That’s a mystery, given how expansive and gorgeous the property is. 83 Vallecitos Road, Livermore Nearby: Cuda Ridge and Thomas Coyneĭespite awards and accolades for its ultra-premium pinot noir, historic Savannah-Chanelle remains a hidden gem nestled in the lush Santa Cruz Mountains. The details: Open Fridays-Sundays $10 tasting fee. Wine pick: The medium-bodied 2013 Verdelho ($16) is a unique and easy sipper, with tropical fruit aromas and a crisp, mineral finish. Opt for a spot by the creek across from the winery’s entrance and that tiny mourvedre vineyard. Picnic perks: Fenestra offers picnic tables from several vantage points. Livermore Ave) for heavenly, freshly baked baguettes.Īs you drive up to Fenestra, don’t miss the syrah and grenache vineyards near the parking lot or the tiny mourvedre vineyard in the back by the creek and picnic tables.

So, pack whatever cold cuts and cheese you’ve got in the fridge and on your way into town, stop by Casse-Croute (50 S. The Replogles make more than 20 wines, many award-winning, like the 2009 Tempranillo ($19.50), with its enticing aromas of black tea and dark cherry, and most are under $30. It’s not swarming with kids, by any means, but if you do bring the kids, this is the type of no-frills country setting where they can vroom their toy cars, blow bubbles or play hide-and-seek safely outside the cellar and tasting room barn. Lanny and Fran Replogle’s rustic winery is the kind of place where families feel comfortable spreading a blanket and sipping the day away. 2100 Buena Vista Ave., Gilroy Nearby: Clos LaChance, Sycamore Creek The “pink ray” color and balance come from petite sirah. Wine pick: The unoaked 2012 Chardonnay of the Pink Ray ($19) is crisp, bright and beautiful, with tropical aromas and a touch of pear - but not a whit of that butteriness some of us loathe. Picnic perks: There are tables for every taste, from upended barrels to classic picnic style, but if you’re with a group, go for the circle of Adirondack chairs near the bocce court. Grab a seat at the outdoor tasting bar or unpack your picnic basket at one of the many shaded picnic tables near the zinfandel vines, and sip a little jammy, luscious Harmonic Convergence. Even the poles at the ends of the vineyard rows are painted in riotous colors.

A faded yellow brick road winds its way to the patio, past a labyrinth, colorful market umbrellas and whimsical decor. There’s a zen-meets-Oz vibe here - with a touch of Willy Wonka, if he’d gotten into zin, instead of chocolate. What Sandy and Tom Moller have created in this corner of Gilroy is a landscape of such whimsy and delight, we’re still grinning weeks later. Settle into one of the rainbow-hued Adirondack chairs with a glass of Satori’s rosy Chardonnay of the Pink Ray - and chances are good that you will not be going anywhere anytime soon. 26985 Loma Prieta Way, Los Gatos Nearby: Burrell School, Sonnet and Silver Mountain The details: Open weekends $5 tasting fee. An impressive expression of the Summit area. Wine pick: The 2009 Estate Pinot Noir ($55) is strawberry-rhubarb pie in a glass with roasted chestnuts and a kick of rose petals. Keep in mind, those beautiful, umbrella-covered wrought iron tables and cozy outdoor couch are all first-come, first-served. Lounging on the patio overlooking sloped estate pinot noir vineyards - the winery is also known as North America’s largest producer of pinotage - you can see the entire Monterey Peninsula and watch waves crashing on the Santa Cruz coastline. That said, the views and vibe at Loma Prieta Winery, set at 2,600 feet above winding Highway 17, are downright mesmerizing. With its rugged trails and breathtaking mountaintop locales, the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation has a bit of an advantage when it comes to wow-factor picnicking. (Psst, it’s poor picnic etiquette to drink an outsider’s wine.) Cheers! Buy a bottle after your tasting to enjoy back at your table or blanket. Picnicking defines summer in Northern California, where hundreds of wineries provide picture-perfect views and cozy amenities for lazing the day away while sipping memorable wines.įrom the stunning, sloped vineyard views at Loma Prieta Winery in Los Gatos to the farmer’s market and bocce ball at Michael David Winery in Lodi, each facility has its own picnic pleasures.īelow, find eight picnic spots with a must-try wine from each winery.

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