PLACES OF INTEREST AND CULTURAL
ACTIVITIES IN THE SARATOGA REGION

* Denotes Archives

Saratoga Village
Designated a California Historical Site in 1950, it features many buildings throughout the community’s business area and adjoining residential neighborhoods that were original to early Saratoga. For a self-guided walking tour, visit the Chamber of Commerce website (click on Things to Do—Historic Walking Tour at www.saratogachamber.org/.)

Saratoga Historical Museum
20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd. (408) 867-4311
Housed in a turn-of-the-century former drug store building, the museum contains displays of artifacts and photographs from early Saratoga. The city’s first library, now a Friends of the Saratoga Libraries bookstore, and the McWilliams House, circa 1865, are adjacent historic buildings. Docents offer historic site guided tours by appointment only. The Museum is open Friday through Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment, and admission is free.

Orchard Heritage Park, Sunnyvale Community Center
550 E. Remington Ave. Sunnyvale. This 10-acre apricot orchard and its interpretive exhibit tell the story of agriculture in the Santa Clara Valley. Hours: 8 am until dark daily. Free. www.heritageparkmuseum.org.

Madronia Cemetery
Oak St. & 6th St. Saratoga (408) 867-3717
The cemetery, located on the hillside just above Saratoga Village, was established in 1854. This is the final resting place of Mary Ann Day Brown, the wife of the abolitionist John Brown of Harper’s Ferry infamy.

Navakovich Orchards
14251 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga. (408) 867-3131
This family-operated farm has been in business since 1925. They sell chocolate-dipped apricots, dried fruits and nuts, apricot turtles, and gift baskets. Hours: 9-5 pm, Closed Saturday.

John Irwin Garden
Corner of Herman and South Vista, Saratoga.
Across from the high school, this private garden features a patriotic theme and is the creation of a retired volunteer fire captain and Lockheed technician.

Chinese Cultural Garden/Overfelt Gardens
2145 McKee Road, San Jose. The Chinese garden occupies 5 acres within the larger, 33-acre park.

Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park
1300 Senter Road @ Alma Avenue, San Jose. This garden has a koi pond and teahouse.

San Jose Municipal Rose Garden
Naglee Avenue and Dan Avenue, San Jose. Dates from the 1920s; designed by John McLaren. See Eden, Spring 2005.

San Jose Heritage Rose Garden, Guadalupe River & Park Gardens
Taylor & Spring Streets, east of the San Jose Airport, San Jose. Largest public collection of roses, old and modern, in the country.

Emma Prusch Farm Park
South King Road and Story Road, San Jose. A 47-acre property preserved as an agricultural museum, and includes a rare fruit orchard. Website: www.sanjoseca.gov/prns/regionalparks/pfp/.

Bonfante Gardens
3050 Hecker Pass Highway (Hwy 152), Gilroy. Tel: 408.840.7100. Website: www.bonfantegardens.com. Hours: M-Thurs 10-6; Fri 10-7; Sat-Sun 10-8. Includes the Tree Circus (a historic collection of trees grafted and pleached into unique forms), Butterfly House, and amusement rides.

Ainsley House/Campbell Historical Museum
300 Grant Street, Campbell. Tel: 408.866.2118. Hours: Thurs-Sun 12-4. Ainsley House is an English Tudor style cottage built in the early 1900s with a small garden designed by Emerson Knight. The adjacent museum documents the fruit growing, drying and canning history of the Campbell area.

Harris-Lass Historic Museum
1889 Market Street, Santa Clara. Tel: 408.249.7905. The museum is operated by the Historic Preservation Society of Santa Clara and serves as a living history museum on the last farm site in the City of Santa Clara, once noted for its orchards.

Los Altos History House Museum*
51 South San Antonio Road, Los Altos. Tel: 650.948.9427. Hours: Thurs-Sun 12-4. The museum is located on property that was once part of a thriving apricot orchard and has a 1930s style farmhouse. The archives are open for research by appt. only. The outdoor exhibits illustrate orchard life. There is a garden surrounding the house.

Peralta Adobe & Fallon House
175 West St. John Street, San Jose. Tel: 408.993.8182. Hours: Tues-Sun 12-4. Admission fee. The adobe dates from 1797 and is the last remaining structure from El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe. The Fallon House was built in 1855. San Jose mayor Fallon was the first to raise the American flag over San Jose during the Mexican American War.

