Wine lovers can celebrate Earth Day and learn more about sustainable and organic practices in the vineyard while wine tasting at the wineries on the Organic Wine Trail of the Santa Cruz Mountains on Saturday, April 18.
These Santa Cruz Mountains wineries have formed the Organic Wine Trail to showcase their certified organic vineyards: Silver Mountain Vineyard along Summit Road between Los Gatos and Soquel; Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards in Saratoga; Ridge Vineyards in Cupertino; and Alfaro Family Vineyards in Corralitos. Visitors can learn more about growing organic winegrapes with self-guided or guided tours, enjoy the vineyards and coastal and mountain views, picnic and taste wine. Hours are 12:00-5:00. Cooper-Garrod opens at 11:00.
The wine trail route makes a nice day’s excursion. It is a wonderful opportunity to explore the wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains, from Saratoga and Cupertino to Corralitos, while learning about the extra steps vineyards and wineries take to adhere to organic standards.
The cost for the self-guided tour is only the tasting fee/policy set by each winery, from $5-$10. Guided tours with local transportation providers are also available, as are special package tours. Cooper-Garrod offers an Eco-Ride with a docent-led horseback ride through the Fremont-Older Open Space.
April 18 is also Passport Day in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Passports, $45, are good at participating wineries on each of the quarterly Passport Days, and are available from the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association (SCMWA) at www.scmwa.com and at the wineries on the wine trail.
More info at www.organicwinetrail.org.