Santa Clara Valley Association News: Wineries Coping in Trying Times

April 6, 2020 by evebushman

Due to COVID-19 and the shutdown of winery tasting rooms, the thirty-three winery members of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley Association are trying to cope with the unknown, as closures may continue longer than expected. Vineyard operations and winery production, as well as essential business operations continue with enhanced measures following CDC guidelines for a safe working environment.

Wineries are ramping up their virtual and digital marketing and have devised three solutions to bring Santa Clara Valley wine country into local homes. Santa Clara Valley wine can be delivered to doorsteps, picked up curbside or shipped – in most cases the same day. The wineries are also offering generous discounts to promote and increase sales.

We are working closely with our members trying our best to accommodate our wineries and their customers during this time and will move forward with marketing promotions to encourage enjoyment of wine at home and take out of local restaurants.

To learn more about delivery, curbside pick up or shipping of Santa Clara Valley wine, visit www.santaclarawines.com.

About the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley An association representing 33 member wineries that grow and produce wines in one of the oldest wine producing regions of California. With the first plantings at the Santa Clara Mission in 1798, the region of Santa Clara Valley represents one of the oldest growing traditions in the country. The Santa Clara Valley is home to 100 year-old wineries to long-established family operations and those that are in relatively smaller tasting rooms. On March 28, 1989, the Santa Clara Valley received AVA status; prior to this the region’s wines were typically labeled ‘Central Coast’ or ‘Santa Clara County’.

Vintage Eve 6/2017: Ten To Try With Eve and the Wine-y Women, the Santa Clara Valley Wines

March 31, 2020 by evebushman

Did you know that a thriving wine country exists in Silicon Valley’s backyard? Santa Clara Valley is home to over two-dozen wineries, of every size and shape, from long established (since the 18^th century) family operations to relatively small newcomers working out of their garages…Each of the wineries has a fascinating story. What makes the wines of Santa Clara Valley truly unique are the characters who have come to create these wines. Upon visiting the wineries, it is highly likely you’ll find yourself sitting across the table tasting wine and sharing stories with the winemaker or owner. The experience is truly unique.

None of us, the Wine-y Women or myself, were familiar with wines from the Santa Clara Valley. We inspected the bottles and learned that most were produced and bottled in Gilroy, California. And though our collective experience with Gilroy was knowledge of their annual Garlic Festival (before you ask, no, no garlic flavor was imparted into our wines), that was about it.

Gilroy is a little south of San Jose and you may have driven through it on your way to San Francisco. If you kept your eyes peeled you may have noticed a winery on the side of the road. And now, after having the tasting, learning that most of these wineries do tastings, you have a reason to stop on your next road trip.

Tasting with The Wine-y Women Again

Collective Aromas and Flavors separated by ;

1. Lion Ranch Vineyards and Winery

Hours Of Operation: Open the 1st & 3rd weekends of every month: Saturday & Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, or by appointment. 645 West San Martin Ave., San Martin, CA 95046. (408) 713-8501

*2014 Viognier

The color of pale straw with aromas that included honeysuckle, white peach, apricot and oak; the flavors were bright and crisp, lots of lemon, a “summery” feel and a long finish.

2. Sarah’s Vineyard

Hours Of Operation: Open Daily 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. www.sarahsvineyard.com 4005 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 847-1947

2014 Pinot Noir

The nose was filled with plum, blackberry, red to black cherries, caramel, vanilla, rose petals, white pepper and toasted oak; on the palate we got some of the same notes as on the nose as well as body, lightness and tanginess with a medium finish.

3. Medeiros Family Wines

Hours Of Operation: Sat & Sun 12-5pm, www.medeirosfamilywines.com, 3200 Dryden Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. 408-779-8826

2014 Saudade (Bordeaux Blend)

Very opaque in color and then we noted aromas of Luxardo cherry, blueberry, blackberry, leather, coffee and dark chocolate; the same fruit carried through to the palate with the addition of pepper, tartness and a firm tannin structure that provided a long finish.

