Pleasant Valley Vineyards was the vision of Craig (the Vintner) and Cathy (the Vinelady) Handley who transformed their 5-acre parcel in the Santa Cruz Appellation into a boutique winery in 1996. Knowing the terrior’s rich attributes and the valley’s unique micro-climate influenced by the Monterey Bay, they envisioned producing the highest quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They found that passion is a result of loving what they do and including friends and family in the process.
While they are only open on Saturdays and passport weekends, you can taste their wines at Pinder, just a few store-fronts down, any weekend. If you are anywhere close-by, you're really missing out if you don't find a reason to stop by soon. This is such a delightful little Gem tucked away in the most unexpected of areas.
Dominick and Gloria Chirichillo’s choice of name for their winery is a reflection of their commitment to their Italian heritage and the tradition of family winemaking. In 1955 in New York, Dominick who is called Domenico in Italian was introduced to these traditions by his Nonno (grandfather), Domenico Giovinazzo. In the basement of their home was a wine press that Nonno showed Dominick; passing down from one generation to another the love of handcrafting wine. Affordable, delicious Santa Cruz Mountain wines, great tasting room, wonderful owners/winemakers. It has been inspiring in seeing Domenico Wines expand and grow. Kudos, and wishing the team the very best on their latest wines and their new tasting room location in San Carlos. Domenico Wines was included in a brief video presentation of wineries that are part of the 3rd Annual Mid Peninsula Summer Wine Trail. You can get a peek HERE We are looking forward to getting an interview (video) with Dominick Chirichillo in the near future.~
Hours:
Mon-Tue Closed
Wed 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Thu 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Fri 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Sat 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Sun 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Hours:
Wine should reflect its’ origin. Wine should display the uniqueness of its’ soil and climate. Wine should tell a story, or at least create one, to be told over and over again to smiling faces and half empty glasses. Wine is joy, and Stroth-Hall Cellars takes pleasure to bring joy to your world and your glass.
We are honored to be the recipients of the 2024 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Community Award! This award recognizes our commitment to Certified Sustainable and Organic Farming along with our family’s contributions back to our local community: “For its ongoing dedication to leaving the Garrod Farms land and local community better than they found it for the last 131 years, Cooper-Garrod is the winner of the 2024 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Community Award.”
Ever since the first orchards were planted in 1908, Casa de Fruta has been growing. New orchards, new varieties, new stores, new family members, new catalogs, and of course, new web pages have all contributed to its expansion. Located at a roadside site in the fertile Pacheco Valley, nestled between Monterey and Yosemite, Casa de Fruta has welcomed visitors from around the world.
New additions are continually being introduced alongside classic favorites, inviting both new visitors and returning patrons to experience the evolving offerings.
Casa de Fruta stands as a testament to the American success story, flourishing from the roots of an immigrant Italian family. Since the initial orchards were planted in 1908, it has evolved into a diversified enterprise. In the 1940s, three teenage brothers—George, Joseph, and Eugene Zanger—opened a cherry stand on the Pacheco Pass Highway. Encouraged by their mother, Clara Bisceglia Zanger, the young entrepreneurs expanded their operation into the multifaceted business it is today. Now, the families of Joseph and Eugene continue to operate one of the country's most unique businesses, embodying the spirit of growth and innovation.
There is simply no better place to sit back and relax than on the Solis Winery back porch, sipping a glass of wine and enjoying the scenic views of vineyards nestled against the Gabilan mountain range.
All Solis Winery wines are grown and produced at the Vanni Estate Vineyard in Gilroy in the heart of the Santa Clara Valley, California’s oldest continuous wine-growing region. From planting the vines and harvesting the grapes to producing and bottling the wines, everything is done on-site. Nothing ever leaves the property—until bottles go home with happy customers!
The original winery was founded in 1917 by Italian immigrant Alfonso Bertero on rich, fertile land that was once part of the Rancho de Solis Mexican land grant. David and Valerie Vanni purchased the winery in 1989 and renamed it Solis Winery. The Vanni’s had a passion for creating extraordinary wines in a friendly, down-to-earth environment. The passion was passed on to their son Michael, his wife Julie as well as their daughter Frankie who are now working together to continue the family tradition of excellence.
Appropriately named by the Hall family back in the 1880s, Hallcrest is at the crest of a small hill above the old town of Felton nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It was a retreat for the Hall family until 1941 when Chaffee Hall, a prominent business attorney from San Francisco acted on his obsession with wine and planted the first vineyard. At the time, it was one of only three wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the only one producing varietal wines from estate vineyards.
At Hecker Pass Winery, we produce old world, fine Italian style wines, for every generation of wine lovers. With seventeen different varietals and blends, you are sure to find a wine that will please your unique palette.
From the lofty heights of Montebello Mountain the grapes make the journey down to the historic ranch where they are examined, pressed and crushed in the shadow of the original Picchetti homestead house. Under the gaze of the ever watchful and vigilant peacocks, sweet juice is magically turned to wine.
