Los Gatos was established in the 1850s and is rich in culture and history. It’s not only famous for its buoyant wine industry, but it’s also well known for its superb hiking and biking trails. There are many vineyards in Los Gatos because the adjacent Santa Cruz Mountains make it an excellent area to grow grapes. Los Gatos wineries produce perfect Pinot Noirs, magnificent Merlots and classy Chardonnays. No matter what your favourite tipple, you’ll experience quality, taste and variety whenever you sample Los Gatos wines.
Take a look at the best Los Gatos wineries that are famous for maintaining a cultural feeling with a perfect balance of modernity.
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Testarossa Winery
Testarossa produces many varietals and is known primarily for making Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. Situated amid old stone cellars on magnificent grounds, it is the state of California’s fourth oldest continuously operating winery, having been built in 1888 by Jesuits who for 100 years made altar wines at the Novitiate Winery. In 1997, Rob and Diana Jensen started to produce wine at Testarossa and today they produce approximately 30,000 cases per annum.
Surrounded by undulating hills, Testarossa is the perfect getaway for couples, groups of friends or families in search of peace and tranquillity. This amazing winery offers wine club membership and live music performances which you can enjoy in a spectacular setting. The sumptuous interior and wine bar are inviting and relaxing. Since 2000, the Jensens have produced more than 1,500 different wines earning Outstanding scores of 90+ points.
Wines you can purchase from Testarossa include:
- Brosseau Vineyard Chardonnay
- Cortada Alta Vineyard Chardonnay
- Dos Rubios Vineyard Chardonnay
- Fogstone Vineyard Chardonnay Brosseau Vineyard Pinot Noir
- Cortada Alta Vineyard Pinot Noir
- Doctor’s Vineyard Pinot Noir
- Dos Rubios Vineyard Pinot Noir
Their opening hours are Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-7pm.
Loma Prieta Winery
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While Loma Prieta boutique makes less than 3,000 cases yearly, it is the largest producer of Pinotage, a South African grape, in the USA. Loma Prieta, which means ‘dark-coloured hill’, is named after the flat-topped Santa Cruz Mountains in which it is set. Many refer to it as one of the most beautiful Los Gatos wineries and when you visit, you can enjoy mesmerising views of the Monterey Peninsula and watch the waves hurtling into the coastline. For a small fee, you can taste any 5 wines of your choice while taking in the sublime view.
Wine types on offer include Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Syrah, Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Red Blend, Chardonnay, Viognier and Sparkling. Loma Prieta Winery does not offer food, so remember to pack a picnic when you go. Opening hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-5pm.
Byington Vineyard and Winery
This winery near Los Gatos CA sits on 95 acres surrounded by redwood forests with a stunning view to the Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Byington craft award-winning Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir wines and other wonderful varietals. Byington grows and produces premium wines using sustainable farming methods with the focus on natural fermentation from handpicked grapes The wines can be sampled in their fancy tasting room and in the wine cave from Friday to Sunday between 11am-5pm. Visitors can also enjoy a wine tour and barrel tasting.
The Los Altos Tasting Room is a combination of a wine bar, a tasting room, wine retail and event space in a modern setting. You can stop off just before dinner and enjoy a glass or two of Los Gatos wines, or you can visit after dinner. At Byington, you can hold a corporate event or you can meet with friends or family for an enjoyable wine tasting experience.
Silver Mountain Vineyards
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Established in 1979, Silver Mountain Vineyards is run by founder and wine producer Jerold O’Brien. It is situated at an elevation of more than 2,000 feet so offers a magnificent view of Monterey Bay and the surrounding redwood forest. The temperate weather in this part of the world allows the fruit to hang for longer periods which intensifies the flavour of Los Gatos wines.
Silver Mountain produces wine from (amongst others), Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Merlot grapes bought from hillside vineyards that farm using sustainable methods. Silver Mountain promises one of the widest selections of wines in the region from Estate Chardonnays, Bordeaux Blends and rich Syrahs to Cabernets and Rosés. Opening hours are Saturdays and Sundays between 12pm-5pm in their friendly tasting room and if you love what you taste, you can join their wine club.
Regale Winery and Vineyard
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The Los Gatos wines on offer at Regale are, in the opinion of many visitors, truly sublime. The setting is Italian inspired with a superb surrounding garden. In the cooler seasons, you can enjoy wine tasting indoors with a stunning view of the vineyard. You can also enjoy wood-fired pizza but this is usually only on offer towards the end of the month. At Regale Winery and Vineyard you can hold corporate or private events, weddings, team-building events and other significant celebrations and you can also join the wine club.
Entering Regale Winery and Vineyard feels as if you have stepped into another world and time zone. The Italian architecture and landscapes featuring gushing fountains, vine-adorned arbours, heirloom roses, outdoor fireplaces and olive trees make you feel as if you are in an exotic European environment.
The executive suite in the building has a vaulted ceiling, Italian fresco paintings and Venetian plaster which add to the old-world Tuscan charm. This upmarket winery is a haven of privacy, luxury and tranquillity and if you join the wine club you will benefit from some amazing offers. Tasting Room hours are Saturday 11am-4.30pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.
Enjoy a Splendid Vacation in Los Gatos
Los Gatos has a rich history and many attractions such as biking, hiking and wine tasting. At the 150-acre Vasona Lake County Park you can bike, fish, picnic, hike, walk your dog and picnic. You can also go on paddleboats or rowboats and enjoy their free concerts. For children, there is a miniature train ride on the weekends.
Plus, Los Gatos has a fantastic Farmer’s Market in the city with fresh produce, live music, a lovely park area for children to play in and great spots for meals, ranging from crêpes to vegetable rolls to Mexican fare. Many of the Los Gatos wineries welcome pets (leashed) and children, making it a wonderful getaway for the whole family.
Born amidst the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley, Chloe’s love for wine was instilled from a young age. This passion led her to the picturesque wine regions of France, where she immersed herself in the rich wine culture and traditions.
Chloe’s dedication to the craft culminated in her becoming a wine sommelier, a testament to her deep knowledge and appreciation for wines.