A Wine Country Experience in Saratoga, California, an Easy Drive from Silicon Valley

Oct. 31, 2012 - PRLog -- An authentic wine country experience is just a few minutes’ drive from Silicon Valley. Visit Saratoga, California’s vineyards and tasting rooms to discover what The Wine Advocate has called the “most underrated appellation in the world.” Located among foothills lush with oak and redwood forest, and enjoying a marine-influenced weather pattern, the vineyards in this part of the Santa Cruz Mountains wine-growing region are producing some of the most exciting wines in California, including best-in-class Pinot Noir.

Start a Saratoga wine tour with a horseback ride through vineyards and oak chaparral forests at Garrod Farms. Trail rides are offered daily, and on the last Sunday of the month, Garrod Farms offers an hour-long trail ride, followed by a wine tasting and mini buffet at Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards. The tasting room is part of a working ranch operated by the family since 1893. Reservations are required.

From Cooper-Garrod, head to The Mountain Winery, originally founded by Paul Masson, who brought cuttings from France to produce his world-famous wines. Stunning mountaintop views lure visitors for year-round wine events. Star winemaker Jeffrey Patterson of Mount Eden is behind the excellent wines. An annual summer concert series brings in top-name performers.

Head to Saratoga Village and Cinnabar Winery, the first tasting room established in the Village. Winemaker George Troquato’s handcrafted wines are served in a relaxed, warm setting and can be paired with gourmet cheeses, salami, and olives. A child-friendly-play area containing agriculturally themed coloring books and crayons ensures a great visit for parents, too.  Cinnabar’s Mudd Room has live entertainment every Friday and Saturday year-round, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Big Basin Vineyards winemaker Bradley Brown’s recent vintages have been lauded by The Wine Advocate as representing the best of the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation. Two wine tasting flights are offered and wine can be purchased by the glass or bottle. The outdoor patio in the Saratoga Village tasting room is an ideal place to enjoy Big Basin’s food pairings. Reservations are accepted for special private tastings and wine events for groups.

Adjacent to Big Basin Vineyards is Saratoga’s newest tasting room, M4, which features the wines of Michaud Vineyards and Michael Martella. Both are veteran wine producers. Michael Martella specializes in Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel. Michaud concentrates on Chardonnay, Marsanne, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Syrah.  

Just off Highway 9 is the picturesque estate and tasting room for Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards, offering a view of the fermentation tanks and winery operation. Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery.

Many of the above wineries are participating in the November 17, 2012 Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association’s Passport Days, which occurs on the third Saturday of January, April, July and November.

About Saratoga, California

Saratoga, California is tucked in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains with proximity to San Francisco, San Jose and the Pacific coast. It is known for its superb wineries, boutique shopping, a variety of dining choices and outdoor recreation. Architectural and cultural treasures such as Montalvo Arts Center, Hakone Gardens, the Foothill Club and Mountain Winery draw visitors from throughout the United States and the world.  

For information on activities and events in Saratoga, California, visit: www.gosaratogaca.com, and Twitter: @GoSaratogaCa.