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California is often referred to as wine country because of its abundance of vineyards and wine tasting destinations. Check out a few of the best wine spots in the San Jose, California, area. Divine Wineries Divine Wineries is conveniently located in downtown San Jose and serves some of the highest-rated handcrafted wines in the entire area. None of their unique wines are available for purchase in local stores and can only be tasted at this winery. They source their wines from the Sierra Foothills, the Santa Clara Valley, and even the Alexander Valley. Reservations are not required and they are open Wednesday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 12 to 10 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. more This winery is within walking distance of nearby hotels, making it a great choice for a full day of wine tasting. Locals can also join the Divine Wineries wine club for just $35 per month. This membership includes up to three free bottles of wine each month and special discounts on wine accessories and unlimited happy hour events. Vino Vino Vino Vino is also a wine tasting destination in downtown San Jose that has 13 different fine wines available. They also serve small plates to pair with your wine tasting. Want to bring along a guest that does not enjoy wine? Vino Vino also serves local craft beers. This winery has a simple goal: to provide locals with a no-frills spot to taste local wines, share good food, and get to know their neighbors. This sports bar environment is perfect for a casual wine tasting experience, and you can easily reserve a table online. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines The history of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines is not only interesting but is also an important part of the California wine industry. The founder, Jerry Lohr, spent many years attempting to find the right spot for his vineyard. He eventually landed on the central California coast, paving the way for a vibrant wine industry. Both of the J. Lohr locations are open daily for free wine tastings. No appointment is necessary, but larger groups should always call ahead. You can also join the J. Lohr club. Membership includes access to VIP events, brand discounts, and free bottles of wine. Left Bend Winery The Left Bend Winery is just a short drive outside of San Jose in Los Gatos. All of the wines from the Left Bend Winery are sourced from the Santa Cruz Mountains. This windery handles every aspect of the winemaking process, from pre-harvest to bottling. You can order bottles of their wine and join the wine club online. Club members receive complimentary tastings, discounts on wine bottles, and four wine annual shipments of your favorite wines. The Left Bend Winery is open Thursday through Sunday from 12 until 5 p.m. Spend a day checking out the best wines of San Jose, California. Each of these local vineyards is a great choice and has special deals and memberships to ensure you have a great wine-tasting experience. Photo by dalecruse | Licensed cc by 2.0

Strolling through a used bookstore simply cannot compare to buying books online. If you are one of the few people that still enjoys the smell and feel of used books, make sure you check out these wonderful used bookstores in the Morgan Hill, California, area. Recycle Bookstore Recycle Bookstore has been selling used books since before it was considered a trendy thing to do. They have been a favorite local bookstore in the San Jose and Morgan Hill communities for over 40 years. They have a wide variety of inventory with over 100,000 books in different categories. more You can also trade-in or sell your used books to restock your own collection of books. Make sure you come and visit the resident cats in the bookstore, too: Recycle Bookstore is home to four local cats that will gladly help you choose a new favorite book. Booksmart Booksmart has one goal: to give local Morgan Hill residents a place to learn that is also entertaining. This 5,000 square foot bookstore has been in the Morgan Hill community for over 22 years. In addition to books, they also sell toys, magazines, and games. You can also grab a cup of coffee or snack at the on-site cafe to accompany your book shopping experience. The cafe serves hot dogs, sandwiches, and desserts. Check out one of Booksmart's local events, including an upcoming gallery show reception and a coffee meeting with city council candidates. ThinkerToys Founded in 1969, ThinkerToys has three separate locations in California with one conveniently located right in Morgan Hill. Although this small shop primarily focuses on children's toys and games, they also have a wide selection of children's books. Visiting here is sure to be a fun experience for both children and adults alike. Not sure what to buy? The weekly staff picks are a perfect way to try out a new book or to select the perfect gift for the favorite child in your life. ThinkerToys also regularly gives back to the community through donations to local nonprofits. BookBuyers BookBuyers in downtown Gilroy focuses on trading gently used books. They have recently moved to Gilroy from their previous location in Mountain View. They have a large collection of books, music, DVDs, audiobooks, and even vinyl records. This is a great spot to stop on a rainy day. The bright LED interior lights of the bookshop give you a sense of sunshine. You can also spend some time visiting with the bookstore's cat. The prices are affordable, the staff is helpful, and you just might get lost among the stacks. Keep in mind that the shop is currently a work in progress as new bookcases and shelves are still being built. However, they are open for business and gladly welcome all types of book enthusiasts. There are many used bookstores worth checking out in the Morgan Hill, California, area. Spend an afternoon searching for your next read and getting to know the important bookstores of your community. Photo by Tiomax80 | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Not sure if the 2018 Ford EcoSport is your kind of car? We break down each