsig’s Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé 2016.
- We’ve decidedly called this “Simon Says” …drink me. What a fun find. The full-flavored wine is filled with fresh red berry and strawberry aromas, and a striking finesse on the palate. The palate offers layers of sweet fresh berry flavors with a slightly zesty citrus undertone. The crisp acidity of the wine adds freshness and a long aftertaste. Best served chilled as an aperitif or over a romantic dinner, ideal with Chinese or Thai dishes, lightly dressed seafood salads, sushi and decadent fruit-infused desserts. This Rosé was made by the traditional Methodé Cap Classique of fermentation in the bottle, which was pioneered by Frans Malan, founder of Simonsig and Johan’s father. This vintage has 64% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinotage and 2% Pinot Meunier. Oh, yeah, and if you were wondering, we know it’s not really a white; but we thought we would let it slide to enjoy this wine with our members. For spec sheets on this wine click here. BrutRose
- Red: ARROWOOD’s 2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON. This vintage is a blend of fruit from vineyard sites throughout Sonoma County’s top regions for Cabernet: Sonoma Valley, Knights Valley and Alexander Valley AVAs. The Knights Valley fruit lends the wine structure and power, Sonoma Valley fruit offers ripe red fruit flavors and plush texture, while Alexander Valley provides blue fruit and bright acidity. Wine composition is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 1% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc – which equals 100% of “I’ll have another glass please!” For spec sheets on this wine click here. Cabernet
- Wine Club’s October 2019 Release:
- White: Musar Jeune’s Lebanese White Blend. This white is an unoaked blend of Viognier, Vermentino, Chardonnay from youthful Bekaa Valley vines. Crisp and aromatic, this eclectic blend of French and Italian varieties has its own distinct personality – passionfruit, apples, elderflowers – and a dry, refreshing finish.
- Red: Verum’s Patagonia Pinot Noir. Where you lucky enough to have tried the Verum Cab Franc? We had this on our menu earlier this year. It was just beautiful, elegant, full of life. This Pinot won’t let you down. Notably made with the ever lucky clone 777.