Published in the November 27, 2013 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Mike Monroe
Mike Monroe
With the holidays fast approaching, our thoughts focus on family and friends, fond memories and traditions and, hopefully, wonderful meals and for those who enjoy the fruit of the vine. Napa may have the Silverado Trail but we have the Coyote Creek Parkway and a vintage winery founded by the Malaguerra family in 1869. I wish I could say that it is still in operation, but all we have are crumbling remains of the oldest winery in the Morgan Hill area.
Jose Maria Malaguerra and his wife Alvina purchased a 200-acre plot of Rancho Laguna Seca in 1861 from Liberata Piatti, who was the widow of Californio pioneer William Fisher. Jose was a native of Switzerland and Alvina of Baja Mexico. Together they planted grapes and tomatoes, raised hogs and hauled rocks from Coyote Creek to build their small winery facility in 1869. The winery was also used by the family to cure homemade sausage and salami by hanging the pork casings from the rafters of the building. The Malaguerras raised 11 children and the family operated the winery until 1898 when financial hardships forced them to sell.
The original winery building has experienced several alterations over the years and deterioration and decay have taken their toll. There are no more vines, only some aging walnut trees and a very large barn that was once used as a part of a chicken ranch during the 1960s. Since 1971, the Malaguerra property has been managed by the County of Santa Clara as a link between Anderson and the Coyote Creek Parkway.
During our stroll, we’ll discuss what’s going on with Anderson Dam including whether or not there are still steelhead trout or coho salmon running in Coyote Creek, a bit of the history of the original people who first inhabited this area, and the history of the Fisher and Cochrane families. We will also visit the new Anderson Lake Visitor Center, a facility that is only a year old and enjoyed by many school groups during the week.
Time/Date: 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013
Description: 1-hour easy walk on flat trail
Location: Anderson Lake County Park, Ranger Station/Visitor Center, 19245 Malaguerra Ave., Morgan Hill
Directions: U.S. 101 to Cochrane Road, go east, turn left on Malaguerra to the park.
Contact: Mike (408) 234-6377
We live in a special place with a bounty and wonder of nature readily at hand. May we all be grateful for our Valley of Heart’s Delight and be joyous each time we venture out into our place of refreshment.
