Award-winning
local wine
Napa Valley garners most of the international buzz for its worldclass
wine, and with good reason. Yet, there is a significant swath
of venerable vineyards thriving right here in the shadow of Silicon
Valley’s ever-emerging crops of tech titans.
Esteemed by in-the-know oenophiles, the Santa Cruz Mountains
wine region extends to three counties—Santa Clara, Santa Cruz
and San Mateo—with some 75 wineries and more than 200 small
vineyards. With roots going back over 100 years, the fertile tradition
of wine crop cultivation has played a pivotal role in the history
of California.
Recognized as an AVA in 1981, the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation
is distinguished by its mountain topography, tracing the
coastal fog line to the highest ridge top vineyards at a 2,600-foot
elevation. Locally reared wines reflect the crispness of this ocean
fog-cooled mountain terrain, with vintages grown closer to sea
level embodying the boldness of the sun-soaked lower elevations.
While no secret to the generations of natives who have toasted
to its bounty, the Santa Clara County appellation was established
in 1989 and has seen a great deal of growth since Y2K, with vineyards
proliferating to meet the newly refined demands of a burgeoning
population of IPO-enriched techie sophisticates.
With such varied topography, the South Bay’s assorted terroirs
have yielded an eclectic assortment of outstanding producers.
Among those who laid the groundwork for the valley’s success is
Guglielmo Winery, a pioneering producer in the Santa Clara Valley
since 1925. The Mountain Winery in Saratoga hosts world renowned
musical acts, and produces high quality pinot noir and chardonnay.
Other standouts include Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards, Kings
Mountain Vineyards and Regale Winery and Vineyards.
It’s It Ice Cream Sandwiches
& Factory Store 8
60 South Bay Accent
7
SHUTTERSTOCK; SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAIN WINERY
ASSOCIATION; COURTESY OF IT'S IT ICE CREAM.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream
sandwiches, especially local favorite: It’s It.
What sets this creamy contender apart from other
frozen goodies: its handcrafted heft and gooey girth.
It’s-Its are surprisingly thick, hearty and incredibly
flavorful—the sweet and salty treat could easily substitute
for a meal (though perhaps a salad should be
your dessert if you do indulge). Along with standard
flavors like vanilla, mint, chocolate and cappuccino,