Take your pick of wineries in Morgan Hill. (Courtesy of @visitmorganhillca)
Low-key wine country meets high adventure potential in Morgan Hill
29 September
This little city boasts an impressive tally of wineries and trails that make for an easy weekend getaway.
South of San Jose, east of Santa Cruz and just shy of Gilroy to the north, there’s a quaint yet thriving city hiding in plain sight. Some people know Morgan Hill as a sleepy Silicon Valley suburb, but it’s time to revisit its particular brand of quiet.
Surrounded by vineyards and farms, where the smell of a staple mushroom crop sometimes wafts into the night air, Morgan Hill (MoHi) is a welcome relief for anyone who wants to escape the city’s chaos and embrace the essence of Bay Area living.
An hour and a half drive from San Francisco on Highway 101 to Morgan Hill drops you right into the Santa Clara Valley wine region where you can access more than a dozen wineries within 15 minutes of each other. These range from stunning estates and family-owned compounds to funky independent labels run by fashionistas and husband-and-wife teams. The pours are plenty without breaking the bank for anyone ready to skip Napa or Sonoma.
There’s also a freshness that permeates the air and the culinary scene. Morgan Hill is the gateway to California’s largest state park and home to endless cycling and hiking trails. In between activities, there’s never a shortage of al fresco dining options—nearly every restaurant, brewery, and winery offers a place to take farm-fresh food outdoors and enjoy sunshine SF doesn’t always see.
So pack a light bag, rig up your bike, and see all there is to do.
Where to Eat in Morgan Hill
(Courtesy of @visitmorganhillca)
Seasonal delights and ourdoor dining are always on the menu at MoHi Farm.
Restaurants
MoHi Farm
This welcoming restaurant in the heart of Morgan Hill’s downtown serves up farm-to-table goodness for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on their huge sidewalk patio, along with a lineup of grab-and-go pastries. A range of bowls showcase their fresh, seasonal ingredients—many from their own farm—with protein choices for any dietary preference. Don’t miss their seriously scrumptious apps, where fruits and vegetables are the fried, served, or lightly seasoned centerpieces. // 90 East 3rd St., mohifarm.com
Odeum
Dine on the string light-lit patio or step inside the warm cocoon of the restaurant’s main space for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a seriously stylish setting. Dishes from Michelin star chef Salvatore Calisi are heavy on the meat and fresh ingredients, with the added bonus of a wood-fired oven for savory pizza and pita. // 17500 Depot Street, odeumrestaurant.com
Trail Dust BBQ
If you’re walking down Monterey Road, you’ll likely encounter the smoky, rich flavors wafting from this hearty eatery. Feel free to start early with brisket or tri-tip breakfast tacos, but the real digging happens at lunch and dinner. Spicy Firebird sandwiches and plates of St. Louis-style pork ribs or burnt ends pair perfectly with crisp craft beer on tap. // 17240 Monterey Rd., traildustbbq.com
Rosy’s at the Beach
This seaside-inspired space will make you forget you're staying inland. A new brunch menu features Hawaiian-inspired favorites and breakfast burritos. At night, seafood and tropical cocktails are the stars, which you can enjoy on either of the restaurant’s two patios—right on the main street, or tucked away in the back for a little more space. There’s a fun mix of classy (white tablecloths) and cheery (Monday Mai Tais in Tiki glasses) here that gives it a vacay feel any time of the year. // 17320 Monterey Rd., rosysatthebeach.com
Craft Roots Vegan Bar and Grill
Plant-based friends have a home at Craft Roots, voted by Gotham Magazine as one of the country’s best vegan restaurants. There’s no skimping on flavor or selection, with veggie-heavy salads, “burgers” in multiple varieties, and an inventive pizza selection. Happy Hour is also not to be missed. // 17230 Monterey Rd., craftroots-mh.com
Sweet Treats + Specialty
Andy’s Orchard
Come to this quaint country store to pick up some fresh fruit or shop a full range of jams, preserves, and premium culinary ingredients and treats. The orchard’s harvesting season starts in June, when a huge variety of apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, pluots, and persimmons begin to come into season. That's also when they kick off a calendar of in-demand tours and tastings, so don't miss out. // 1615 Half Rd., andysorchard.com
Snowee Rolls
Morgan Hill gets hot, especially in the summertime—not that you ever need an excuse to stop into Snowees. The pint-sized shop makes their own ice cream base that you customize with your favorite flavors and mix-ins, all rolled ice-cold behind the counter. The options are nearly endless, and you can even get boba here, too. // 30 E 3rd St. Ste. 100, snoweerolls.com
Every Saturday from 9am to 1pm, more than 30 local and nearby growers and farmers take over the CalTrans parking lot to offer up seasonal fare. Rain or shine, you’ll find the place packed with people stocking up for the week and showcasing the best of Santa Clara county.// Depot Street & E. Third (near Railroad Park), cafarmersmkts.com
Where to Drink in Morgan Hill
(Courtesy of Castillo's Hillside Shire Winery)
From its namesake perch, Castillo’s Hillside Shire Winery offers picturesque views along with local wines.
