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I’ll be moderating at the upcoming Value-based Sustainability summit being held in San Jose on January 26. You know that I can’t visit any city without trying to squeeze in a little culture and fun. With just a couple of hours free on January 25, I’m hoping to visit at least one or two area wineries. But Monday…off season…it’s tough.
I won’t have time to get all of the way to Bonny Doon in Santa Cruz. Ridge, in Cupertino, would be a logical choice but they are closed on Monday. They actually offer mid-week custom tastings but are booked on the 25th. Also recommended by fellow Nomads are Clos LaChance and Picchetti Winery.
South of San Jose is the town of Gilroy, better known for garlic than wine but with several vineyards that have potential: Sarah’S Vineyard, Kirigin Cellars, and Thomas Kruse. In Corralitos, are Windy Oaks Estate Vineyards and Alfaro Family Vineyards — both recommended for their pinot noirs. I’ve been corresponding with Jim Schlutze who, with his wife Judy, is proprietor of Windy Oaks, a specialty producer of Burgundian wines and it looks like that may well be my primary stop. I’m a big fan of Rhones and the Rhone Rangers of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Windy Oaks produces only pinot noirs and chardonnays — and that’s fine by me.
There is wine right in San Jose itself, too. Coeterie Cellars in South San Jose also offers small production specialty wines.
What is your experience in the Santa Cruz area? Do you have any favorites to share? If so, send them in before I take to the air on Monday morning. Cheers!
