By Larry J. Mickartz

DID YOU KNOW THAT IN THE GILROY( 17), MORGAN HILL( 9), SAN MARTIN( 6) AREA, THERE ARE SOME 32 BONDED WINERIES, ACCORDING TO SANTA CLARA COUNTY RECORDS? THEY RANGE FROM THE VERY SMALL, PRIVATE, BOUTIQUE TYPE WINERIES; TO THE MEDIUM-SIZED WINERIES WITH WINE CLUBS AND TASTING ROOMS; TO THE RATHER LARGE WINERIES THAT FEATURE EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT AS WELL AS HOST WEDDINGS.

Recently, we were talking with some friends. Someone said,“ You know we are really lucky to live in this area.” Then everyone joined in with things to do … wine tasting was high on the list. As I sit back and try to characterize Morgan Hill and San Martin wineries, I am at a bit of a loss. I think I see two characteristics. One, they all like wine and enjoy the process. Secondly, they are all different. Aside from a common love of wine and wine making, they do not have a mold. They are diverse! Gugielmo has a flair for history and tradition. Clos LaChance is elegant. Morgan Hill Cellars and Sycamore Creek have a great history and are on a new road today. Many like EmmaLilly, Hill Road, and Paradise Valley are small, making some great wines and having a great time doing it. Lightheart, Creekview, Ross and Castillo have a refreshing family vibe.

You know … we are really lucky to live in this area!”

Castillo’ s Hillside Shire Winery has a great story, a spectacular setting and some exceptional wines. Start with the story. Jess and Roni Jo sought to celebrate the success of their construction business by building a large house in the foothills of Morgan Hill. The only way to do this was to grow something. Grape vines it was. Son, Nate, became fascinated with the possibilities of wine production and jumped in. He is now a second level sommelier. Daughter, Vivienne, is a painter and singer / songwriter. Her art is on display and she is a regular entertainer at the winery. Mom, Roni Jo, who has opera training, sometimes joins Vivienne.

The property is situated at the end of Main Street. The location is spectacular. The home is a mansion and offers a proud welcome to the“ hobbit house” tasting room. The side“ hobbit house” was originally designed to accommodate Nate’ s massage therapy and Roni Jo’ s aromatherapy work. Today, it is a comfortable home to wine tasting and sales, as well as an art studio for Vivienne. The inviting grounds beg for a relaxing wine tasting experience.

Nate demonstrates an affinity for wine and the winemaking process that is rare. He makes complicated simple. He offers wine appreciation classes on Sunday nights. He has produced some wonderful wine and has plans for many more. Castillo wines have won numerous awards at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Nate talks about how the winery has given the family a stage. Vivienne,

26

M O R G A N H I L L T O D A Y S P R I N G 2 0 1 4