Winchester Mystery House
525 South Winchester Blvd., San Jose. www.winchestermysteryhouse.com. Tel: 408.247.2101. One of the oldest and most famous tourist attractions in the region. Full tour of house and grounds is $26.95 per person. Tours scheduled from 9-5 pm. Call for reservation.

Rosacrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium
1342 Naglee Avenue (near the rose garden), San Jose. Tel: 408.947.3636. Website: www.egyptianmuseum.org. Admission fee: $9. Hours: M-F 10-5; Sat-Sun 11-6.

History San Jose @ Kelley Park*
1600 Senter Road. Collection of restored and reconstructed historic buildings. The archives are on the second floor of the Pacific Hotel within the park. The History Park hours are Tues-Sun 12-5. Archives open by appt. only, 408.918.1054 or research@historysanjose.org.

California History Center and California History Foundation*
Petit Trianon Building, De Anza College, Cupertino. The De Anza College campus is at 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino. Includes the Louis E. Stocklmeir Regional History Library and Archives. Tel: 408.864.8987. www.calhistory.org/library.html. Hours: Tues-Thurs 8:30-12, 1-4:30; Friday by appt. only. Library use fee $5 for non-members.

ART GALLERIES

Aegis Gallery of Fine Art
14531 Big Basin Way Suite 2, Saratoga (408) 867-0171
Features local artists, and exhibits change monthly.

Gallery Saratoga
14435-A Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 867-0458
Artists in this co-op gallery rotate their work each month. In addition, one artist is featured each month. The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Gallery at Montalvo
15400 Montalvo Rd. Saratoga (408) 961-5800
This stately, Mediterranean-style mansion houses exhibits of contemporary Bay Area artists or artist residents. Exhibits change every six weeks. Call ahead for updated information. Hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Golden Oak Gallery
14414 Oak St. Saratoga (408) 867-8646
Golden Oak Gallery showcases a variety of fine art, garden antiques, and eclectic jewelry. The gallery continues to create experiences within the community through local events, classes and personal contacts. Hours: Mon. – Fri. 10:00 – 5:30, Sat. by Appointment.

THEATRES

Saratoga Civic Center Theatre
13777 Fruitvale Ave. Saratoga (408) 868-1249
This city-owned, 300-seat theatre is used by the Saratoga Drama Group (264-3110) and the West Valley Light Opera (268-3777). The musical “Bye Bye Birdie” opens October 21. Call (408) 264-3110 for details.

West Valley College Theatre
14000 Fruitvale Ave. Saratoga (408) 741-2058
This theatre features student music and drama productions. The play "All in the Timing" opens October 20th.

WINERIES TO VISIT IN THE SARATOGA AREA

Download the Saratoga Chamber Winery Guide (PDF)

Bargetto Winery
3535 N Main Street, Soquel, 95073, Telephone: (831) 475-2258 ext. 14
www.bargetto.com
Bargetto Winery has produced hand-crafted wines in the Santa Cruz Mountains since 1933. They focus on cool climate varietals that reveal an intensity of fruit flavor and natural acidities. Open 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Tours by appointment
Directions: From Highway 1, take the Porter Street/Bay Avenue Exit, head east (toward hills) 1/2 block to Main Street. Turn right on Main and continue for one mile to BARGETTO WINERY.

Byington Winery & Vineyard
21850 Bear Creek Rd., Los Gatos, 95033, Telephone: (408) 354-0904
Open Daily 11:00—5:00, www.webwinery.com/byington
Grand Chateau, award winning wines, picnic—BBQ area with ocean view. Weddings, private parties, seminar space. Directions: Just south of Los Gatos, take Bear Creek Road exit. Follow Bear Creek Road 5.5 miles. Byington Winery will be on your left, just past David Bruce Winery. Please allow 30 minutes from Los Gatos.

Cinnabar Vineyards & Winery
23000 Congress Springs Rd., Saratoga, 95070, Telephone: (408) 741-5858
Open: First weekend in June and last weekend in September.www.cinnabarwine.com
Located above the village of Saratoga, Cinnabar produces Estate Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, as well as Central Coast Chardonnay and Merlot.
Directions: Cinnabar is located on Congress Springs Road in Saratoga, CA. From Highway 85, turn south onto Saratoga Avenue, then proceed 4 miles through the town of Saratoga to the Cinnabar gate on the left side of Highway 9.
Note: Highway 9 is also called "Big Basin Way" and "Congress Springs Road."