4. Morgan Hill Cellars

Hours Of Operation: Open Tues. – Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.MorganHillCellars.com 1645 San Pedro Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037. (408) 779-7389

2013 Merlot

Lovely plum, blackberry, black pepper and wet bark on the nose; followed by a palate that was all black fruit, dry, peppery, tannic, big and robust.

5. Seeker Vineyard

Hours Of Operation: 12:00 to 5:00 on every Saturday and by appointment. www.seekervineyard.com www.facebook.com/seekervineyard 11755 Turlock Ave, San Martin, CA 95046. (949) 370-1040

*2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

“Yummy” was the first comment on the nose, followed by anise, raspberry, clove, fig, violet; on the mouth there were flavors of dried plums, tart, dry and a short finish.

6. Fortino Winery

Hours Of Operation: Open Tues. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.fortinowinery.com 4525 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 842-3305

*2013 Charbono

Aromas of sweet berries, dried plums, vanilla, cream, milk chocolate; red berries, pine nuts, dry, low tannin and a short finish.

7. La Vie Dansante Wines

Hours Of Operation: Open every weekend noon to 5pm and other times by appointment. www.laviedansantewines.com 3200-A Dryden Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. 408.852.0779

Rehearsal (65% Syrah and 35% Carignane)

Strawberry, plum, coffee, cedar, oak and tobacco on the nose; with black cherry as well as tart strawberry, tannins, good balance with a medium finish in the mouth.

8. Jason-Stephens Winery

Hours of Operation: 11:00 AM- 6PM . www.jstephens.com 6500 Brem Lane, Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 846-VINE

2012 Syrah

Port-like to some of the guests, smoky and floral notes reminiscent of rose petals; then on the mouth we got both red and black fruit, dry and mineral qualities.

9. Stefania Wine

Hours Of Operation: Third weekend of each Month Saturday 11-4 Sunday 12-4 and by appointment. www.stefaniawine.com 1800 Day Road, Gilroy, CA 95020. 408 242 8598

*2014 Syrah

Aromas of fresh blueberry, blackberry, cinnamon, coffee; followed by blue to black fruit, peppery, jammy and nicely balanced.

10. Aver Family Vineyards

Hours Of Operation: Open every Friday – Saturday – Sunday Noon – 5 pm. www.averfamilyvineyards.com 2900 Soma Way, Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 203-8575

*2013 Blessings (Petite Sirah)

Crushed black cherries stuck our collective noses, and then dark chocolate, tobacco, pepper; on the mouth we got bold black cherry, dark chocolate, tannins and a lingering finish.

*Our favorites of the tasting were the Lion Ranch 2014 Viognier, Seeker 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Fortino 2013 Charbono, Aver Family 2013 Petite Sirah and Stefania 2014 Syrah.

http://www.santaclarawines.com/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley Association announces a full-year Wine Trail Pass

February 9, 2020 by evebushman

Santa Clara Valley – The Santa Clara Valley association that represents the winery members of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley, announced they discontinued their Spring and Fall Passport and have replaced it with a year-long Wine Trail Pass.

Young woman is drinking a glass of wine on a wine tasting together with friends

“Introducing a full-year Wine Trail Pass is something we’ve been wanting to do for some time.” said Stacy Giannini, Director of Marketing for the association. “We started with single weekend Passports when we had 20+ wineries. When we grew to 30+, we introduced the month-long Spring and Fall Passports. Both months were successful, but expecting visitors to wine taste 3-4 wineries every weekend including a few weekdays for a full month is a bit overwhelming for any wine lover. With a full year Wine Trail Pass, you’ll now have time to plan out your visits that work for your schedule.”

Whether you’re an avid wine lover, need a gift for friends, family, a high-end client or an employee is deserving recognition, the annual Wine Trail Pass is perfect purchase. Come out and discover new wines in a wine region that is older than the more popular California regions – and just came home with 106 medals from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition including 3 awarded Best of Class!

