Before Silicon Valley, the Santa Clara Valley was orchard and vineyard country. Wineries in Morgan Hill and Gilroy still draw San Jose diners for weekend tastings.

The Santa Clara Valley was California's premier wine region before Silicon Valley development converted most of its agricultural land to suburbs and office parks in the 1950s through 1980s. The region, known in the 19th century as the Valley of Heart's Delight, had hundreds of vineyards and orchards. A handful of wineries survived, particularly in the hills around Morgan Hill, Gilroy and the Santa Cruz Mountains, and have built reputations for Rhone-style blends, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. San Jose diners making the 30-minute drive to Guglielmo Winery or Kirigin Cellars are following a tradition older than the tech industry.

2 editor picks for Santa Clara Valley wine in San Jose, ranked by editorial score. All San Jose signature dishes · Santa Clara Valley wine across every city.

Ozumo Santana Row ★ 4.0

$$$JapaneseSantana Row

Ozumo at Santana Row in San Jose delivers exquisite robata-grilled cuisine and handcrafted sushi rolls in a stylish room with an outdoor beer garden.

OrderRobata grilled items and omakase makimono rolls

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District ★ 3.8

$$New AmericanDowntown

District in San Jose's San Pedro Square pairs globally inspired small plates with one of the city's most extensive wine and whiskey programs.

OrderGlobally inspired shareable plates with curated whiskey

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Learn to cook it, or eat it with a guide

Santa Clara Valley wine makes more sense with someone from San Jose explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.

Taste Santa Clara Valley wine with a local in San Jose

See all 24 bookable experiences in San Jose