Savannah Chanelle Vineyards
23600 Congress Springs Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
(408) 741-2930
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Open daily 11 to 5 pm
Tasting fee $5
5% discount 6-11 bottles, case 10-13%.
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Price Range:
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$16 to $50 per bottle
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Established:
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1892
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Vineyards:
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14 acres
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Production:
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8000 cases
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VIP Tasting:
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Yes
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Description
In 1892, French immigrant Pierre Pourroy established this winery high above the Santa Clara Valley (better known today as Silicon Valley). Hidden on a plateau oasis in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the estate sits on 58 acres, growing Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay. The dry-farmed Zinfandel plantings date back to 1910, and the Cabernet Franc plantings (California's oldest) date back to 1920.
Michael and Kellie Ballard purchased the property in 1996, naming it after their two daughters, and focused on making premium Pinot Noir. Their hand-crafted techniques and small-lot production is designed to showcase the unique attributes of a number of appellations, including their Santa Cruz Mountain estate vineyard, the Arroyo Grande Valley, the Santa Lucia Highlands, and the Russian River. They also produce a Syrah Port and sparkling wines.
As you head up the hill you pass by and between tall redwood trees, getting the feeling you are entering one of California’s beautiful state parks rather than the grounds of a winery. At the top of the knoll you come to the attractive old barn built in 1922 that houses the tasting room and winery. Inside the heavy wooden doors you enter the rustic, wooden-floored, open-beam tasting room, with its large oriental rugs and warm furnishings. There is a nice boutique inside selling wine-related items including pottery, picnic baskets and cutting boards. From the tasting room you can look down on the small fermentation tanks and winery operation. There is also a kids’ table with books and games.
The tasting counters are made from old sparkling wine “riddling racks” with glass overlays that contribute to the charm of the place. Outside there are picnic tables scattered about, and, if you continue on the pathway, there is an additional picnic spot among the redwood trees.
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