For more details, click “take a peek” in the link below to view the Trail Pass, list of participating wineries and the region map: http://www.santaclarawines.com/wine_trail_pass.html

Here’s a run-down of how the year-long Wine Trail Pass works:

Wine taste in 34 tasting rooms any day of the week/weekend that the wineries are open
One Pass per person, one visit per Pass for three 1 oz. tastings
One full year to visit
Sold online $75 (+$4 fee) or can be in any of the participating wineries listed on santaclarawines.com
Wineries located in Saratoga, Morgan Hill, San Martin, Gilroy and Hollister
Three Trail Days (Feb 1, Aug 1, Nov 7^th) celebrated in each territory shown in Wine Trail Pass .

To learn more about the winery members of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley, visit www.santaclarawines.com.

About the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley An association representing member wineries that grow and produce wines in one of the oldest wine producing regions of California. With the first plantings at the Santa Clara Mission in 1798, the region of Santa Clara Valley represents one of the oldest growing traditions in the country. The Santa Clara Valley is home to 100 year-old wineries to long-established family operations and those that are in relatively smaller tasting rooms. On March 28, 1989, the Santa Clara Valley received AVA status; prior to this the region’s wines were typically labeled ‘Central Coast’ or ‘Santa Clara County’.

WINERIES OF SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDAL RECOGNITIONS

August 1, 2019 by evebushman

MORGAN HILL — The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley is pleased to announce medal winners in state and international competitions.

Santa Clara Wineries were recognized for their collection of quality wines in recent international and state competitions, participating in the Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition, The Central Coast Wine Competition and the Sunset International Wine Competition.

The highlights for the recent competitions include Solis Winery, awarded Best of Show, Best White Wine, for their 2018 Fiano at the Central Coast Wine Competition. Church Creek Cellars received at Double Gold and a 92 point rating for their 2014 Merlot at the Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition. La Vie Dansante took Best of Class Double Gold at the Sunset International Wine Competition with their 2015 Nocturne.

“With the bar set high for 2019 after a winning 2018 competition year, all of our 34 wineries, big or small, continue to prove to other wine regions statewide and internationally that the Santa Clara Valley is one to watch..” says Stacy Giannini, Director of Marketing for the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley. “Collectively, the wineries racked up 7 Double Gold Medal, 13 Gold Medals, 42 Silver Medals and 17 Bronze Medals as well as 2 Best in Class and 1 Best in Show. Many of these award-winning wines will be shared during our Fall Passport VIP Kick Off party on September 6t h.”

The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley is an association representing member wineries that grow and produce wines in one of the oldest wine producing regions of California.

With the first plantings at the Santa Clara Mission in 1798, the region of Santa Clara Valley represents one of the oldest growing traditions in the country. The Santa Clara Valley is now home to over three dozen wineries, of every size and shape, from long-established family operations to relatively small newcomers. On March 28, 1989, the Santa Clara Valley received AVA status; prior to this the region’s wines were typically labeled ‘Central Coast’ or ‘Santa Clara County’.

Wineries of Santa Clara Valley

www.santaclarawines.com

VERDE VINEYARDS AND TANK HOUSE JOIN THE WINERIES OF SANTA CLARA VALLEY FAMILY

May 9, 2019 by evebushman

SANTA CLARA COUNTY —The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley is happy to announce the addition of two wineries to the association—welcome Verde Vineyards and Tank House.

Verde Vineyards:
Owners George and Lynda Green opened Verde Vineyards in 2017 and become members of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley this past March. Their backgrounds in the medical field and attention to detail carry over into their passion for winemaking. “Our focus is on making enjoyable wines that engage all the senses, and we strive for a balance of all the flavor components that give the taster an overall flavor or feeling of the wine as the first impression,” says George Green, co-owner Verde Vineyards.

