It sure feels like spring these days with the beautiful warm and clear days. I had almost forgotten that the Godzilla of El Ninos was here with the spring like weather but that should be changing right about the time you read this.
While it may feel like spring right now it won’t officially be here until March 20, which just happens to coincide with one of my favorite things: the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley (WSCV) Spring Passport Weekend held March 18 to 20.
You can hold a wake for the passing of winter and celebrate the beginning of spring in one weekend while enjoying wine in a region we can call our own.
As usual, our local wineries have brought in dozens of wine awards in the prestigious 2016 SF Chronicle Wine Competition. And as great as it is reading about winners, it’s a lot more satisfying having one of those winners in a glass in front you right where it was made.
Our Santa Clara Valley wines are constantly getting better and better, and their local association is always working to improve just about everything related to the exposure of local wines. This year you should be able to experience some of those efforts for yourself.
Starting Friday, March 18, the WSCV Spring Passport Weekend kicks off with an invitation-only evening tasting event. You have to be a Passport Weekend ticket holder to get into this event (it’s really like a party) at the Morgan Hill Grange Hall. There will be at least 16 wineries pouring samples of their wines with many of the top local restaurants providing some special victuals that will again remind you that food and wine are an unbeatable pair, especially when done well.
On these special weekends I usually set out right at the noon starting time since things can get busy, which means that some food is usually also in order.
Over time many of the wineries have developed a reputation for their Passport food offerings—Satori Cellars with their chili and Morgan Hill Cellars with their pork sliders, amongst others.
This year, something new will be added in the way of local restaurants also setting up to serve food at some of the wineries. Look for this as it promises to be a treat that could be a lifesaver later in the day.
With only two days to sample the finest bounty of our valley in a glass, I recommend you plan ahead and try not to rush the experience. You don’t have to hit every winery in one weekend—they will be there for another visit.
Take some time and enjoy the grounds at the wineries you visit. Some have elaborate properties, some funky and rustic, and some are like being at home. You could even plan a relaxing return visit with friends and a lunch basket.
Get your tickets early; they will sell out (and remember you want to go to that Friday evening event), plan and pace your weekend and enjoy what few others have—our own local wine region.
Go to santaclarawines.com for full details on the event and enjoy yourself in a safe and responsible manner.
John McKay is a Morgan Hill resident, city planning commissioner, Vice President of the Downtown Association and co-founder of the Morgan Hill Tourism Alliance.