Clos La Chance
1 Hummingbird Lane, San Martin, 95046, Telephone: (408) 686-1050
(800) ITS-WINE, Open Daily 11:00—5:00, www.clos.com
Located at CordeValle in San Martin. They produce top quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Nebbiolo. Available for wedding, parties & meetings.Directions: Located 20 miles south of the San Jose intersection of Interstate 101 and Highway 85. Off 101 take Tennat Ave. exit and turn right. Turn left on Monterey Rd. and right on Watsonville Rd. Make left on Hummingbird Lane.

Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards
22645 Garrod Road, Saratoga, 95070, Telephone: (408) 867-7116
Open: Weekdays 12:00 to 5:00 and weekends 11:00 to 5:00.www.cgv.com
Located on property farmed by the family for over a century, Cooper-Garrod produces Estate Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from nearly 30 acres of vineyard first planted in 1972. Tastings in the Historic "Fruit House" Tasting Room.
Directions: Highway 85 to De Anza Blvd exit; west towards Saratoga for 1 mile; right on Pierce Rd for 1.8 miles; right on Mt Eden Rd for 1 mile; right on Garrod Rd.
Highway 280 -- to Foothill Expwy exit; west towards the hills for 5 miles on Foothill Blvd which becomes Stevens Canyon Rd when it crosses Stevens Creek Blvd and continues past Stevens Creek Reservoir; left at stop sign in Stevens Canyon onto Mt Eden Rd for 1.6 miles, left on Garrod Rd.

Jocelyn Wines
Telephone: (408) 395-9942, Not Open to the Public. www.jocelynwines.com
Jocelyn Wines has produced two fabulous vintages of Russian River Chardonnay, 2000 & 2001, as well as a wonderful 2001 Russian River Valley Zinfandel Port. Their first release of red Bordeaux varietals was the 2000 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in October 2003.

The Mountain Winery
14831 Pierce Rd. 741-2820
In 1901 Paul Masson purchased land in the hills overlooking Saratoga. Vineyards were planted and a magnificent winery building and chateau were built on the property. With the vine-covered facade of the mountain winery as a backdrop, the bowl of land in front of the antique portals became a festive amphitheater in 1958 for the first of a series of summer concerts. In 1960, the Mountain Winery was designated a California Historical Landmark. The Mountain Winery is a destination spot for corporate meetings and parties, weddings and Summer Concert series. Minutes away yet worlds apart from the hectic pace of Silicon Valley. www.mountainwinery.com

Picchetti Winery
13100 Montebello Road, Cupertino, 95014, Telephone: (408) 741-1310
Open: Daily 11:00 to 5:00.www.picchetti.com
1880’s historic winery ranch in Cupertino hills features award winning Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel wines. Picnic grounds and hiking trails.
Directions: Take Freeway 280 to the Foothill Grant Road exit in Cupertino. Travel southwest on Foothill Blvd. 3.5 miles (Foothill Blvd. changes names mid-point to Steven's Canyon Road). You'll travel through a residential section, pass Steven's Creek County Park, Stevens Creek Reservoir and Dam. Montebello Road will appear on your right. Travel up Montebello road 6/10th of mile to Picchetti Winery. Take the first left hand turn into Picchetti Winery.

Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards
23600 Congress Springs Road, Saratoga, 95070, Telephone: (408) 741-2934
Open: Daily 11:00 to 5:00.www.savannahchanelle.com
Established in 1892, the Winery specializes in estate produced Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Franc . Available for weddings, parties and meetings.Directions: Highway 85 S. Exit Saratoga Avenue, go right at signal onto Saratoga Avenue. Follow Saratoga Ave all the way through the Village of Saratoga. (Saratoga Ave turns into Big Basin Way, Hwy 9, & Congress Springs Road). Continue up the same road 3.3 miles from the Village. Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards will be on your left.

Solis Winery
3920 Hecker Pass Rd., Gilroy, 95020, Telephone: (408) 847-6306
Hours of operation: 11:00 to 5:00 PM 7 days a week. www.soliswinery.com
Solis Winery is located in California's Central Coast Region, and is just west of downtown Gilroy. The original vineyard consisted of varietals like Zinfandel and Carignane, which are still grown today. In the mid- 1980s, Chardonnay and Merlot were added and later Muscat Canelli, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese.
Directions from San Francisco: Take US-101 and go Southeast. Exit US-101 to Tennant Ave. Turn right on Tennant Ave. Turn left on Monterey Hwy. Turn right on Watsonville Rd. Turn left on Hecker Pass Hwy, to Solis Winery.

