Published in the March 16- 29, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Mark Fenichel
Mark Fenichel
Photo courtesy osctr.org
The Castillo family, from left, Nate, Vivienne, Roni Jo and Jesse will perform at the family winery March 19 and 20.
Passport weekend has turned into an array of fine quality wines and locally homegrown musical talent. This bi-annual event has proven to be a big hit and has grown in popularity with local wine enthusiasts who are hip to the goldmine of Santa Clara Valley Wineries, especially those in the South County.
It’s a simple concept, pay one price and visit as many participating wineries as you can over two days and enjoy wine samples with live music in gorgeous surroundings.
Many of the wineries will be digging into the treasure trove of local musicians treating their guests to a variety of live local music throughout the weekend.
Sunlit Oaks in the lower Gilroy foothills on both Saturday and Sunday will feature art on display from the local art guild Northern California Art Fusion. On Saturday live music will be provided by myself along with local musical string wizard and vocalist Jeff Smith. Together we will present a mix of folk, blues, country, and rock ‘n’ roll. On Sunday you will find down-home music provided by the band Butte Creek. Music both days will play from 1 to 4 p.m., at 7602 Sunlit Oaks Court, Gilroy. For more information, call (408) 930-5815.
Castillo’s Hillside Shire Winery not only creates fine wine, but also fine music. Their family is one of the most musical families around and they love bringing out their acoustic instruments and performing for their customers. They will be entertaining both days inside the tasting room, 2215 Liberata Dr., Morgan Hill. For more information, call (408) 776-8200.
Satori Cellars, a boutique winery in Gilroy, will feature live music both days with acoustic duo “Free Spirit” all day Saturday. On Sunday it’s the rock band “Wishful Think’N” playing ’60s and ’70s acoustic rock radio hits. Music both days goes from 1 to 5 p.m., at 2100 Buena Vista Ave., Gilroy. For more information, call (408) 848-5823.
Morgan Hill Cellars will be open for wine tasting with live music both days. Saturday “The Four Of Hearts” will play their upbeat blend of ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s rock ‘n’ roll. On Sunday one of the newest country rock bands to hit the local scene. “One Country” will perform their mix of country-based wholesome Americana roots music. This is a seven-piece band with a whole lot of talent.
There will be many other musical stops along the wine trail for Passport Weekend March 18, 19 and 20. Twenty-nine wineries will be participating in this event and tickets can still be purchased. For information visit www.santaclarawines.com.
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On another note, you can preview the band “One Country” at their country dance party 7:30 p.m. Saturday March 19 at The GVA Cafe on the corner of Second Street and Monterey Road in downtown Morgan Hill. The entire town is invited to this one.
Got a music tip? Email [email protected].
