by Kim Engelhardt , President - Wineries of Santa Clara Valley / Owner , Lion Ranch Vineyards & Winery

Do you ever take a moment to step back and marvel at the amazing place we live in ? I ’ m regularly stopped in my tracks as I look around the bountiful beauty of southern Santa Clara Valley in Morgan Hill , San Martin , and Gilroy . The rolling hills , clear skies , warm sunshine , majestic trees , and my favorite , the vineyards .

Have you been out on the Wine Trail to explore all 30 + wineries and find your favorites ? So many wine regions identify with one type of grape variety , or focus on some part of their climate , or swanky high cost formal tastings … but here in the Santa Clara Valley you can find something for everyone , every price point , every palate ( fancy wine word for “ your taste preference ”). We have more than 40 grape varieties grown and vinified ( made into wine ), from the more well known , like Chardonnay , Pinot Noir , Cabernet Sauvignon , to the more obscure , Tannat , Carignane , Muscardin .

Once or twice a year most of the wineries in the Valley gather for grand tasting events . The next one will be “ Vineto-Wine ” this fall , in September or October . This year ’ s event will again be held at The Mountain Winery in Saratoga — such a gorgeous spot ! ( Event date is coming soon , please check SantaClaraWines . com for updates ).

With so much beauty surrounding us , delicious wines to try , and things to do at the wineries every weekend , it will be easy to find a moment to bask in the Valley of the Heart ’ s Delight . See you on the Trail !

Insider tip : Ask the next winery you visit about the Wine Trail Pass Deck — a way to visit them all and get some great discounts .

If you ’ ve never been wine tasting , are new to trying wines , or don ’ t know what you like , there ’ s no need to be intimidated . All our Wine Trail wineries are family owned and in the business for the love and passion around wine , food , and gatherings . I ’ d encourage you to let your server know that you ’ re new to tasting , and ask as many questions as you can .

Insider tip : Each winery is unique in its policies around dogs , children , reservations , and picnics being brought in . Check with each one before you go .

Summertime evokes memories of friends , food , and outdoor fun for so many of us , and the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley have so many opportunities to create more . Our 30 + wineries host multiple events every month for club members and guests alike .

Every Saturday and Sunday you ’ ll find a minimum of five wineries with a live band , many with food trucks or chef pop-ups . Add in happy hours , car shows , sunset tastings , fundraisers , artisan markets , girls ’ nights out , dance lessons , pizza days , dance parties , cornhole , bocce , trivia , yoga , craft and paint workshops , winemaker dinners , and boutique popups . You could have plans every weekend all summer ! These events all happen at the individual wineries , so look around online for details on those that sound interesting to you . Then , follow them and the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley on social media for the monthly Line Up . @ santaclaravalleywines

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