Winery Tour of the Santa Cruz Mountains

"Sideways" inspired budding connoisseurs to sniff, swirl and taste the exquisite wines of California (if not emulate the sophomoric fun shared by Miles and Jack). However, it's not just the wine that has people salivating: it's the experience itself.

Surrounding yourself with sprawling vineyards and inhaling the crushed fruit, toasted French oak barrels and open bottles of silky smooth wines is quite possibly one of the more enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon (if not an entire weekend). The trick, though, is to find wineries that are off the beaten path and ones that provide award-winning and wines that cause you to swoon.

One thing to take to heart is that "Wine Country" is not limited to Napa or Santa Barbara and it now spans the entire coast and central valley of California. One region in particular is the Santa Cruz Mountains located just forty-five miles south of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Use your favorite internet mapping service and simply type, "Saratoga, CA." It's in this quaint downtown district nestled at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountain Range where you'll begin your tour. Once you've arrived at the Saratoga Village, head south on Highway 9 for 3 miles until you reach Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards (website: www.savannahchanelle.com, phone: 408-741-2934).

Standing just steps away from the vineyards is Savannah-Chanelle's rustic tasting room. You will indulge yourself with buttery chardonnays, robust zinfandels, inky cabernet francs and savory pinot noirs that leave the palate yearning for more. Tours are provided by appointment and you'll enjoy the twinkling keys of a grand piano on weekends! Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while sitting in the comfortable bistro-styled tables in the tasting room or soak in the views of the vineyards just outside.

Just a hop over the hill is Cooper Garrod Vineyards (website: www.cgv.com, phone: 408-867-7116). They feature chardonnay, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and viognier, in addition to their own Bordeaux-style blend, R.V.'s Fine Claret. Wine tasting isn't the only option here. Horseback riding is available, too! If riding the ponies isn't your thing, admire the equines from afar as you sip the wines. And not to worry: the stables' location will not adversely affect the bouquet and flavor of your wines.

Now it's time to head to the breathtaking town of Los Gatos, CA. Just a stone's throw from Saratoga, Los Gatos is the gateway to the Monterey Bay and is home to arguably one of the best wineries you will find anywhere, namely Testarossa Vineyards (website: www.testarossa.com, phone: 408-354-6150, x. 21).

Since 1993, Testarossa has produced chardonnays, pinot noirs and syrah that have lit up the scorecards of publications that influence the vast world of wines. If you're looking for elegance, history, tradition and the most luscious chardonnays, hypnotic pinot noirs and decadent syrahs anywhere, this is your winery. Take a bottle or more with you to enjoy today or cellar it for a special occasion a few years down the road. Any Testarossa wine is worth the wait.

In vino veritas!