Wine Line: Brussels sprouts and the best of 2015

The Navigator is a very good cook. She doesn’t like being called a gourmet, but she is. She really is. This makes our trips into the wine country that much better. Where there is good wine, there is always good food. Last year we visited the San Luis Obispo Wine Country and discovered an excellent restaurant called Ember in Arroyo Grande. This year we stayed in Avila Beach and discovered the Ocean Grill. The food is California coastal cuisine using products from more than a half dozen local farms.

I ordered the mussels in a white wine broth topped with a haystack of pomme frites with mustard aioli. The Navigator had the seared diver scallops and pork belly, both to die for. But our starter course was the real “bomb,” crispy Brussels sprouts, flash fried with dried cherries and goat cheese, topped with smoked paprika aioli and a balsamic reduction sauce. Oh my! We actually fought over the last sprout. The Grill has a great ocean view, is open for lunch and dinner and has an extensive beer and wine list. They also waive the corkage fee for wine purchased on the Avila Wine Trail. We will definitely return and hopefully, very soon.

Best value 2015 whites

My favorite white wine in 2015 was actually a pink, the NV Korbel Blanc de Noir. It won Best of Show at the State Fair. If you can’t find the Blanc de Noir, buy the brut; both are great bubblies for under $10. Other value wines on my 2015 list were: the 2013 La Merika Pinot Grigio, the 2014 Bogle Chardonnay, the 2013 Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay, the 2014 Dry Creek Fume Blanc, the 2014 Cupcake (Marlborough) Sauvignon Blanc, the 2014 McManis River Junction Viognier, the 2013 Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling, the 2014 Bernard Griffin Sangiovese Rosé and the 2014 Charles and Charles Columbia Valley Rosé.

Best of the rest

Best wine walk: Carmel Valley has more than 20 tasting rooms and a half dozen excellent restaurants. If you’re looking for a sunny day at the beach, head out to Carmel Valley Village. Park the car and take a wine walk.

Best passport program: The Santa Cruz Mountains Passport ($55) is good for two years with more than 70 wineries.

Best grocery outlet buys: The 2010 Mercer Sharp Sisters Red Blend and the 2009 Columbia Winery Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cheers!

This story was originally published January 26, 2016 at 10:42 AM with the headline "Wine Line: Brussels sprouts and the best of 2015."