Our Mission: Zinfiltrate Central California

Our mission (which as founding members and field operatives of the Royal Victoria Swilling and Noshing Society [est. 2012], we chose to accept) is to seek out, evaluate and return with, examples of the best Zinfandels the Central Coast of California has to offer. We have 6 days. So far so good. I made it through the extra-special security screening in Victoria. An extremely estute TSA agent in Seattle warned me about the old guy that seemed to be following me. I assured him we were travelling together. He said it was sweet of me to travel with my Dad. I corrected his gaff. He noted we didn't have the same last name. Mark thanked him for opening that can of worms. Our journey will begin in San Jose. And yes, we do know the way: YVR,SEA,SJC. After the SJC part, we'll have to rely on maps and directions from courteous but not necessarily helpful staff at the rental car place to get to our first stop: Santa Cruz. (If I worked at a rental car place, I might, every once in a while, be inclined to have a bit of fun with the tourists, but I digress).

Our inaugural zin tasting is to occur at Bonnydoon's this evening. After that, Guy Fieri (of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives fame) suggests we check out Aldo's Harbour Restaurant for dinner. With any luck, we'll watch the sunset while strolling along Santa Cruz's famed boardwalk amusement park. Apparently, it opens for the season today!