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Welcome!
We appreciate your patronage and hope to keep you up to date on the latest news from the vineyard and the tasting room (with an occasional bite from Alan's musical efforts).
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From Sandra's Desk
February 2026
Welcome to the cold weather! It sounds funny to say that considering the huge difference between Carmel Valley weather and the weather almost anywhere else in this country. And it feels even more ridiculous as I write this sitting in 60 degree weather in the vineyard. As we always say, "Lucky us."
But we are not the only ones who appreciate our good fortune. This time of year brings migratory birds to our little vineyard pond. In the last half hour, I have seen a mated pair of Canadian geese, a giant Heron, countless coots and even a lovely couple of Buffleheads who delight us with their sophisticated water take offs and landings.
The vineyard not only produces great wine for us to enjoy with friends and family, it also provides a space for our local and migratory bird population. Lucky us.
We hope the coming spring gives you all a chance to get back outside and enjoy the fruits of our lives, figuratively and literally and we hope to see you in the tasting room or around town.
Thank you again for your patronage. You are one of the best things in our lives. Lucky us.
Salute!
Sandra
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From The Winemaker
Happy Spring?
If you happen to live anywhere else, you're probably asking yourself, "um what"? but here on the Central Coast of California, January and early February have actually been the nicest weather we have had all year (meaning '25). It's been in the 70's and up to the 80's for the last 3 weeks and all the plants, insects, and critters are eating to go. This year we are seeing vines waking up from dormancy as early as January 20th. The earliest green growth I have seen before this year was in 2014 when we had bud break on Valentine's Day. That year, like this one, saw November and December rain but nothing in January, and January and early February spring like weather. The problem is this, while most people are celebrating this beautiful weather farmers know, that once that Arctic low that has been keeping the rest of the US freezing breaks down, we will eventually get cold again and frost with green growth will be a problem. Whaddya gonna do, we certainly cannot control mother nature we can only adapt and prepare to deal with what eventually will come. In the meantime, beach weather it is.
On the wine front, everything is tasting great and aging beautifully. As you know we have so many wines to offer, and wines for every scenario. Whether it's light and bright, the Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnays to the big, bold Syrah, Cab Sauv. and Barbera the Super Bowl and Valentine's Day should be a great time to eat, drink and be merry. Thanks, as always for the continued support, we appreciate you steadfastly and loyally supporting our small, artisan made wines.
Cheers, Frank
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Valentine Crab Cakes
Enjoy a simple and super tasty recipe you can make with your loved ones or indulge all to yourself. I recently made crab cakes with my cousins and wanted to share the recipe with you all!
Ingredients:
1 Cup Fresh Crab (supplied by F/V Ocean Warrior sold off Monterey's K-dock)
32oz. Ricotta Cheese
6oz. Stove Top Cornbread stuffing mix
1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella
1/2 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
1 Egg
1 TBSP Fresh chopped Parsley
1/4 TSP Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 TSP Black Pepper
1/4 TSP Salt
1 Lemon
Your preferred Frying Oil
Steps:
In a bowl, combine Ricotta Cheese, Shredded Mozzarella, Shredded Parmesan and Egg.
After that is mixed, add the Cornbread Stuffing mix, Parsley, Red Pepper Flakes, Pepper and Salt. Finally, add in your crab and make sure the crab meat is separated and not in big clumps.
Take a regular spoon and scoop out enough of the mixture to form round and flat patties (or shape into hearts) 2-inches wide and about 1-inch thick. This size should make about 10 to 12 crab cakes. Place all your shaped crab cakes on a cutting board and wait until your oil is hot enough to start frying.
Your oil should reach 350 degrees fahrenheit to be ready to start frying. A trick to knowing when the oil is ready without using a thermometer, drop a pinch of the crab cake mixture in to test the oil. If it is too hot, the mixture will burn. If it doesn't sizzle or brown after a minute, the oil is not ready.
Once your skillet with frying oil has reached temperature, add two crab cakes at a time. Not overcrowding the pan helps to allow each crab cake to cook evenly. Cook each side of the crab cake until both sides are a darker golden brown. Pull them out and set aside on a paper toweled surface to soak up any extra oil. Sprinkle the tops with a bit of flakey salt and a squeeze of lemon and you are ready to serve!
Buon Appetito,
Daniella
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From The Tasting Room:
February is so sweet! This month we'll be pouring our prettiest 2021 Rosé and our delightful 2019 Late Harvest Moscato. Please be sure to try a sip of these exceptional wines all February long. Let your Valentine know you cherish them by sharing a bottle of Silvestri wine and don't forget about the recent release of the 2021 Eugenia Red Blend. It is tasting wonderful and would be an excellent match to a romantic dinner while watching the Super Bowl. Haha!
If you are interested in being a part of our wonderful Wine Clubs or upgrading from your current Wine Club, now is the perfect time. Members receive exclusive offers and benefits with each of our Wine Clubs, including:
- 20% discount on all fulfillments and wine purchases
- Birthday Discount: extra 10% discount code emailed to you
- Complimentary Tastings* at our tasting room
- Pre-releases: Library wines and member only specials
- Monthly Newsletter: Featuring news from Alan and Sandra Silvestri
- Online Account with easy club management tools
Sign-up is simple through the tasting room or on our website. Our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you every step of the way, whether you prefer to order online or through our tasting room
-The Tasting Room Staff
Daniella, Savannah, Megan & Chad
Daily Tasting Menu:
2021 Pinot Gris, Ala, Estate
2022 Chardonnay, Bella Sandra, Estate
2022 Pinot Noir, Rising Tide, Estate
2021 Red Blend, Eugenia, Estate
2021 Barbera, Estate
Available for Purchase (click or tap here to visit our online store):
2021 Grenache Rosé, Estate
2021 Pinot Blanc, Il Campione, Estate
2021 Chardonnay, Tre Bambine, Estate
2021 Pinot Noir, Piave, Estate
2021 Grenache 90% Syrah 10% Blend, Estate
2021 Syrah, Estate
2021 Syrah, Red Ranger, Estate
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, I'Vendicatori, Estate
2019 Late Harvest Moscato, Estate
For Tasting Room information (hours, location, etc.) click or tap here to visit our website
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