Owner Log In
  2. School

DAASV at Windy Oaks Winery 8/22/10

Dartmouth Alumni Association of Silicon Valley members and guests took a leisurely drive through the Santa Cruz mountains to meet at Windy Oaks Vineyard in the beautiful Corralitos hills (near Watsonville). This estate vineyard is owned by Jim Schultze T'76, and his wife, Judy, who graciously invited us back to sample some of their superb, award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. This was a terrific opportunity to experience the vineyard during the height of the growing season.

We drank in the scenery during a private walking tour of this 15-acre vineyard, 1,000 feet up on a ridge overlooking the Monterey Bay. While we enjoyed the view and conversation, we partook of a gourmet box lunch prepared by a local caterer (an alum of Chez Panisse), with a glass of chardonnay and a glass of pinot noir.We learned about Windy Oaks' unique organic/sustainable vineyard practices. Later, after walking back to the tasting room, Dartmouth alums, friends, and families connected while sampling great wine, including their recently released 2008 'One-Acre' Chardonnay, their 2008 Cuvée Pinot Noir, and their 2007 100% Wild Yeast Pinot Noir.

Additional wine purchases had 10% being donated to the Dartmouth College Fund.

What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

These photos are available for participants to download and use. High quality prints are available by clicking on the "Buy" button. If any photos are published, a photo credit to George Hamma would be appreciated.

Photos (C) George Hamma 2010.
Read More
  • Cruising down Hazel Dell Road in the Santa Cruz Mountains, we came upon this inviting sign.

    Cruising down Hazel Dell Road in the Santa Cruz Mountains, we came upon this inviting sign.

  • A road past the oak barrel and into the trees gives no hint of what is ahead.

    A road past the oak barrel and into the trees gives no hint of what is ahead.

  • It was a lovely day, and the shaded route was very comfortable.

    It was a lovely day, and the shaded route was very comfortable.

  • Climbing up to the top of the hill, we enjoyed the mountain environment.

    Climbing up to the top of the hill, we enjoyed the mountain environment.

  • Through the gate we could see an unusual sight - lots of netting covering some plants.

    Through the gate we could see an unusual sight - lots of netting covering some plants.

  • Doug Pease '58 and his wife, Sarah, catch up with friends Kathy Williams and Al Mouns as other guests arrive.

    Doug Pease '58 and his wife, Sarah, catch up with friends Kathy Williams and Al Mouns as other guests arrive.

  • The trees were beautiful

    The trees were beautiful

  • DAASV Event Committee Chairperson, Janet Kluczynski '77 arrived to be the leader of the pack for the day. She was equipped with name badges and check-in materials.

    DAASV Event Committee Chairperson, Janet Kluczynski '77 arrived to be the leader of the pack for the day. She was equipped with name badges and check-in materials.

  • Everyone checked in at the winery tasting room.

    Everyone checked in at the winery tasting room.

  • Windy Oaks Winery's poster featuring one of their many stunning vineyard views.

    Windy Oaks Winery's poster featuring one of their many stunning vineyard views.

  • Attendees of all ages came out to enjoy the day. Pictured are Susan Fisher-Owens MD '92 and daughter Gracie.

    Attendees of all ages came out to enjoy the day. Pictured are Susan Fisher-Owens MD '92 and daughter Gracie.

  • This artwork was done by a French artist while visiting the winery. Oo la la!

    This artwork was done by a French artist while visiting the winery. Oo la la!

  • From the winery, you could view the vines all around.

    From the winery, you could view the vines all around.

  • It was interesting how the vines were covered.

    It was interesting how the vines were covered.

  • Winery owner Judy Schultze led us on a walk through the vineyards..

    Winery owner Judy Schultze led us on a walk through the vineyards..

  • Judy Schultze explained the growing seasons for the vines and that we were just entering the time when the grapes are getting sweet.

    Judy Schultze explained the growing seasons for the vines and that we were just entering the time when the grapes are getting sweet.

  • Because the winery is partially surrounded by trees, birds are a problem as the crop becomes ripe.

    Because the winery is partially surrounded by trees, birds are a problem as the crop becomes ripe.

  • Workers cover the vines with netting to protect the crop and minimize loss of grapes.

    Workers cover the vines with netting to protect the crop and minimize loss of grapes.

  • The pinot noir grapes were starting to turn color.

    The pinot noir grapes were starting to turn color.

  • Judy Schultze uncovered some of the vines so we could see how they were prepared for the next stage of growing.

    Judy Schultze uncovered some of the vines so we could see how they were prepared for the next stage of growing.

  • Judy Schultze showed us the netting system and explained it had just been put in place the prior week for this season.

    Judy Schultze showed us the netting system and explained it had just been put in place the prior week for this season.

  • Judy Schultze showed us the three-tier wire system and explained how the vines are trimmed and directed along the wires.

    Judy Schultze showed us the three-tier wire system and explained how the vines are trimmed and directed along the wires.