The winery specializes in hand-crafted small lot Bordeaux varietals from their 12 acres of estate vines in Santa Clara Valley.

Tank House Winery
Father & son Al and Joe Cavigli, began making wine in their garage over 10 years ago. When the wine making became more than a hobby, they purchased 5 acres of land and moved to San Martin, California. Their first day of operation coincided with the first day of the associations Spring Passport month, so they were welcomed with more than a normal

The Caviglia’s make their wines with grapes from Borden Ranch, a distinct AVA of Lodi, California. They oversee every step of the process themselves and make ten different varietals that can be purchased in restaurants and stores throughout the Bay Area, as well as in their newly completed tasting room.

“We look forward to sharing our love of wine with all who visit the Tank House,” says Al Caviglia, co-owner Tank House Winery. “Please stop by with friends and family to enjoy a glass of Tank House wine with our family. Cheers!”

With the addition of Verde Vineyards and Tank House, the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley is now up to 32 wineries strong.

About the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley:

The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley is a non-profit 501c3 Corporation, made up of member wineries who grow and produce wines that are grown in the Valley. Producing wines from other regions fruit is also permitted. The specific purpose of the Corporation is to educate people about wine and wineries, grape growing, using sustainable agricultural winemaking and production practices related to the highest standard of quality winemaking in Santa Clara Valley. Its focus is also to provide educational opportunities and promote public awareness about the cultural heritage, health benefits and enjoyment of wine in a socially responsible manner, and to be recognized as a positive, contributing member of the community.

The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley is an association representing member wineries that grow and produce wines in one of the oldest wine producing regions of California.

WINERIES OF SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDAL RECOGNITION

March 25, 2019 by evebushman

MORGAN HILL —The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley are ramping up to compete in multiple competitions after their best year yet.

Santa Clara wineries were recognized for their collection of quality wines in 2018, participating in the SF Chronicle Wine Competition, Orange County’s Commercial Wine Competition, the California State Fair, Tasters Guild, Beverage Tasting Institute, the Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition, the Monterey International Wine Competition, the Sunset International Wine Competition and Rose Today’s competition.

The valley walked away from 2018 with more awards to add to its repertoire. The highlights for the year included Alara Cellars, who took home Best of Show, Best White Wine, Best of Class and a Double Gold for their 2017 Grenache Blanc. Sarah’s Vineyard received Top Pinot of 2018 by Wine Spectacular for its Pinot Noir.

Collectively, the wineries racked up 12 Double Gold Medals, 33 Gold Medals, 57 Silver Medals and 44 Bronze Medals.

As for Wine Enthusiast ratings, there were more than 25 entries that scored over 90 points and two entries that scored 95 points or more.

“All 32 wineries, big or small, have proven to other wine regions statewide and internationally that the Santa Clara Valley is one to watch. We saw 2018 finish strong, which sets the bar high for 2019 and with the medals announced for the recent SF Chronicle Wine Competition, 2019 is starting off right.” says Stacy Giannini, Director of Marketing for the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley. “The wineries took home 3 Double Gold Medals, 10 Gold Medals, 47 Silver Medals and 14 Bronze Medals.”

The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley is an association representing member wineries that grow and produce wines in one of the oldest wine producing regions of California.

Sine Qua Non Wines to be Auctioned at Kids-to-Farms Dinner

May 3, 2015 by evebushman

KIDS-TO-FARMS BENEFIT DINNER TO DEBUT
AT CAMARILLO RANCH ON MAY 9, 2015

Rustic Dinner Will Feature Cocktails, Fine Wines,
Mediterranean-Italian Cuisine, Live Music and Dancing

(Ventura, CA) – Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) and Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley (BGCSCV) are proud to debut the Kids-to-Farms Dinner on May 9, 2015 at the beautiful and historic Camarillo Ranch. This classic ranch-themed affair will feature delectable food, wine and drink tastings, a cocktail reception, live music, dancing and an auction.

