Grapevines hang as art on the salmon-colored walls of the casually elegant Soif Wine Bar & Merchants, which serves tapas ($4 to $6), appetizers ($8 to $12) and entrees ($17 to $22) from 5-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5-11 p.m. Friday; 3-11 p.m. Saturday; and 4-10 p.m. Sunday.
address: 105 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz
phone: (831) 423-2020
web: soifwine.com
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SHOP
With its mix of book and antique stores, surf shops and clothing boutiques, Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz is the premier destination for browsers. But the 93-year-old Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf (www.santacruzwharf.com) offers a taste of the sea. Don't miss the saltwater taffy at Marini's at the Wharf (55A); (831) 425-7341; www.mariniscandies.com, or the nighttime view of the rides on the boardwalk from the Beauregard Vineyards tasting room (55B).
phone: (831) 425-7777
web: beauregardvineyards.com
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PLAY
Alister MacKenzie, architect of the Augusta National and Cypress Point golf courses, designed the layout of the semiprivate Pasatiempo Golf Club. It's undergoing renovations, but tee times are available to the public.
FEES: $175 to $195.
address: 20 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz
phone: (831) 459-9155
web: pasatiempo.com
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MORE
For information on wineries in the region, including wine tastings, tours and special events, contact Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Assn.; (831)685-8463; www.scmwa.com
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ONLINE
For more photos and wine finds, go to latimes.com/winecountry
