While many wine connoisseurs consider Napa the mecca of American wineries, don’t underestimate Silicon Valley. In the mountainous regions to the south of Santa Clara County lies many of the top vineyards in the country, including several within just a short drive of Morgan Hill, California. If you’re 21 and in the mood for a refreshing glass of wine, quaint scenery, and great company, check out a few of these wineries.
- Guglielmo Winery
Founded in 1925, Guglielmo Winery is one of the oldest wineries in the area, spanning over three generations and still family-owned. Conveniently located on Main Street in Morgan Hill, it covers more than 80 acres and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The winery grows a variety of grapes to produce nearly three dozen wines, including red, white, sparkling, and dessert wines.
Guglielmo produces five unique types of wine that have won awards at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, the Sunset International Wine Competition, and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The gold-medal winner is a 2015 Estate Grignolino that has the aroma of berries and cherries with a hint of spice. The Reserve Estate Zinfandel is another popular choice, offering a nose of berries, cinnamon, and nutmeg, a taste of spice and dark red fruits, and a lingering vanilla finish.
No matter what your favorite type of wine, you’re sure to find it at Guglielmo. The tasting room is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Prices are $10 per tasting, but you’ll get $5 back with a purchase of $20 or more.
- Sycamore Creek Vineyards
Nestled in the Uvas Valley at the southern end of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Sycamore Creek Vineyards is another Morgan Hill vineyard featuring award-winning wines, a spectacular patio, and a picturesque backdrop that’s both soothing and relaxing. Planted in the early 1900s with Zinfandel and Carignan grapes, the fertile valley produces some of the finest grapes in the area with little pH balance or agricultural upkeep, a testament to the fertile conditions of the land.
The best feature of the wines at Sycamore Creek is their simplicity. The vineyard offers just five types of wines, including white, red, and reserve, yet each has its own distinct tastes and aromas. The tasting room is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and a flight of six wines is just $15.
- Castillo’s Hillside Shire Winery
Situated just north of Morgan Hill near the banks of Anderson Lake, Castillo’s Hillside Shire Winery is one of the top vineyards in the valley. Offering 20 wines, Castillo’s has a perfect flavor for every type of wine lover. It has all the familiar favorites, including the award-winning syrah, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and Sangiovese For something completely different, try some of the off-the-wall flavors like Liquid Ecstasy, Summer Bliss, and other seasonal offerings.
The tasting room is open Saturday and Sunday or on weekdays by appointment only.
With so many amazing wineries near Morgan Hill, you’ll never run out of places to sip some of the best juice from the vine. Just remember to bring a designated driver or book a room nearby if you decide to indulge.
Best Wineries near Morgan Hill
Photo by khawkins0 | Licensed under cc by 2.0
Connect with us
