It happened in May
We’re on the map! Earlier this month, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail Route and approved a way-finding signage program guiding motorists in a circle along Watsonville Road, Hecker Pass Highway and the east sides of Gilroy, San Martin and Morgan Hill. The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley (WSCV) association members brainstormed the wine trail idea and will pay for the installation and maintenance of the new signs, which are slated to be installed by the end of summer.
Wow, what an honor!
Guglielmo wines were exclusively served at President Barack Obama’s fundraiser dinner in May. The Fairmont Hotel in San Jose served the President and his guests the Guglielmo 2012 Private Reserve Pinot Grigio and the 2010 Private Reserve Pinot Noir. Several of the winery’s TRE label wines were offered as well.
Studying abroad
Nate Castillo, winemaker and certified sommelier of Castillo’s Hillside Shire Winery, is traveling the wine regions of France, Italy and Spain and meeting up with many of their top winemakers. Then he’ll be off to the U.K. for a tour of the Queen’s wine cellars in Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and then the wineries of England with the Queens wine steward. It’s been a very full month of travel and gaining much knowledge.
Beauty and brains
Alicia Cuadra-Cutler, assistant general manager at Sycamore Creek Vineyards, just received a bachelor’s degree in design studies from San Jose State University. On top of that, Alicia received her sommelier certification in September and is now studying to pass a new test for Certified Specialist in Wine. Candace Ledesma, also at Sycamore Creek Vineyards, recently received an associate’s degree in liberal studies from Gavilan College.
Leal does it again
A Cinco de Mayo event was held to celebrate Frank Leal’s plans for Hacienda de Leal—his latest brainchild. In addition to his other stunning properties in Hollister and Morgan Hill, Frank, winemaker and owner of Leal Vineyards, has purchased a property at Highway 156 and the Alameda in San Juan Bautista. Plans will convert the property to an upscale, “Santa Barbara” Mission-style development called Hacienda de Leal. Hacienda de Leal will be surrounded by vineyards and olive trees and will feature a wine tasting pavilion, hotel and spa.
And the award goes to …
Vic Vanni, owner of Solis Winery, received the Beautification Award from the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce for the recent remodeling of the interior of the tasting room. The project included building two new, marble-topped counters and repositioning the tasting area to take advantage of the dramatic views of the vineyard and mountainous backdrop.
Speaking of beautification … Westside Market on First Street in Gilroy has also been beautifully remodeled under new ownership and features a great wine selection including organic and local wines.
May wine releases
Enjoy a taste of the following wines, which were just released.
• Aver Family Vineyards: A dry Rosé called Grace, a Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (GSM) blend
• Satori Cellars: Double Gold medal-winning 2010 Merlot of the Violet Flame
• Creekview Vineyards: Santa Clara Valley Sangiovese
New extra hours
DeRose Winery and Martin Ranch Winery have new hours and are now open during the week. DeRose is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. Martin Ranch is open from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as the third weekend of every month. Visitors to Martin Ranch are asked to call ahead during the week at (408) 842-9197.
Free summer music series
Bring a picnic and purchase a bottle of wine while listening to music among the vineyards. Some wineries have bocce ball and please note: no outside alcohol.
• Wednesdays: Guglielmo Winery, Vines and Vibes
• Thursdays: Clos LaChance Winery,
Time for Wine
• Fridays: Sarah’s Vineyard, Sunset Music Series and Leal Vineyards, Groovin in the Grove
Gilroy Wine Stroll
The Sixth annual Gilroy Wine Stroll will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. May 31 in downtown Gilroy, where 25 wineries are pairing up with shops and restaurants. Get tickets at the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, the Gilroy Welcome Center, Bella Viva Ristorante or Gilroy Center for the Arts/Limelight Actors Theater before they sell out. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door.