of the features of this crossover SUV to show you there's one perfect model for each type of driver. Find out why Ford calls it a big upgrade in a small package. Safety- and Budget-Conscious If you have small kids, your top priority is to get the safest and most comfortable family car you can afford. Besides, why invest more in a car now when you know you'll probably be worried about getting ink stains on leather seats every other day? more The 2018 Ford EcoSport S model is ideal for you. Standard features include, among others, a rearview camera (it's great to know you don't have to pay extra for such a useful tool), side airbags on front and back rows, and a LATCH system to ensure the little ones are secured. Comfort-Loving Commuters The SE model is built for the driver who doesn't mind paying a little extra money for comfort. This is even more important for people who spend a lot of time on the road. If to you your car is practically your second home, then you'd love these standard features in this model. The list includes electric automatic temperature control, two smart-charging USB ports, a power moonroof, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system. Active and Outdoorsy You often decide weekend road trips on the spur of the moment, and they tend to include hiking for hours or kayaking in a peaceful lake. Does this sound like you? Then the SES model is right up your alley. Reliable and sturdy, the SES performs well, even when you change your mind about what road to take, thanks to the standard Intelligent 4WD System and traction control. Other standard features that come in handy include fog lights, roof rack crossbars, and hill stop assist. Carpool Karaoke Aficionados James Corden fan or not, you're that driver who uses every minute of their commute to sing your favorite songs. Extra bonus points if there's a traffic jam. For you, a car has little to do with the driving experience. You don't care about engine horsepower, but you need the perfect sound system to reach those high notes. The entertainment system that comes standard on the Platinum model is out of this world. We could list all the features, but all it takes is saying it includes the B&O PLAY Premium Audio System, nine speakers, and a subwoofer. Unique and Customized If you prefer a unique car that reflects your personality, you can always build your own model. Browse the 2018 Ford EcoSport page where you can see all the standard features that come with each model and the available upgrade packages. And if you're indecisive between two models, click the comparison tool and select the option only to show you the differences. You can compare up to three models at the same time, or you can count on our experienced staff to show you the different specs in person. Photo by techAUcomau | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

If you haven't heard of Morgan Hill, California, you're in for a treat. This Silicon Valley city is home to abundant wineries and nature trails, but it's the hidden gems that really bring an air of surprise and amazement to locals and tourists alike. Here are a few treasure troves worth checking out in the area. Vietasia Restaurant Located on East Dunne Avenue, Vietasia Restaurant is the go-to spot for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Guests rave about the clean and casual setting as well the reasonably priced foods. The affordable dishes make it seem like you're getting a fancy dining experience, but without the high prices. more Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Vietasia Restaurant has a diverse menu that offers both classic Vietnamese dishes and flavors from around Asia, including Korea, China, and Thailand. Popular items include beef pho, shrimp spring rolls, imperial crab eggrolls, and tempura-fried sweet potato fries. However, you can also find a large selection of noodle-based dishes, rice plates, vegetarian options, and exquisite tea flavors. Murphy's Mercantile Located on Monterey Road in Morgan Hill, Murphy's Mercantile is a lovely hidden gem with a large selection of antique and vintage wares. Sisters Honnie and Melissa Murphy opened the shop as a way to share their love for collectibles with others, and you certainly get a glimpse of this passion with the lovely displays of hand-crafted, collectible items arriving regularly from antique shows and estate sales. Whether you're looking for goods to gift to others or hunting for your own personal treasures, this shop has affordable items packed with one-of-a-kind charms you won't want to miss out on. These include household decorations, furniture, jewelry, artwork, vases, tea sets, and antique cookware. You'll even find seasonal items such as miniature trees with vintage ornaments, fall flower arrangements, and other adorable themed trinkets. If you're interested in stopping by, Murphy's Mercantile opens Tuesday through Saturday (and sometimes on Sundays) at 10 a.m. Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve If you want a ridgetop view of Coyote Valley and natural peaks such as Mount Hamilton and Mount Umunhum, this final spot on our list beckons a visit from outdoor enthusiasts. Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve is a rural patch of land at the end of Palm Avenue between Morgan Hill and San Jose that sits adjacent to the Cinnabar Hills Golf Club. Spread out among 348 acres of natural landscape is a four-mile, multi-use Arrowhead Loop trail that's ideal for jogging, hiking, biking, and equestrian riding. You'll also find picnic tables, a bridge, educational panels, and lots of scenic views. If you're looking to plan a trip to Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, you'll find it offers a day full of exploration and adventure from sunrise to sunset. We know you can't visit every attraction in Morgan Hill, but don't let these hidden gems fall under the radar. While you're in Santa Clara County, stop by these three destinations and find out for yourself what makes each so unique. Photo by donjd2 | Licensed under cc by 2.0

