The Coastside Farmer’s Market is in full swing with approximately 30 booths overflowing with an abundance of locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, gourmet cheese, herbs and farm fresh eggs available for purchase. Local artisans, dancers, and musicians appear at the market each week, as well as a number of community groups. The market is held outdoors annually from May 1 through December on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Shoreline Station parking lot (Kelly Avenue & Cabrillo Hwy/Hwy 1). For more information visit www.coastsidefarmersmarket.org.

Wine Exploration

The Santa Cruz Mountains has been recognized as a wine producing region since the late 1800s when local winegrowers began to win in national and international competitions. Now home to more than 70 wineries, this wine region has two  summer events coming up, offering an opportunity to taste and explore the wines of the area.

• During the first two weekends in June (June 5 & 6 and June 12 & 13), wine lovers will have the opportunity to taste and purchase many of the region’s wines at the Vintner’s Festival. This event features more than 50 wineries from both sides of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Many new releases will be poured, as well as barrel tastings, regional delicacies, live music, local chef demos, art displays and much more. Held each day from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance / $35 at the door (includes a commemorative glass for tastings). For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association at (831) 685-8463 or visit www.scmwa.com.

• July 17th is Passport Day! This quarterly event features special wine and barrel tastings at numerous wineries, some of which aren’t open to the public except on Passport Days. Participating restaurants also offer specials such as waived corkage on Santa Cruz Mountains Wines, 10% off on dinner and more. At each winery visited, a page of the Passport will be given a unique commemorative stamp. During Passport Day guests will also enjoy discounts at local participating restaurants. Passports are $40 per person and can be purchased at any of the participating wineries on the day of the event or in advance by calling (831) 685-8463.