HIDDEN GEMS IN SILICON VALLEY

Living close to wine country isn’t limited to Napa and Sonoma Valley. We have many fabulous wineries right here in Santa Clara County, many with a long, rich and delicious history. Some of you may know of my connection (by marriage) to Papapietro Perry Winery located in the beautiful Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County. If you love wine too, there are many local wineries worth exploring in our backyards; here are a few hidden gems just waiting for you to discover:

Ridge – Known all over the world for their Zinfandels, this local winery also produces Estate Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignons as well as other varietals. The view outside the tasting room is well worth the trek up Monte Bello Road.

Picchetti – nestled just above the Stevens Creek Reservoir, this winery dates back to the 1890s. Take a stroll in the nearby Open Space Preserve and then enjoy some locally grown wines, including Zinfandel and Pinot Noir.

Thomas Fogarty – in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Palo Alto, this winery was founded by a world-renowned surgeon and inventor in 1978. Their farming practices respect healthy and balanced vines, coaxing lovely Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vintages from the cool Skyline climate.

Cooper-Garrod – although the family’s land dates back to 1893, grapes were officially planted in 1972. The historic tasting room is located on Mt. Eden Road, behind the Fremont-Older Open Space Preserve.

For a full list of wineries located in Santa Clara County and to see upcoming events (like Passport Weekends), visit SantaClaraWines.com.

Photo credit: Paul VanDerWerf