The Great Escape: Big Basin Vineyard's Spring Release Celebration

Everyone needs a little break, now and then, to release the stress at the end of a long week. For this week’s “Great Escape,” we suggest the aptly named at nearby Big Basin Vineyards in Boulder Creek, to take place this Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m.

Big Basin Vineyards is nestled in the ocean-cooled hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where French immigrants once grew grapes more than 100 years ago. The Big Basin family is known for its commitment to farming organically and keeping yields low, so their grapes are rare, unique and of the highest quality.

Big Basin’s Spring Release Celebration promises to be a fun event. The winery will present all of its new releases, as well as two special tastings of its Rattlesnake Rock Estate Syrah. A local chef will be on hand to cook up tasty food pairings, like lamb kabobs, pork sliders and artisan cheeses that have been carefully selected to bring out the full flavors of each wine.

Also on the celebration schedule is a Vineyard Walk, allowing guests the chance to take in and appreciate the incredible, picturesque views of Big Basin Vineyards and its hillside home.

Helping to set the mood is an impressive line-up of musicians, including jazz extraordinaire Dan Robbins on Saturday and the acoustic duo, Scott Law and Darol Anger, on Sunday.

Tickets are $20 each, but in advance, you can purchase them online for $17, and your name will be placed on the will-call list. Act now to get the discount!

So, take advantage of the early spring weather and enjoy a short car trip over to Big Basin Vineyards this weekend—and release your stress with a little wine, food and music.

If you prefer a way to enjoy Big Basin's wines a little closer to home, you can also pop into the tasting room at 14598 Big Basin Way in Saratoga, open Thursday through Saturday each week.

Big Basin Vineyards is at 830 Memory Ln. in Boulder Creek. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, call 408-564-7346 or visit bigbasinvineyards.com.