With the autumn grape harvest and wine tasting season in full swing, South Santa Clara County vineyards offer a number of destinations for both wine geeks and newbies to indulge their thirsts. Belonging to the Santa Clara Valley appellation, Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy are home to some of the oldest winegrowing plots on California's central coast. Here are a few of the best wineries to take in the tannins and bouquets of South County.
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Clos LaChance Winery
1 Hummingbird Lane, San Martin. 408.686.1050 At Clos LaChance Winery, you’ll want to spend all day on their expansive veranda, sipping a glass of your favorite vintage as you take in the vineyard’s beautiful vistas. A picturesque location for an outdoor picnic, they have a sizable lawn for the kids to run around in the sun, and even bocce ball courts. With a luxuriously carved dark wood interior, Clos LaChance’s tasting room is spacious enough to accommodate weddings and banquets. Their wine speaks for itself. Co-owners Bill and Brenda Murphy have been producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage, Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on their 150-acre San Martin property since 1992.
On Oct. 23, the winery will host a Salute to King Crab fundraiser for the Teacher’s Aid Coalition, founded by Dr. Jon Hatakeyama, to gather supplies for local public school teachers. Taking place at 6pm, the event will feature Cabernet from local wineries, a Cabernet presentation by winemaker Stephen Tebb, food by Le Bistro/Lucia Nevejans and fruit by Andy’s Orchard. There will also be an appearance by Don “Elvis” Prieto, guaranteeing a good time. Tickets are available at Dr. Hatakeyama’s offices, 370 West Dunne Ave. Suite 3 as well as Booksmart, 80 E. 2nd St. for $25 or $30 at the door. For more information call (408) 779-7391.
Sycamore Creek Vineyards & Winery
12775 Uvas Road, Morgan Hill. 408.779.4738 Sycamore Creek Vineyards & Winery puts a cute twist on the old wine tasting experience by having visitors sample their wares directly on top of wine barrels. Situated in shade of the Uvas Valley foothills, Sycamore Creek has a deep history of grape growing on their land. Even “Uvas” means “grapes” in Spanish, named after the abundance of wild grapes found in the area by early settlers. Without a formal wine bar, this small and unpretentious winery brings a personal touch and feel sometimes lacking at more chic operations. Don’t miss their 2006 Malbec.
On Nov. 9, Sycamore Canyon will host a Winemaker's Dinner featuring Maurizio's Authentic Italian Cuisine. Chef Maurizio Cutrignelli will create a special menu with Sycamore Creek wines in mind. This $100 reservation dinner takes place at 4pm and includes all food and wines. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made at (408) 782-7550.
Martin Ranch Winery
6675 Redwood Retreat Road, Gilroy. 408.842.9197 With a passion for their grapes, their wines and their property, Therese and Dan Martin have been nurturing superior fruit at their small family vineyard since 1993. Nestled at the southern tip of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Martin Ranch is the perfect place to stumble on for tastings, tours and barrel samples. There’s even a small pond on the property, perfect for the kids to go fishing while you uncork some of their award-winning 2005 Cabernet Franc, released under their Therese Vineyards label.
An Evening of Wine and Roses will be held on November 7. This premier wine tasting event will benefit Community Health Trust. The festive annual gathering attracts up to 1,000 business and professional people each year.
Sarah's Vineyard
4005 Hecker Pass Road, Gilroy. 877.447.4668 Tucked way in the picturesque Hecker Pass region of Gilroy, Sarah's Vineyard lives up to its reputation as one of South County’s higher end wineries. Visitors are encouraged to talk to their knowledgeable tasting room staff members, who are known to give spur-of-the-moment tours of the facility when it isn’t busy. Make sure to try their excellent 2005 FiftyFifty Red Blend, a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, or their 2004 Besson “Old Vines” Zinfandel, a double gold winner at the 2007 California State Fair. Buy a bottle, and Sarah’s will wave their $5 tasting fee.
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- on 10/14/2008
How about Monte Verde Vineyards in Morgan Hill? Read my review at winetraveler.info
- on 10/14/2008
How about Monte Verde Vineyards in Morgan Hill? Read my review at winetraveler.infoa
- on 10/14/2008
How about Monte Verde Vineyards in Morgan Hill? Read my review at winetraveler.info
