Alexander Cellars

On our way to Equinox, we parked in front and tried this place out.
Highlights:
— They had wine AND spirits! So much fun to be able to have something different. In addition to a few reds, we tried gin, vodka, and the now legal absinthe. I’m a vodka girl and it was pretty good. Absinthe was interesting to try since I’ve never had it before.
— No tasting fee: always a bonus
— Friendly people that were happy to talk about their products and appreciative that we stopped by
— Eclectic college indy feel with the graffitied board with fliers on it next to the tasting area
— Snacks: yeay to Santa Cruz wineries with snacks – think this one was crackers with some dip.
— My friend brought her dog in and there was another dog already in there too.
Lowlights (my flip side to highlights):
— Just a wee little room at the end of a super industrial strip mall.
— We didn’t like anything enough to buy, but it was fun trying.
I’d stop by again just to break up the all-​wine day.

Our last stop on the Santa Cruz wine passport weekend, although they are not on the passport. It didn’t matter, we tasted there anyway — we were parked right in front of the place. Boy are we glad we did. First we had to bring the glasses we were using at Equinox because we were told by others that they had run out of clean glasses.
We entered minutes from closing time (5PM) but we were still treated to generous pours and great personality. Here is what we tasted:
’99 Zin — not my favorite
’00 Zin — getting better
’04 Zin — now we are talking!
Shadow Vodka — made from pinot and tapioca I heard
Sarticious Gin — so good I had to go out and buy a bottle from a local grocer (they don’t sell it here)
Brandy — made with Zin, Pinot, and Chard. — very good!
Sorciere Verte Absinthe — lighter in viscosity compared to Hanger One but very drinkable
Great place to stumble upon!