Wineries
Guglielmo Winery
Established in 1925, this family-owned and operated winery in the heart of Morgan Hill offers wine tasting and a charmingly rustic event center that will transport you into old world Italy. // 1480 E. Main Ave., guglielmowinery.com
P and V Winery
Named after founders Paul and Vicki, this family-run winery has a scenic, event-ready garden with plenty of space for outdoor tastings. Its hero grapes are Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, but they also produce a handful of small batch varietals. // 10155 Dougherty Ave., pandvwinery.com
Castillo’s Hillside Shire Winery
If you’re looking to replicate the luxurious estates of Europe close to home, make Castillo’s your first stop. The picturesque grounds provide great views of the surrounding country. Though the main building is a private home, the staircase is an ideal open stage for memorable photos. // 2215 Liberata Dr., castilloswinery.com
EmmaLily Winery
Cabernet is the centerpiece of EmmaLily, a family winery that isn’t afraid to bottle their memorable wine in larger-than-standard sizes for maximum enjoyment. Enjoy monthly free tastings on their cute outdoor lawn—a top venue for weddings. // 2105 Dahlberg Dr., emmalilyvineyards.com
Lightpost Winery
Local residents teamed up with a French winemaker to form Lightpost, housed in a former painters’ studio that sits on a 56 acre ranch in the foothills. From their award-winning wine selection, they offer a wide variety of blends from France’s Rhone and Bordeaux regions. // 900 Lightpost Way, lightpostwinery.com
Alara Cellars
Just a slight turn off the lively stretch of Monterey Road is a chic tasting room—downtown Morgan Hill’s first—for fashion-forward local wine producer Alara Cellars. Along with their namesake blends, the tasting room sells gifts for wine enthusiasts and hosts workshops and food events aplenty. // 90 E. 3rd St. Ste. 70, alaracellars.com
Ancora Vino
This hip new wine shop doubles as a tasting room complete with a wall of records for that perfect blend of contemporary and cozy. Their emphasis is on selection and affordability: along with showcasing local varieties, Ancora Vino offers 150 wines under $25 per bottle. // 17337 Monterey Rd., @ancoravino_morganhill
TenFiveOne Cider Co.
This proud friend-and-family run business is the only hard apple cider company in the county. Their crisp brews are handcrafted and shared in their backyard tasting room. Live music and classic yard games are also often on the menu for this casual business that takes its craft seriously. // 17635 Hill Rd., tenfiveoneciderco.com
The Running Shop and Hops
Family- and dog-friendly with a huge selection of draft, cans, and bottles of craft brews, this taproom is a great place to kick back solo or with a big group. Bring your own nosh or check the schedule for their rotating lineup of food trucks. There’s also cider, seltzer, kombucha, and non-alcoholic options. // 17500 Depot St., therunningshopandhops.com
What to Do in Morgan Hill
(Courtesy of @visitmorganhillca)
Miles of trails loop through local parks to create a cyclist's paradise.
Henry W. Coe State Park
Not many people know that the main entrance to Northern California’s largest state park is nestled here in the Diablo mountains. Adventure is yours for the making with more than 87,000 acres of preserved wilderness open to hiking, biking, backpacking, and more. Every season promises something new, from wildflowers to cool winter breezes for day trips and camping stays. // 9000 East Dunne Ave., parks.ca.gov
Coyote Creek Parkway
For an even more accessible way to get out on the trail, head just a few minutes from the city center to Coyote Creek Parkway. A 16-mile stretch of paved, mostly flat trails hosts runners, cyclists, equestrians, and neighbors from nearby developments with enough open space for everyone to enjoy the wildlife and sound of the bordering creek. Unlike most of Henry W. Coe, you can bring your (leashed) pup along for the journey. // 19245 Malaguerra Ave., parks.sccgov.org
Cycling
Morgan Hill is a cyclist’s paradise—and it happens to be home to the headquarters of cult bike brand Specialized. Mountain bikers have their fill with access to ranges east and west of the city, while roadsters and e-bikes can choose from miles of paths in town. For a new ride or a tune-up, don’t miss downtown favorite shop Bike Therapy (17540 Depot St.). // Trail maps at visitmorganhill.org
Morgan Hill Wine Trolley
Yes, you can visit any of the many wineries in the area on your own, but why not let someone do the driving for you? Kick off your tour with a champagne reception; then hop aboard an old San Francisco cable car to visit three of Morgan Hill’s wineries guided by a local expert. You’ll also be able to take in the stunning views of the surrounding wine country. Plan for a weekend ride or your own private excursion. // mhwinetrolley.com
Seasonal Happenings
Year-round, Morgan Hill comes alive with community-driven events in every flavor. Their annual Mushroom Festival in May (morganhillmushroomfestival.org) shows why the city is considered the mushroom capital of the West. From late September through early November, check out the epic Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch (spinafarmspumpkinpatch.com) to co-mingle with gourds and dinosaur species. For the truly brave, there’s Tarantula Fest (coepark.net). And every month from April to December, you can meet local makers, creators, and businesses downtown for Sidewalk Saturdays (buylocalmorganhill.com).
Where to Stay in Morgan Hill
(Courtesy of @visitmorganhillca)
Take your pick of reliable hotels that offer easy access to wineries, restaurants, and more.
Hotels
Morgan Hill’s hotel scene focuses on reliable (and affordable) chains that are close to the action. Check your points before you book and pick the accommodations that work for you. Along one of the city's main thoroughfares, you’ll find Comfort Inn (16225 Condit Rd.), Holiday Inn Express (17035 Condit Rd.), and Hampton Inn (16115 Condit Rd.). There’s also the recently opened LaQuinta Inn and Suites (17043 Condit Rd.) if you decide to bring your furry friend. Keep your eye out for the city’s first boutique offering, Hotel MoHi by Appellation, coming in 2025.
—Lisa Plachy
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