nelson@avsdS.UUCP (11/03/83)
Yes, Mark Callow is right about Almaden. However, not only is this location not open for tasting (go north to Sonoma for Almaden tasting), but who would want to taste Almaden wines anyway? Novtiate in Los Gatos does not make great wines but it is a charming place to visit. When you go to any winery in the area, make sure to ask for the winery map of Santa Clara county area - it's free. It is also incomplete, failing to mention all of the wineries in the Hecker Pass area, but that's a day trip in itself. Around here (Santa Cruz Mts.) are also Ridge, Congress Springs, David Bruce, Sherill Cellars, Felton-Empire Grade, and Sunrise. Mirassou (SE of San Jose) or Turgeon & Lohr should be the start of a 101 South trip, perhaps winding up in Hecker Pass. Weibel, Wente, Obester, and Bargetto's are other wineries in the area (from Santa Cruz to Livermore). You know, the nice thing about wine touring around here is the lack of crowds, the friendly proprietors, the ample tastings (6 glasses and up to infinity is common), and the beautiful scenery of the Santa Cruz Mts. (where many of the good ones are). Glenn Nelson, Ampex, Redwood City