If you're looking for something fun to do in San Jose, California, make a plan to root for the home team at a Sharks game. The San Jose Sharks play in the National Hockey League at SAP Center. Along with the games, the team hosts various events throughout the season to get fans excited and draw bigger crowds. Check out these fun events to build team spirit and enjoy time with your loved ones. Fan Appreciation Night On April 7, the San Jose Sharks will celebrate their appreciation for the fans at this annual event. The game is against the Minnesota Wild, and everyone who attends will receive a bobblehead of Burns and Thornton, two of the top players on the Sharks. Display your bobblehead with pride to show how true of a fan you are when you attend this exciting matchup. Tickets are available starting at $49. more Summertime Social Events During the summer months, the Sharks host several social events to connect with their fans and create a fun atmosphere where fellow fans can meet one another. Last year, some of these social events included a Paint Night, where those in attendance could express their creativity and paint a masterpiece, and a golf tournament at the local Cinnabar Hills Golf Course. The Bowlero event was another popular option for Sharks fans, in which they came together to bowl for a good cause. Keep an eye out for upcoming social events this summer and register to participate if you want to take the opportunity to get to know other Sharks fans. Business Events The San Jose Sharks also have a strong presence in the business community, hosting several events that helped the team form relationships with businesspeople throughout the area. These events can also help the Sharks generate sponsorships, which help to keep ticket prices affordable and allow the team to continue to host these types of events. In mid-August, the team hosted an event at a local driving range. A wine tasting event was another fun business opportunity, which took place in late September. Ticket Packs If you're looking for a fun and affordable family day out, check out the available family ticket packs. You can score tickets to a hockey game, along with hot dogs, chips, and drinks for four people, available at a more reasonable price than if you purchased everything separately. Another ticket pack option is the Chum pack, which gets you a beer for every ticket you buy. For certain games, the team will also give away gear and swag to help fans get decked out and root on the Sharks. For example, when the Sharks play the St. Louis Blues in March, tickets purchased through the Earthquakes Night package will include two themed scarves: one for the Sharks and one for the local MLS team, the Earthquakes. With so many fun events happening at SAP Center, San Jose Sharks fans will love participating and cheering for their favorite hockey team. Reserve your tickets to take part in the upcoming events. Photo by pointnshoot | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Since the introduction of the Explorer in 1991, Ford has been the undisputed heavyweight champion of the SUV world. In 2018, it adds another member to its distinguished lineup with the Ford EcoSport. The smallest of the Ford SUV lineup, this crossover aims to corner the economical, compact market while still delivering space, pep, and unrivaled sportiness. If you're in the market for a versatile new vehicle this year, hop on the inaugural journey of the 2018 Ford EcoSport. Two Engine Options The 2018 Ford EcoSport comes with two engine options that provide some oomph and efficiency. An ambitious 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder is the stock engine. Despite its small size, this engine still delivers 123 horsepower and up to 125 pound-feet of torque. The fully loaded SES trim upgrades to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that churns out 166 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque. Both pair with a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and quickly for spectacular acceleration. more Awesome Fuel Economy In the world of hybrids and high-efficiency compact vehicles, the EcoSport is a breath of fresh air. While most crossovers don't come near the 30 mpg mark, the EcoSport gets close regardless of which engine you choose. Thanks to an automatic start-stop feature and a displacement that's about the size of a large soda, the 1.0-liter version gets an excellent 29 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city. The SES trim's 2.0-liter four-cylinder provides 29 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. Entertainment Features Entertainment features come standard on the 2018 Ford EcoSport, a rarity in the entry-level crossover segment. Regardless of which of the four trims you choose, you'll get a 4-inch touch-screen display to navigate the head unit. Ford's Sync infotainment system comes standard, allowing hands-free calling and texting via Bluetooth. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available on upper trims, and you can seamlessly sync your smartphone to the EcoSport's touchscreen, allowing you to sift through navigation, podcasts, music, and more with ease. If the standard entertainment features aren't enough to satisfy your appetite, the EcoSport has numerous upgrade options. The touch-screen display also comes in 6-inch and 8-inch versions with the updated Sync 3 system to boot. Other nice features include two fast-charging USB ports, a 10-speaker premium audio system, two 12-volt outlets, and an available 110-volt outlet. Extra Space The EcoSport is a compact, but that doesn't mean it lacks on the space you need for passengers and cargo. Both the front and rear seats provide ample space for your knees, legs, shoulders, and head, even with a full capacity of five passengers. The rear seats fold flat to give you even more room for cargo, and although the EcoSport lacks a spare, it more than makes up for it with added capacity. If you favor the roominess of an SUV without all the bulk of a full-size option, the 2018 Ford EcoSport is your perfect match. Schedule a test drive to see what makes it the new king of the compact crossover segment. Photo by RL GNZLZ | Licenced with permission under CC by 2.0