Do you know the way to the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail?

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – More than 20 million people visit California’s wine regions every year, making them the second most popular tourist destinations in the state. Winemaking and viticulture have deep roots in Santa Clara County, with more than 30 wineries of every size and shape: from long established family operations to relatively small newcomers. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors declared September as Wine Month in Santa Clara County to highlight the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail, which welcomes more than 500,000 visitors to local wineries each year.

“Winemaking and agritourism are a vital part of our local economy,” said Supervisor Mike Wasserman, whose district includes more than two dozen wineries located in South Santa Clara County. “Many Santa Clara County residents and tourists visit other California wine regions probably without realizing that we are home to dozens of wineries and the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail.”

According to the 2015 Santa Clara County Crop Report, California’s vineyards generate over $120 billion annually and are responsible for three out of every five bottles purchased by Americans. In Santa Clara County, wine grapes were number nine for top crop production in 2016 and are planted across nearly 1,600 acres in the valley. Several of the valley wineries in operation have celebrated (or will soon celebrate) their 100th year anniversary of producing and selling wine.

Santa Clara County has a rich, colorful agricultural history and includes two longstanding designations of American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), including the Santa Clara Valley AVA and the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA. Santa Clara County has wineries spanning Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and the San Martin area northward through Los Gatos, Saratoga, Los Altos and the Santa Cruz Mountains. The first premium vines planted in California from European cuttings were planted in Santa Clara Valley. This makes Santa Clara Valley the oldest premium wine growing region in the state.

“We take our winemaking seriously here, whether it be a winery with roots that are more than one hundred years old, innovative newcomers who love to explore new varieties and techniques, or a fascinating combination of the two,” said Karen Seeker, President of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley association. “September is the time for many of the wineries’ grape crush activities, followed by winemaker tours and special events including our annual Fall Passport happening in October.”

In 2014, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail, with support from the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley, the cities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill, and the local business community.

The 28-mile wine trail features over 70 directional signs bearing the logo of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley that guide motorists along the wine trail through South Santa Clara County, along Watsonville Road, Hecker Pass Highway, Santa Teresa Boulevard, and the east sides of Gilroy, San Martin and Morgan Hill. There are more than 25 Santa Clara Valley wineries located along the route, with more remote wineries off the main trail. One of the benefits of the wine trail signs, is to help drivers stay on course in the more rural areas where GPS may not be as reliable. Also, to promote safety, “Don’t Drink and Drive” signs are visible at key locations along the route.

Visit www.santaclarawines.com for more information about the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail and a trail map.