Words by Johanna Harlow
It’s a crisp fall afternoon and you’re headed to a concert at Saratoga’s Mountain Winery. As you drive through the wooded Saratoga and Cupertino foothills, a series of enticing adventures bid you pull over. On Highway 9, your route wraps around the shimmering Stevens Creek Reservoir and winds along the nearby creek. Opt for a meandering route along Skyline Boulevard and Big Basin Way, and you’ll whisk by boutique vineyards promising enchanting tasting rooms and signs pointing to county parks. Every branch off the main road murmurs of possibilities. The discerning explorer will heed the call and return to the region when there’s time to spare.
Winning Wines
Where to start? You’d do well to prioritize the region’s pride and joy: its boutique wineries. Not only do the vines flourish with temperature fluctuations from fog and elevation, but you’ll also stumble across stellar views everywhere you turn.
House Family Vineyards makes for a great start. With shaded couches flanking the hilltop’s crest, you’ll sip wine while scoping out neighboring vineyards as hawks coast on the air currents overhead. The tasting menu is excellent—ranging from blanc de noir with hints of white nectarine and a honeydew finish to cabernet sauvignon with black fruits and a touch of spice—but it’s the well-aged wines that truly sing. “Merlot is a crooner, the Sinatra of wines,” reflects winemaker Jim Cargill as I sip a 2012 vintage. “It can be velvety smooth. However, it often needs some back-up singers: cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and maybe petite verdot. These other varieties really help shoulder the wine through the palate. They give it
the nuance to finish and deliver a complete wine.”
Photo: Courtesy of Mount Eden Vineyards - Jason Tinacci Photography
This region’s wine history dates back to the mid-1800s when a hunter and trapper by the name of Elisha Stephens arrived after leading the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party across the Sierra Nevada, the first wagon train to successfully make the crossing (two years before the ill-fated attempt of the Donner Party). After settling in Cupertino, then known as West Side, Elisha planted a vineyard and blackberry patch—and had a slightly misspelled creek named after him. Many more followed suit, including
several sea captains who decided to drop anchor and put down roots (and vines).
French and Italian immigrants propagated grape cuttings after settling along rugged Montebello Ridge. It continues to thrive today with places like Picchetti Winery, with a brick tasting room dating back to the 1880s and plenty of peacocks on its property, Vidovich Vineyards, which welcomes picknickers, and Ridge Vineyards, which received praise for its cabernet from The New York Times’ chief wine critic Eric Asimov. Further south, sip pinot and ride a palomino (just not at the same time) at Garrod Farms, an estate winery and stables dating to 1893.
Photo: Courtesy of Domaine Eden - Keith Westra Photography
You have to be willing to work for your tasting at Mount Eden Vineyards, traversing a steep and winding road that turns to dirt toward its destination. But when you stand before the showstopping panoramic views of this untouched paradise, you’ll find it’s well worth the bumpy ride. The view stretches from Moffett Field and Shoreline to Apple Park and downtown San Jose, then gives way to the untamed Santa Cruz Mountains. Settle into a rocking chair on the porch for a highly informative chat about everything from the soil’s geological composition to the harvesting process. And don’t forget to appreciate the ivy that cloaks the adjacent house and creeps along the awnings, its leaves fluttering in the breeze. Its sister winery Domaine Eden, perched on the neighboring mountaintop, is also worth a visit.
Note that many of these boutique operations only offer tastings by appointment, so be sure to check winery websites before you jump in your car.
Get Active
It’s time to liven things up with an activity or two. First stop: the reservoir at Stevens Creek County Park. While you’re not allowed to dive into this enticing man-made lake, there are plenty of other ways to soak in its splendor. Kayak its waters or hike along its shore on the Tony Look Trail. You’re also welcome to bring your casting rod to hook bluegill and bass (though catch and release is recommended due to the recent discovery of mercury in these fish).
Photo: Courtesy of Sandip Bhattacharya
Feeling competitive? Bring a few frisbees and try your hand at the Villa Maria Disc Golf Course. Just a few minutes from the reservoir, this woodsy 11-hole course is perfect for a little friendly rivalry.
You might also choose to embrace your inner archer by loading your quiver over at the nearby Bowhunters Unlimited Archery Range. Whether you opt for haybale targets spread across a hillside clearing or a walking course winding through the woods, it’s sure to be a major hit. Not yet a Robin Hood on the range? Not a problem. Sign up for a lesson via the Bowhunters Unlimited website and you’ll be striking bullseyes in no time.
Speaking of pointy things, consider stopping by Skyline Chestnuts in nearby La Honda for the annual autumn harvest of the world’s spikiest nuts (buckets and suitably thick work gloves provided).
Long Ridge Open Space Preserve / Photo: Courtesy of Kirk Lougheed
Take a Hike
The hikers among us will be pleased to find the foothills overflowing with trails and lofty outlooks. All are welcome at the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve, including horseback riders and cyclists. Check the Midpeninsula Open Space website for docent-led cycling ventures along the popular paths of this preserve (an upcoming one on October 26 has a History on Two Wheels theme). Located on the urban fringe of Santa Clara Valley, the park’s Woodhills Loop Trail leads to stellar citywide views at Hunter’s Point.
Over at Saratoga Quarry Park, you’ll discover remnants of a historic quarry and informative plaques about the area’s industrial past, plus well-maintained trails, primo picnic areas and a hidden labyrinth.
Last but not least, trek the breathtaking Hickory Oaks Trail at Long Ridge Open Space Preserve. Follow the path as it rolls gently over the grassy hills, the surrounding mountain ridges and misty forests stretching as far as the eye can see. As the sun turns in for the night, bid the foothills a fond farewell.