Published in the March 18-31, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Cindy Adams
Cindy Adams
For the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley there are two sure signs that spring has arrived. The first is bud break, that time when we start to see green on the vines again, announcing the “birth” of the new vintage. The second is Spring Passport Weekend, a wonderful time when people from all over the area visit our wineries to enjoy tasting the vintages, talking with winery staff, listening to local music and eating wine-paired snacks.
This year Spring Passport Weekend takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29. For $35, visitors receive an authentic looking Passport and also a top-quality logo tasting glass to take along with you.
Passports can be purchased from any participating winery in advance of the event, eliminating having to stand in line to purchase on the day of the event and missing out on valuable wine tasting time. Passports may also be purchased during Passport Weekend, while supplies last.
Once Passports are in hand, wonderful activities are planned for Passport holders only. More than 20 wineries are participating in the weekend and you can visit as many as you like, or dare.
Some examples of the fun things planned are: barbecued tri-tip sandwiches on garlic bread, special library tasting and bluegrass music on Saturday by Bluer than Blue at Guglielmo Winery.
Clos la Chance will open their outdoor “Grove Bar” only to Passport Holders and will have live music on Saturday by The Director’s Cut.
Live music can also be enjoyed at Morgan Hill Cellars where they will host Fathead Eric & the Surfriders on Saturday and The Four of Hearts on Sunday.
Visitors to Sarah’s Vineyard will not only enjoy their specially selected wines, but also wines by Lion Ranch, who will be pouring there during Passport Weekend.
Other wineries will have special tastings, maybe even barrel samples, and arts and crafts vendors selling everything from jewelry to wine-scented candles.
Spring Passport Weekend is also a wonderful time to enjoy spring in South County, once called “the Valley of Heart’s Delight.”
As a prelude to wine tasting, consider a brisk walk through Harvey Bear Park or a stroll through beautiful downtown Morgan Hill. After your tasting, you might want to visit one of the local restaurants in Morgan Hill or Gilroy.
The Milias in Downtown Gilroy has a wonderful history and delicious steaks, chops and pastas or fantastic Mediterranean fare, try Odeum on Depot Street in Morgan Hill, or sample fresh fish and grilled meats at Ladera Grill on Monterey Street in the heart of downtown Morgan Hill, or Rosy’s at the Beach, The Good Fork, Noah’s and any of the other dining establishments in town.
For information on Spring Passport Weekend, including a list of participating wineries visit: www.SantaClaraWines.com.
However you choose to make the most of your Spring Passport, please remember to enjoy the wineries, drink responsibly and, please don’t drink and drive. Cheers!
Cindy Adams, CS, CSW, is the director of retail operations at Guglielmo Winery.
