www.montereycountynow.com SEPTEMBER 11-17, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 39 CHILL The phrase “wine spritzer” will furrow the brow of any wine aficionado, if not cause a torrent of naysaying. Spritzers are fizzy, suitable only for novices. Most of all, they are cloyingly sweet. Welcome to a new era. Hoxie spritzers, produced in a partnership between New York chef Jose Rosenstein and Monterey County winemaker Scheid Vineyards (with a portfolio including fine wines) are lean and dry. The residual that lingers on the finish is natural fruit—lemon, strawberry, peach. In the grapefruit and elderflower version, the citrus is soft, with an equally gentle floral note around the edges. It’s all so easy and light that even the effervescence leaves just a trace of salinity. Hoxie showcases fruits in a casual and reserved form, with just a tug of white wine. The spritzers are crafted with a balance of flavors in mind, no added sugars necessary. These are beachy drinks, refreshing outdoor sippers with a modern vibe. The flavors are artisanal, with options such as lemon ginger or watermelon Hatch chile. The grapes are sustainably farmed, the cans are portable and recyclable and the spritzers weigh in at just 5-percent alcohol—an important point in an era where about half of all young adults in the U.S. consider even modest amounts of alcohol unhealthy. But with the blend of fruits and botanicals, you could be forgiven for adding a jigger or two of gin. The dry finish would work well in cocktail form. Just a thought. Available at select stores. More information at drinkhoxie.com. Go Fizz Believe it or not, wine spritzers from Hoxie are dry and nuanced, not bad words for a can. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES TRY OUR NEW Tapas Happy Hour & Mid-Week Specials 4:30 - 6:00pm daily #Tapas! A Happy Hour Beyond Compare. Adjacent to the Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa | 700 Munras Avenue, Monterey Reservations Recommended | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com DELIGHTFULLY ALFRESCO 50 OLD FISHERMAN’S WHARF MONTEREY • 831-372-3655 www.domenicosmonterey.com Open Daily 11:30am to close Fresh Seafood, Italian Classics, Prime Steaks— with Beautiful Harbor Views. Domenico’s on the Wharf features Cioppino– a house specialty, Boat-to-Table Wild Alaskan Salmon, Oysters Rockefeller These are a sample of our many great menu choices. Also enjoy Fine Wines and Cocktails, Desserts and Great Service. Celebrating 44 years on Old Fisherman’s Wharf.— A Local Favorite! ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • GEAR-000383, GEAR-000376, GEAR-000375 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
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