San Martin Wineries Wine Tasting: A Local’s Guide to Our Favorite Spots
When Ryan and I first moved to Morgan Hill, we didn’t realize we were settling into one of Northern California’s quietest wine regions. Sure, everyone knows Napa and Sonoma, but San Martin wineries? They’re where the real magic happens, especially if you want to avoid the crowds and actually talk to the people who made your wine.
If you’re looking for San Martin wineries wine tasting without the four-hour drive to Wine Country, you’re in the right place. We’ve spent the last few years exploring what our backyard has to offer, and honestly? We’re spoiled. These aren’t stuffy, formal tasting rooms. They’re genuine places run by people who love wine.
What Makes San Martin Wine Country Special
San Martin isn’t actually a winery itself (though that confused us at first). It’s a small unincorporated community in Santa Clara County, sitting right between Morgan Hill and Gilroy. The whole region sits on what wine folks call the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail, over 30 wineries spread across rolling hills and valley land that’s been growing wine grapes since the 1800s.
The advantage? You can hit three, four, even five wineries in a single afternoon without spending two hours driving between them. From our house in Morgan Hill, we’re 15-20 minutes from most of the best spots. Compare that to Napa, where you’re looking at 45 minutes between tastings.
The wines here lean heavily into Rhone and Italian varietals. Think Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Grignolino. Some local producers are experimenting with Petite Sirah and Tempranillo too. What you won’t find are the ridiculous markups. A wine that costs $45 at a Napa tasting room might be $28 here, and it’s honestly just as good.
Clos LaChance: The Anchor of San Martin Wine Tasting
Let’s start with the big one. Clos LaChance Winery is about 30 minutes south of San Jose, positioned perfectly between Morgan Hill and Henry Coe State Park. It’s the venue that actually put this region on the map, at least for us locals.
The facility itself is stunning. Old-World-inspired architecture, rolling vineyard views, and a genuine sense that someone cared about the details when they built this place. They’re open for tastings, but here’s what we recommend: go on a weekend afternoon, grab a spot on the terrace, and stay for a few hours.
Clos LaChance does tastings, yes, but they also host events, have dining options on-site, and maintain bocce ball courts. We’ve had entire afternoons here where we’ll taste through their Pinot Noirs, grab lunch, and play bocce with other wine lovers. Their Pinot Noir reserve is genuinely excellent. Rich but not heavy, the kind of wine that tastes expensive but doesn’t cost that much.
Fair warning: it gets busy on summer weekends. If you want a quieter experience, go midweek or during shoulder season (March through April, September through October).
Lion Ranch Vineyards: The Hidden Gem
This is where we send friends who want the real experience. Lion Ranch is run by a husband-and-wife team making small-batch Rhone and Provence varietals. Think Grenache, Mourvedre, and Viognier alongside Pinot Noir and Syrah.
The tasting room is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it’s intimate in the best way. No crowds, no corporate vibe, just genuinely good wine. Their Grenache-based blends are excellent. Bright, food-friendly, the kind of thing you’ll want to buy a case of.
What we love most about Lion Ranch is the honest conversation you get. The owners actually care about whether you like the wine, not whether you’re buying the most expensive bottle. We’ve spent hours here talking about food pairings, vineyard management, and their plans for future releases.
Bring snacks or plan a picnic. It’s a working vineyard, not a restaurant, so they don’t have food service. But there’s something perfect about sitting on the lawn with a glass of their Syrah and watching the afternoon light change over the vines.
Little Uvas Vineyard: Wine Meets Cars (Yes, Really)
This one’s different, and we love it for exactly that reason. Little Uvas owns seven acres of estate-grown grapes and operates The Garage, an event venue that’s part wine tasting room, part car enthusiast temple.
If you’re into cars, it’s incredible. Vintage and rare vehicles rotate through regularly. But even if you’re not a car person, the wine is solid, and the vibe is genuinely fun. They host events regularly, so check their calendar. We went to a spring wine and live music night here last year and it was packed with people from the whole valley.
Exploring the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail
If you want to maximize your day, grab a Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail Pass. It’s a single pass good for one tasting at each of the 30+ wineries on the trail. You’re looking at serious value, especially if you’re the type to really explore.
Beyond the big names, don’t skip Miramar Vineyards, Moose Mountain Vineyards, Cottage Creek Vineyards, Satori Cellars, Creekview Vineyards, Kirigin Cellars, or the DeRose Tasting Room. Each one has its own personality. Some are family-run, some focus on specific varietals, and some have views that’ll stop you mid-conversation.
Planning Your San Martin Wine Tasting Day
Hit Lion Ranch first (it’s smaller and fills up on weekends). Then head to Clos LaChance for lunch and a longer stay. If you’ve got afternoon energy, work your way through the Wine Trail Pass at smaller spots.
Designate a driver or call a rideshare. The roads around here get curvy, especially once you head toward Henry Coe. And remember, you’re not on a deadline. These places want you to slow down.
The best San Martin wineries wine tasting experiences don’t happen because of pretty views (though there are plenty). They happen because you’re in a place that cares more about the wine than the marketing.
Ready to Explore?
If you’re planning a tasting trip, start with the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail official website for hours, events, and tasting fees. You can also check the Lion Ranch Vineyards site for current weekend hours.
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