Tag: american viticultural areas

An operating winery since 1917, the land and microclimate is ideal for wine grape production. Solis Winery (previously Bertero Winery) was established by Dave Vanni in 1989 and is now operated by brothers, Michael and Vic Vanni.

Satori, from a Zen perspective, means "a taste of enlightenment." In the Santa Clara Valley, it also means a family-owned winery and vineyards (SA is for Sandy, TO is for Tom, and RI is for their 8-year-old son, Riley). From this 20-acre Oasis of sandy loam soil on the eastern edge of the Gilroy foothills, they create estate-grown, hand-made, love-infused “Big Reds” (Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and petite sirah).

Sarah's Vineyard was founded in 1978 in the windy funnel of the Hecker Pass, a few miles west of Gilroy on Highway 152. For more than 30 years Sarah’s has specialized in estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made in small batches using classic Burgundian winemaking techniques and French oak cooperage.

Monte Verde Vineyards is small family-run winery owned by Todd and Alexia Johnson. What started as a backyard hobby in 2000 with 300 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vines has culminated into an award-winning winery today. Alexia was born and raised in Spain and so naturally, the focus is on Spanish wines. They produce an Estate Tempranillo as well as their flagship Estate blend of Merlot, Cab and Tempranillo, called Tres Amigos. They also carry a Spanish white varietal, Albarino. Using only French barrels, their wines are produced in small lots and production is kept to less than 500 cases per year.

Jason-Stephens Winery opened its tasting room doors in October 2008. Since then the winery has helped revitalize the image of the once prominent wine growing region of the Santa Clara Valley. With many awards for wine quality and flavor, great events, a picture perfect vineyard and a relaxing creekside setting it's no wonder Jason-Stephens is a local favorite.

Fortino Winery was first established in 1970 when Ernest and Marie Fortino purchased a vineyard that had been growing since the early 1930s. Ernest was drawn to the vineyard because the surrounding land was highly reminiscent of his hometown of Calabria, Italy.