CMAP Highlights

Much like winemaking itself, doing a documentary about the San
Benito County Winegrower’s Association has been a labor of
love.
Much like winemaking itself, doing a documentary about the San Benito County Winegrower’s Association has been a labor of love. What a neat group of people who are clearly passionate about what they do and the product they offer their customers. Throw in the gorgeous environment in which they practice their trade, and you have the makings of a great story, and a great video. “Stories from the Wine Trail” premieres next week on Public Access Channel 20.

A few months ago, the project began with interviews and shots of the grape harvest this past October. I had the pleasure of speaking first with Pat De Rose of De Rose Vineyard, whose infamous property resides right on the fault line. You often see that famous picture of the broken ditch that shows just how much the land has moved in the past several decades. Pat talks about his love for robust wines, as well as what a pleasure it is to have his son working in the family business. It’s a small but spirited operation, with a down-home family feel.

Next I visited Bob Enz at Enz Winery, tucked further away in the Cienega Valley. What a gorgeous, peaceful location for a winery. Bob shared stories of the original settlers to the valley, and had pictures to help illustrate the tales. One of my favorite lines in the video came when he recounted his first glimpse at grapevines. “What are those bushy lookin’ things over there?” he asked the real estate agent showing him the property he would eventually own. And thus was his introduction to the wine business. Many years later, Enz Winery has won awards for several of its varietals.  

Next I traveled to Calera Winery and sat with Josh Jensen. The view from Calera is unsurpassed. I ended up using the shot of the mountains a couple of times in “Stories.” Josh tells the story of crushing wine with his feet in France as a young man, and eventually bringing his passion for winemaking back home to California. His gravity flow wine-making facility is located behind the business offices and tasting room, and the vineyards themselves are a good half hour away, nestled on top of the Gavilan Mountains. As you’ll learn from the video, it’s all about the limestone.

Jamie Nunn at Pietra Santa Winery topped off the interviews with her enthusiastic recount of what the past year has been like as a new owner. “A whirlwind year,” she says. “This is a business of passion. You have to be willing to work 24/7.” We were able to get shots of Pietra Santa’s Grape Stomp 2006 to sprinkle in the video. Keep your eyes open for that event in late summer. Looks like too much fun. In addition, you’ll see a montage of pictures from the Winegrower’s Association’s Passport event, held annually in May.

The video is capped off with an invitation to all to come and visit San Benito County, and experience the wines from the Cienega Valley. If you’re reading this, chances are you live a heck of a lot closer to Hollister than Napa. You have a gem in your own backyard! Watch Stories from the Wine Trail on Public Access Channel 20 on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 11am, Thursday, Feb. 15 at 4:30pm and Saturday, Feb. 17 at 8pm. 

The hardest part of making the video? Not being able to indulge in the wonderful wines these folks make! I’m sure they’ll see me in June after the baby is born.

Channel 17/Gilroy

noon Sunday

Gilroy City Council – 2/5 meeting

If you couldn’t attend the meeting in person, watch your city council in action on television.

4pm Tuesday

Army Newswatch

A show designed for service personnel and their families takes a comprehensive look at current events throughout the Army

5pm Wednesday

Fugitive Watch – new episode

Local law enforcement puts the APB on suspected criminal activity.

7pm Fri/Sat Feb 16/17

GUSD Trustees 2/15 meeting

Trustees, staff and the learning community discuss issues vital to Gilroy’s schools.

Channel 17 / Hollister and San Juan Bautista

7pm Tuesday

Hollister City Council 2/5 meeting

6am Wednesday

San Juan Bautista Planning

Commission 2/6 meeting

Commissioners, staff and residents discuss planning issues in this historic town.

9pm Friday

San Benito County Water

Resources 2/1 meeting

Commissioners on the interagency board discuss critical water issues.

1pm Saturday Feb 17

San Benito County Board of

Supervisors 2/13 meeting

Supervisors, staff and citizens discuss county-wide issues.

Channel 18 / GAV-TV

10am daily

Jane-er-cize

Jane Maringer-Cantu brings the stretches and the rockin’ music; you provide the movement during this chair exercise program.

5pm Sunday

South Valley Symphony – Premiere Concert

Area-wide musicians, under the direction of new conductor Anthony Quartuccio, delight the audience with favorite classics from Handel, Ravel, Williams and Grieg.

10:30pm Wednesday

An Evening of Poetry

Gavilan College staff and instructors share their literary creations during this poetry reading.

5pm Friday

$1 Million Hole-in-One

Ron Hannon, Gavilan College Director of Athletics, emceed this fourth annual event, featuring local luminaries participating to raise funds for college sports programs.

Channel 19 / ED-TV

6pm Sunday

Learning Is Power

You are not alone: Adult learners drop their fear and reach out to learn reading, writing and math.

9am Monday

GUSD Trustees 2/1 meeting

Trustees, staff and the learning community discuss issues vital to Gilroy’s schools.

5pm Thursday

You Can’t Get There … From Here

Locally produced “You Can’t Get There … From Here,” followed by “Choices-Eddie Chagolla Speaks,” offer a clear perspective on gang activity and solutions.

5pm Friday

Chamberlain Children’s Center

Learn about the healing work being done for at-risk youth at Chamberlain Children’s Center.

7am Monday

In Focus

Suzanne St. John-Crane interviews the five San Benito County Chamber of Commerce 2006 Honorees: Michele Stephenson, Will Sutton, Theresa Martin, Mari Rossi, and Deborah Wood.

9pm Thursday

Kneeboard Highlights and Finals

Local Producer Karri Thygersen trained her camera on the latest water sport: kneeboard surfing.

8pm Saturday Feb 17

Stories from the Wine Trail

For specific programming questions, contact Jan Janes, Programming Manager at [email protected]. For full schedules 24 / 7, visit www.mycmap.org/channels/guide.htm

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