Testarossa Vineyards
300-A College Ave, Los Gatos, 95030, Telephone: (408) 354-6150
Open: Daily 11:00 to 5:00 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day).
www.testarossa.com
Established in 1993 in the historic Novitiate of Los Gatos, Testarossa is dedicated to making small lots of vineyard-designated wines from only the best vineyards in the cool ocean-influenced counties of Monterey, Santa Barbara and Sonoma.
Directions: From Hwy 17 Southbound: Take the East Los Gatos Exit , turn right onto Los Gatos Blvd., continue past Los Gatos High School on the right, turn left onto College Avenue shortly after passing the Ferrari of Los Gatos Dealership on the left.
From Hwy 17 Northbound: Take the Santa Cruz Avenue Exit, turn right on East Main Street, turn right on College Avenue shortly after crossing the overpass over Hwy 17.
Then: Follow the signs directing you to the Novitiate up to the top of College Avenue (Please obey speed limits on College Avenue as the residents are not fond of traffic). Enter the gates of the Novitiate marked by two large stone pillars with white crosses on the fronts. Look for signs directing you to parking for our event. If you get lost call 408-354-6150 and we will help.

Thomas Fogarty Winery
19501 Skyline Blvd., Woodside, 94062, Telephone: (650) 851-6777
Hours: Thursday through Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. www.fogartywine.com
Twenty five acres of Burgundian-style varietals are planted on the 325 acre estate, focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and small lots of Merlot and Sangiovese.
Directions: Thomas Fogarty Winery is located on the east side of Highway 35 (Skyline Blvd.), 4.5 miles south of Highway 84 (Woodside Rd.) and 2.7 miles north of Page Mill Road. From Highway 280 (North or South) take the Highway 84 exit (Woodside Road) driving west toward the mountains, go through the town of Woodside, the road then becomes steep, narrow and winding, keep heading up the mountain, when you reach the top at the intersection of Highway 35 (Skyline Blvd.) make a sharp left turn onto 35 (Skyline Blvd.). Drive 4.5 miles and the winery is on the left, across the street from the entrance of Yerba Buena Nursery. 

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Golfing

Saratoga Country Club
21990 Prospect Rd. (408) 253-0340
This membership club, overlooking Santa Clara Valley, offers tennis, swimming, a nine-hole golf course, clubhouse and restaurant. Banquet facilities for special events are available to the public by reservation.

West Valley College
14000 Fruitvale Ave. Saratoga (408) 741-2017
Putting green available to public during non-instructional hours.

Horseback Riding

Garrod Farms Riding Stables
22600 Garrod Rd. Saratoga (408) 867-9527
One of Saratoga’s original ranches, owned and operated by the Garrod family. Features miles of private, scenic riding trails and riding lessons for children and adults. Horses boarded and rented. Daily 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Public welcome. (See also Cooper-Garrod Vineyards under Wineries to Visit in the Saratoga Area.)

Swimming

West Valley College
14000 Fruitvale Ave. Saratoga (408) 867-2200

YMCA-Southwest Branch
13500 Quito Rd. (408) 370-1877

Teen Centers
Warner Hutton House Teen Center
13777 Fruitvale Ave. (408) 868-1272

Saratoga City Parks

Wildwood
20764 4th St.
Four acres within walking distance of the conference hotel, pedestrian/bike paths, restrooms, open turf area.

Santa Clara County Parks

Lexington Reservoir
Alma Bridge Rd. off Hwy. 17, Los Gatos. (408) 356-2729.
Fishing and sailing. No power boats. Limited parking.

Los Gatos Creek
Vasona Lake Area, Los Gatos (408) 356-2729
Windsurfing, fishing, model boating, and bike path to Vasona Park.

Sanborn-Skyline
Sanborn Rd. off Hwy. 9 (408) 867-9959
Camping, picnic areas, hiking trails.

Stevens Creek
Off Mt. Eden Rd. (408) 867-3654
The County’s first park. Boating, fishing, and picnic areas. No camping.

Vasona Lake
Blossom Hill Rd. off Hwy. 17
Los Gatos (408) 356-2729
Sailboat and rowboat rentals, fishing, and picnic areas.

California State Parks

Big Basin Redwoods
Hwy. 236 & Hwy. 9 (831) 338-8860
Has distinction of being California’s first state park.

Henry Cowell Redwoods
Hwy. 9, 5 miles north of Santa Cruz
(831) 335-4598

Roaring Camp & Big Trees Steam Railroad
Graham Hill Rd., Felton near Santa Cruz (831) 335-4400