Semi-annual event a ‘grape time’ to visit local wineries
Published in the Oct. 28 – Nov. 10, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Cindy Adams
Cindy Adams
Santa Clara Valley Wine Grower’s Association President and Morgan Hill Cellars wine maker Mike Sampognaro in his facility. Morgan Hill Cellars will be participating in this year’s Passport Weekend, which takes place Nov. 6-8. Enjoy some of the great wines grown locally. Tickets are now available at www.SantaClaraWines.com.
Morgan Hill Life file photo
If you like wine, food, music, beautiful scenery and friendly people, then you are cordially invited to attend the Santa Clara Valley Fall Passport Weekend, Nov. 6, 7 and 8. This popular event is held in the spring and fall and gives folks a “grape time” visiting various wineries and truly experiencing a taste of the Santa Clara Valley.
Most participating wineries have special wines, food, music, or something special planned just for passport holders. For just $35, you will receive access to all participating wineries and a lovely souvenir wine glass. Tickets may be purchased in advance at any participating winery, or online at www.SantaClaraWines.com. Tickets may also be purchased from the wineries on the day of the event, but many wineries sell out early.
At this fall’s event, something special has been added to Passport Weekend — it’s a three-day weekend! From 6 to 8 p.m., Friday Nov 6, select wineries will be pouring at the Morgan Hill Community Center. This allows some of the area’s smaller wineries, who often can’t accommodate large numbers of visitors, to take part in the festivities and introduce their wines.
Some of these participating wineries include Medeiros Family Winery, Clos LaChance, Miramar Winery, Jason-Stephens Winery and Lion Ranch Vineyard & Winery. Purchase your passports in advance at any Santa Clara Valley Winery, or purchase one at the Community Center that evening (depending on availability).
On Saturday and Sunday, explore the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail, visit our family wineries, sample award-winning wines and join in on the festivities as you travel through the beautiful valley, enjoying the fall colors. Participating wineries often have special attractions planned just for passport holders. Some of the “treats” to look forward to are:
Guglielmo Winery — Grilled Italian sausage, “famous” garlic bread and wine specials
Cooper-Garrod — Wine and chocolate pairings, discounts on wine purchases
Morgan Hill Cellars — Live music both days; Lions Club will be selling desserts from Marie Callender’s and Ladera Grill to raise money for their scholarship fund
Satori Cellars — The Hackjammers will be playing Saturday
Enjoy the beautiful fall weather, wonderful, award-winning wines, fun and friendly wineries, and all that the Santa Clara Valley wineries have to offer.
Cheers!
Cindy Adams, CS, CSW, is the director of retail operations at Guglielmo Winery.