The evening begins with a VIP hour on the Adolfo Victorian Lawn where patrons and sponsors will enjoy tastings of fine wines, fresh oysters from local favorite, The Jolly Oyster, and truffle caviar on blinis. A cocktail hour for all attendees follows, with gourmand growers offering tempting gourmet appetizers, while award-winning mixologist Patrick Reynolds pours hand-crafted seasonal cocktails, accompanied by the music of internationally-acclaimed Latin guitarist and harpist Xocoyotzin Moraza. In addition, champion dressage rider Monica Houweling of Houweling’s Tomatoes, will provide a dazzling demonstration of “Horse Ballet.”

A live auction will be lead by Ventura County Superintendent Kathy Long, where guests can vie for a chance to win prizes and experiences such as vacation home getaways and fine wines. A highlight of the auction will be three extraordinary culinary packages. One is entitled “Speak, Eat, Cook, Drink – the Italian Experience,” consisting of a private home cooking class by Clarissa Fishman for eight, followed by a four-course dinner paired with Four Brix wines. This auction item also includes a bottle of cult favorite Sine Qua Non 2012 “Stein” (Grenache). The other is a private dinner for eight in the successful bidder’s home by popular Ventura County farm-to-table Chef Tim Kilcoyne, and includes a bottle of 2012 Andremily Syrah (the label of Sine Qua Non’s winemaker), and two bottles of Four Brix Winery’s Brix Mix 2011 Red Blend. The third is a private dinner for eight at the acclaimed restaurant of Herzog Winery – Tierra Sur – and includes a bottle of Sine Qua Non 2011 “The Line.”

A sumptuous 3-course rustic Italian-Mediterranean banquet of Caponata Siciliana and Salsiccie di Maiale e Pollo by Café Fiore and farm-to-table Chef Tim Kilcoyne will be served for dinner, followed by a vintage dessert station. Wines for the reception and dinner will be provided by Malibu Family Wines and Summerland Winery, including Malibu Wines’ Saddlerock Chardonnay, and Summerland Winery’s NV Sparkling Brut and their 2012 Estate Pinot Noir from the Theresa Noelle Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills.

After dinner, guests are invited to enjoy dancing and live music by Grammy award-winning artist, Todd Hannigan.

Proceeds from the Kids-to-Farm Dinner will support SEEAG and BGCSCV and their joint grade-specific after school agricultural education program. The program consists of classroom training in agricultural literacy, and grade-specific field trips to local farms for experiential learning. This program will serve low-income and under served students that have rich ties to agriculture, will provide them with the understanding of the importance of agriculture, the journey of our food process, and will instill them with pride for the work their families do.

Sponsorships and tickets are available for purchase online at mayfarmdinner.eventzilla.net. The Kids-to-Farms Dinner will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2015 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the historic Camarillo Ranch located at 201 Camarillo Ranch Road, Camarillo, CA 93012. Complimentary parking is available. For more information about the Kids-to-Farms Dinner and SEEAG, please visit www.seeag.org.

About SEEAG
Founded in 2008 in Ventura County, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) aims to help young students truly understand the origins of their food by bridging the gap between agriculture and consumption through its agricultural education programming. SEEAG‘s Farm to Table – The Journey of Our Food From Field to Fork Program available in Ventura and Los Angeles counties teaches elementary school children about the origins of their food and the importance of local farmland by providing schools with classroom agricultural education and free field trips to farms. Through this program, over 8,000 Ventura County elementary school students have increased their understanding of the food journey. For more information, please visit www.seeag.org or email Mary Maranville at mary@seeag.org.

KIDS-TO-FARMS BENEFIT DINNER TO DEBUT AT CAMARILLO RANCH ON MAY 9, 2015

KIDS-TO-FARMS BENEFIT DINNER TO DEBUT
AT CAMARILLO RANCH ON MAY 9, 2015