Winery continues to thrive under new ownership of Frank Léal
Published in the September 14-27, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Lauren Newcomb
Sycamore Creek Vineyards creates for its visitors a feeling of relaxation and welcome while they enjoy time sipping some of the South Valley region’s award-winning wines. Its inviting atmosphere make Sycamore Creek Vineyards an ideal place to go wine tasting and enjoy the picturesque landscape of Uvas Valley in the hills west of Gilroy and Morgan Hill.
The winery was originally established at the turn of the 20th century. At that bygone time it was known as Marchetti Ranch. As a family winery established before Prohibition, it began building its wine reputation with Zinfandel and Carignane grapes.
During the next several decades, the property went through several changes of ownership, including in 2005 when Sycamore Creek was purchased by Bill and Carolyn Holt of Morgan Hill, said Rocio Lopez, sales and event coordinator. In 2015, the property changed hands again, and developer Frank Léal became the vineyard’s owner.
Sycamore Creek Vineyards is best known for their red wines, especially the Bordeaux varietals. These include the Evolution and Mosaico, as well as a single varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard currently grows three varieties of grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
“These are two of the classic Bordeaux varieties which are well suited to the Santa Clara County micro climate,” Lopez said. “Meritage blends are what Sycamore Creek Vineyards has focused on, making the need for classic Bordeaux varieties all the more important.”
Meritage blends are blends of two or more of the red Bordeaux varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Merlot, among others.
“Currently, our most popular and interesting wine is our 2012 Petit Verdot,” Lopez said. “You rarely find Petit Verdot as a single varietal wine, because it is typically used as a blending grape.”
Petit Verdot is used as a blending grape because it ripens later in the season in Bordeaux, but it ripens much more reliably in California. Because of this, the variety can hold its own at Sycamore Creek Vineyards as a single varietal wine.
“Our Petit Verdot has notes of blackberry and vanilla on the palate while flavors of jam, molasses and rich tannins take over at the finish,” she said.
Lopez was effusive about her job. “There are many reasons I wanted to work at Sycamore Creek,” she said. “How could I resist the beautiful scenery and the amazing wines?”
She enjoys working with customers and making their visit more than just a wine tasting jaunt. “Sycamore Creek is a wonderful place to work, with talented, passionate staff that truly love wine and this valley,” she said. “The best part of our job is engaging our guests and creating an experience.”
Recently, Sycamore Creek completed and released their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard expects a few new blends out of the 2014 vintage and the three varieties it grows.
Lopez encourages local people to come out and experience an hour or so of relaxing wine tasting and enjoy the whole experience. As of now, Sycamore Creek Vineyards only allows the purchase of wine directly from the winery, either in person or on their website.
Going out and wine tasting makes for a satisfying day, and the people of Sycamore Creek Vineyards help make the outing into an unforgettable experience full of delicious wines, incredible views, and a warm and inviting atmosphere.