  • We continued on toward the far side of this vineyard block so we could start climbing toward the ridge.

    We continued on toward the far side of this vineyard block so we could start climbing toward the ridge.

  • Half way up the ridge this convenient redwood tree provided some pleasant shade and an opportunity to ask questions.

    Half way up the ridge this convenient redwood tree provided some pleasant shade and an opportunity to ask questions.

  • Judy explained that their lives now revolve around the growing seasons for their vines - they've become "farmers".

    Judy explained that their lives now revolve around the growing seasons for their vines - they've become "farmers".

  • Continuing on toward the ridge through the vineyard.

    Continuing on toward the ridge through the vineyard.

  • Between the blocks of vines, generous space is allowed for maneuvering tractors.

    Between the blocks of vines, generous space is allowed for maneuvering tractors.

  • Judy Schultze showed us some more pinot noir grapes, becoming increasingly dark as they ripen.

    Judy Schultze showed us some more pinot noir grapes, becoming increasingly dark as they ripen.

  • Apparently the vineyard is a romantic setting, as shown by this pair of mating moths.

    Apparently the vineyard is a romantic setting, as shown by this pair of mating moths.

  • Roses are grown at the end of the rows of vines. The rose bushes are more sensitive to some plant problems that effect vines, and provide an early warning system.

    Roses are grown at the end of the rows of vines. The rose bushes are more sensitive to some plant problems that effect vines, and provide an early warning system.

  • This is Henry's Block - named for Judy's father.

    This is Henry's Block - named for Judy's father.

  • We finally arrive at the top of the ridge, where some generous shade is provided by some large oak trees.

    We finally arrive at the top of the ridge, where some generous shade is provided by some large oak trees.

  • Looking back over the vineyard we climbed through to reach the top of the ridge.

    Looking back over the vineyard we climbed through to reach the top of the ridge.

  • Tables, chairs, food, and wine glasses were ready for us under the trees.

    Tables, chairs, food, and wine glasses were ready for us under the trees.

  • A relaxation spot nearby provided an excellent view of Monterey Bay from Aptos to Monterey - there was a pretty good fog bank over part of the area.

    A relaxation spot nearby provided an excellent view of Monterey Bay from Aptos to Monterey - there was a pretty good fog bank over part of the area.

  • Having worked up an appetite with sparkling wine greeting and a hike up the hill, everyone enthusiastically dug into the luscious lunch provided.

    Having worked up an appetite with sparkling wine greeting and a hike up the hill, everyone enthusiastically dug into the luscious lunch provided.

  • The cheeses were wonderful...especially the harder ones.

    The cheeses were wonderful...especially the harder ones.

  • What a wonderful buffet!

    What a wonderful buffet!

  • Delicious fruit provided a wonderful finish.

    Delicious fruit provided a wonderful finish.

  • The food went very well with the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines served with lunch.

    The food went very well with the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines served with lunch.

  • Jim Schultze T'76 talked to us during lunch about their history in Australia and the U.K.

    Jim Schultze T'76 talked to us during lunch about their history in Australia and the U.K.

  • The Shultzes visited many boutique wineries in Australia.

    The Shultzes visited many boutique wineries in Australia.

  • Jim described the small, estate wineries of the Burgundy district of France - the model for their Windy Oaks winery.

    Jim described the small, estate wineries of the Burgundy district of France - the model for their Windy Oaks winery.

  • During lunch we switched from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir wine, both delicious.

    During lunch we switched from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir wine, both delicious.

  • Jim was very informative, providing excellent insight into the wine-making business

    Jim was very informative, providing excellent insight into the wine-making business

  • The north table. Pictured: The Fisher-Owens Party (Dan Fisher-Owens '92, Susan Fischer-Owens '92, Dirk Owens P'92, Barbara Birsinger) and the Pease Party (Doug Pease '58, Sarah Pease, Kathy Williams, Al Mouns).

    The north table. Pictured: The Fisher-Owens Party (Dan Fisher-Owens '92, Susan Fischer-Owens '92, Dirk Owens P'92, Barbara Birsinger) and the Pease Party (Doug Pease '58, Sarah Pease, Kathy Williams, Al Mouns).

  • The center table. Pictured: The Lundies (Martin and Amanda, daughter Fiona '09) and Fiores (Elsa and Dave).

    The center table. Pictured: The Lundies (Martin and Amanda, daughter Fiona '09) and Fiores (Elsa and Dave).

  • The south table. Pictured from left to right: Michael Hite Th'84, Vincent Leung '00, Bunny Tavares, Janet Kluczynski '77, Mary McDougall '77, Don McDougall, Judy Schultze.

    The south table. Pictured from left to right: Michael Hite Th'84, Vincent Leung '00, Bunny Tavares, Janet Kluczynski '77, Mary McDougall '77, Don McDougall, Judy Schultze.

  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2020 SmugMug, Inc.