12.10.09
From the issue Sip and Stroll
Vintage Vineyard
If strolling where you sip suits your style, head to Saratoga's Savannah Chanelle Vineyards, a sunny 58-acre hilltop winery that's been around for more than a century. The current owners, Mike and Kellie Ballard, have restored the old redwood barn tasting room and the rustic yet modern atmosphere is as pleasing to the eyes as the estate grown chardonnays and zinfandels are to the palate. Take a break from tasting to meander among vines dating back to the 1920s. Or get deeper into the property by following a trail found to the right of the barn; walk among towering redwoods and alongside a creek for about 15 minutes, until reaching the old Pourroy Ranch, where the winery originated back in the 1800s (look for the remembrance plaque).
Savannah Chanelle Vineyards, 23600 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408-741-2934. The winery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's $10 to taste. There's no marked trail among the vineyards. To get back to Pourroy Ranch, follow the wide trail back to the right of the tasting room barn.
