Here, find a curated list of the best food and drink events in Santa Cruz County for the coming week. At the top, I share my picks of unmissable local happenings.
The annual California Rare Fruit Growers apple tasting returns to Wilder Ranch State Park this Saturday, part of the park’s Harvest Festival. Taste more than 70 heirloom apples donated by local growers, some berry-flavored, others pink-fleshed, as well as historical and obscure varieties, all picked at the peak of freshness. The tasting takes place in the idyllic apple orchard at Wilder Ranch. Admission is $5 per person, $8 per couple and $10 per family. Parking at Wilder Ranch is $10 per car per day.
The third annual garden-party fundraiser Uncork Corralitos returns to Aladdin Nursery in Corralitos on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Sip libations from more than 15 local wineries, cideries and craft breweries, with local food trucks on site and live music provided by the Joint Chiefs. This event is hosted by the Freedom Rotary Club, and ticket sales support a 10-week educational program for students at Pajaro Middle School. Tickets are $55.
Best of Santa Cruz County food and drink events, Oct. 18-24
Here are some upcoming local food and drink events you might be interested in:
Friday, Oct. 18
- Boardwalk Bites and Brews | 4 p.m. @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Vegetarian Paella Dinner at Ibiza | 6:30 p.m. @ Ibiza | $75
Saturday, Oct. 19
- Corn, Beans & Squash: Cooking with the Three Sisters at Pie Ranch | 9:30 a.m. @ 2080 Green Oaks Way, Pescadero | $115
- Hot Pepper Jelly Class | 10 a.m. @ Mountain Feed & Farm Supply | $35
- UC Santa Cruz Harvest Festival | 11 a.m. @ CASFS Farm And Garden | $5
- California Rare Fruit Growers apple tasting at Wilder Ranch | 11 a.m. @ Wilder Ranch State Park | $5
- Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Day | Noon @ Santa Cruz Mountains | $90
- Urban Wine Tour: Swift Street Courtyard | 1 p.m. @ Swift Street Courtyard | $85
- Uncork Corralitos | 1 p.m. @ Alladin Nursery | $55
- Oktoberfest at Steel Bonnet Brewing Co. | 3 p.m. @ Steel Bonnet Brewing Company
- SVHS Homecoming, Concert & Kids Carnival 2024 | 3 p.m. @ Scotts Valley High School | $22
- Autumn Dinner in the Cellar | 6 p.m. @ Madson Wines | $120
Sunday, Oct. 20
- Wine Class in Champagne @ Mentone | 12:30 p.m. @ Mentone | $125
- Mount Eden/Domaine Eden Harvest Celebration | 1 p.m. @ Domaine Eden | $50
Tuesday, Oct. 22
- Vegetable Butchery | 6 p.m. @ The Grove Cafe and Bakery | $40
Wednesday, Oct. 23
- Business After Hours: Solaire Restaurant + Bar | 5 p.m. @ Solaire Restaurant + Bar
- Tiki Macabre | 5:30 p.m. @ Venus Spirits Tasting Room | $60