South Valley wineries that entered the Monterey International Wine Competition, held March 14 in King City, scored well. Alara Cellars pulled a Gold for its 2017 Cabernet Pfeffer and Silvers for their 2017 Barbera, Grenache and Montepulciano, all from San Benito.

Lightpost winemaker Christian Roguenant and assistant winemaker Tim Li collected a slew of Golds for: 2018 Chardonnay Paraiso Vineyards, Santa Lucia Highlands; 2018 Pinot Noir Ferrari Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains; 2017 Chardonnay Edna Valley; 2018 Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County, 2018 Pinot Noir Spanish Springs Vineyard, San Luis Obispo County and 2017 Classic Red Wine. Silvers went to 2017 Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains; 2018 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley; 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Black Mountain, Eden Canyon Vineyards, Paso Robles; 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains; 2018 Chardonnay Spanish Springs Vineyard, San Luis Obispo County; 2018 Chardonnay Russian River Valley; 2017 Classic White Wine Paso Robles; 2017 Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains, and 2018 Albariño, Edna Valley.

South Valley wineries serving up food and wine to-go during the shelter-in-place order include Sycamore Creek/MoHi, which recently paired barbecue with their Petite Sirah. A popular Fiesta Bowl dinner for two included chili verde, chili colorado and chicken enchilada, beans and rice. Martin Ranch is offering a 33 percent discount and free shipping on three bottles or more, and Sarah’s Vineyard in Gilroy has six-packs for great prices. —Laura Ness

Cinnebar Raises the Mercury

There’s alchemy in the air with Cinnabar’s Mercury Rising. A robust 35 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 percent Merlot and 30 percent Syrah, this powerful red blend has a touch of nature’s magic. These three varietals, blended by longtime winemaker George Troquato and cellar master Alejandro Aldama, produce a bold and elegant wine.

Founded in 1983 by the late Tom Mudd, Cinnabar Winery is now owned by Ron Mosley, who also owns a well-known vineyard management company called Vinescape.

Mercury is found in the mineral cinnabar. Cinnabar ore is heated to release mercury as a vapor, hence the name of this mercurial wine Mercury Rising. With lush notes of black cherry, sage and mocha, it’s an excellent deal at local supermarkets at $18.

Mercury Rising on tap (available in Cinnabar’s tasting room) now comes in a growler—$50 for your first full growler and $40 for refills. —Josie Cowden

Cinnabar Winery, 14612 Big Basin Way, Saratoga. 408-867-1012, cinnabarwinery.com.