Pebble Beach Food & Wine made a fantastic return after a four-year break in the first week of April. The event was under the purview of a new management team and featured a renewed format including, for the first time, wineries like Rhys Vineyards from the Santa Cruz Mountains and Frank Family Vineyards from Napa.

If you take pleasure in a competitive wine and food pairing contest, don’t miss “The Perfect Pair” at Cabrillo College, scheduled for Saturday, April 27. The inclusive $140 ticket offers a sensory evaluation class, a walk-around tasting of Santa Cruz Mountains wines, along with an exciting food and wine pairing competition featuring creations by the Cabrillo College Culinary program students. https://winesofthesantacruzmountains.com/events/the-perfect-pair

Another notable event on April 27 is an open house at Vidovich Winery on Monte Bello Road in the Cupertino hills, from noon till 4:30 p.m. It’s a chance to meet their new winemaker, Barry Timmins, originally from New Zealand, who brings a fresh approach to the brand.

And it’s not just about Mint Juleps anymore! Kendall-Jackson has launched two limited-edition, commemorative wines for the 150th Run for the Roses on Kentucky Derby Day. The attractive labels showcase Rachel Alexandra, a retired American Thoroughbred racehorse from Stonestreet Stables, owned by the Jackson family in Lexington, KY. Rachel Alexandra has impressive victories at Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Racecourse. Celebrate your Derby spirit with the 2022 “150th Running” Chardonnay (Mendocino, $14.99) and 2021 “150th Running” Cabernet (Sonoma, $24.99).

Considering a Derby-themed soiree paired with local vintages and appetizing morsels for a worthy cause? The Morgan Hill Community Foundation collaborates with the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley for the yearly Santa Clara Valley Wine Auction on May 4 at Clos LaChance Winery. The VIP room opens at 5 p.m.; general entrance is from 6-9 p.m. A live auction commences at 8 p.m. featuring fabulous prizes such as a VIP suite at a Sharks match, amazing holiday home stays and a robust meat parcel from Rocca’s market. Don your finest Kentucky Derby garb, as you’ll be in good company. Parking services provided. https://visitmorganhill.org/santaclaravalleywineauction

The Santa Cruz Mountains Wines’ “Taste Of Terroir” Dinner Series ignites with “Vineyards in the Sky,” on Friday, May 10, at Wrights Station Winery, highlighting modern Italian fare curated by Chef Nick Sherman of Trestles & Cavaletta, coupled with vintages from Big Basin Vineyards, Charmant Vineyards, Cooper-Garrod Vineyards, David Bruce Winery, Muns Vineyard, Silver Mountain Vineyards and Wrights Station. https://winesofthesantacruzmountains.com/2024-tot-dinner-series

Effervescence is essential for Mother’s Day and Mumm Napa has recently introduced new assortments of upscale domestic sparkling wines: Mumm Sparkling ($23.99) and Mumm Napa ($32.99). Both portfolios contain three cuvées, including a rosé option, and the latter features a Mumm Napa Blanc de Blancs.

For those wishing to sip lower-alcohol wines without compromising on taste, give the 2021 CRU Low Calorie Unoaked Chardonnay (Arroyo Seco), priced at $20 and 12.1 percent alcohol a try. CRU has a tasting facility in Soledad.

“Sunny With a Chance of Flowers” rosé, presented by Scheid, offers another low-alcohol option you can find easily in grocery stores. This rosé was a popular choice at the anticipated Pebble Beach Food & Wine event.

Ever thought of hosting an unforgettable party, memorial, or bridal shower in a winery? Alamitos Vineyards, located near San Jose’s Almaden Reservoir, welcomes such events. Their private chef provides delectable wine-paired gourmet offerings, from charcuterie spreads to comprehensive seven-course wine-tasting dinners. This winery can comfortably cater to private celebrations ranging from 20 to 250 guests, extending dates for both weekdays and weekends. For more details, please reach out at info@alamitosvineyards.com.