Santa Clara Living » Upcoming Events

Santa Clara Valley Wineries

santaclarapottery — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you’re visiting the Bay Area and don’t have a chance to make it to Napa or Sonoma to enjoy some of the region’s wine tasting, you might opt instead to pop over to Santa Clara Valley where three wineries recently won Best-of-Class awards at the 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (SFCWC) with awards being handed out on January 7, 2011.Considering the competition had entries totaling almost 5000, the awards honored to Santa Clara Valley are especially noteworthy.

Solis Winery 2010 Estate Fiano (Best-in-Class)
Castillos Hillside Shire Winery (Best-in-Class)
Jason-Stephens Winery (Best-in-Class)
Aver Family Vineyards (Silver medal)
Creekview Vineyards (several Silver and Bronze medals)
Fortino Winery (Bronze medal)
Guglielmo Winery (Gold, Silver, Bronze medals)
Kirigin Cellars (Gold, Silver, Bronze medals)
Martin Ranch Winery (Silver and Bronze medals)
Muccigrosso Vineyards (Gold and Silver medals)
Sarah’s Vineyard (Gold and Silver medals)
Satori Cellars (Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals)
Storrs Winery (Silver medal)
Sycamore Creek Vineyards (Gold and Silver medals)

The public tasting for these (and many other) wines will be on February 19, 2011 at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco between 2pm 5pm (tickets are 65 in advance/80 at the door) should you be around during that time.If not, why not plan a trip direct to any of the wineries in Silcon Valley for your own private tastings and personal rankings.

New 49ers stadium passes vote in Santa Clara

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:22:06 +0000

Candlestick Park has been the home of the San Francisco 49ers since 1971, and housed the San Francisco Giants before that starting in 1960. Now, Santa Clara voters have decided it’s time for a change. The mysterious-sounding Measure J was passed on June 8, when city voters agreed to lease land to the 49ers Stadium Authority for the construction of a new 68,500-seat football stadium. The only thing the 49ers need now is the money to get the job done.Team owner John York says he made the decision to move with his family of players, and that they challenged themselves to think about it from the fans’ perspective. It’s true that the Candlestick stadium is far past its prime, but many fans still remember it for its iconic playoff matches. While the vote may seem sacrilegious to some 49ers fans, history is never made easily. The as-yet-unnamed stadium (expected to start construction in 2012) could turn out to be just as iconic as Candlestickand a lot more environmentally friendly. If everything goes according to plan, it will be the first stadium with a green roof and solar panels. The 49ers Stadium Authority is also currently exploring options with the Environmental Protection Agency, including nearby public transit (VTA, ACE, and Amtrak), recycled water for irrigation and plumbing, no CFC-based refrigerants (which contribute to ozone depletion), and permanent ventilation monitoring systems.Though not even named, you can already visit the stadium online at www.49ersnewstadium.com. Information is still sparse, but there are General FAQs up which should alleviate some fans’ concerns. “Will the team still be called the San Fancisco 49ers?” The answer: absolutely. Ticket prices and seating relocations for premium seating holders is still being determined, but there are plans to set up a marketing center in Santa Clara for the stadium where fans can get their first look at their favorite team’s new favorite home.

What’s on the Calendar in Santa Clara?

admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:47:55 +0000

Whether you live in Santa Clara or are in town visiting, there are a multitude of fun summer events going on each week that you and the whole family are sure to enjoy. For starters, every Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00 pm the Downtown Santa Clara Farmers’ Market sells certified self-produced food items. Even if you’re not looking to buy, it’s fun to walk around the bustling market and enjoy the aroma and atmosphere found only at farmers’ markets.Next, you should check out the new exhibits at the Intel Museum. Listen as Arti, an artificial intelligence robot, tells the story about how Intel’s technology helps teachers and students who need it in South Africa. Be sure to get digitized before you leave, as your digital photo is taken and turned into a digital postcard.Another new event worth celebrating is the opening of California’s Great America 2010 season. The theme park reopened on March 28, and welcomed a new addition. If you haven’t already, head over to California’s Great America and experience the all new “Planet Snoopy!” In this cartoon world, Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, and the Peanuts gang will greet visitors daily and provide a new world of fun for those already familiar with the theme parks preexisting attractions.For a more cultural experience, the Triton Museum of Art will begin offering cool new exhibits for your viewing pleasure. First, on June 19, the Erin Goodwin-Guerrero: Caught Between Heaven and Earth’ exhibit and the ‘A Child’s World’ exhibition will open for public admittance. On June 26, the museum will host the Midsummer Art Celebration where you can view the art of over 150 regional artists under the shade of the redwoods in the sculpture garden. You will have the opportunity to purchase paintings, sculptures, ceramics, glass, and jewelry by some of the Valley’s most noted artists.If music is your calling, be sure to attend the opening performance of Concerts in the Park season with “The Sparklestones,” a band specializing in 50s rock. The concert will be FREE from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Pavilion at Central Park at Kiely and Homestead. Other performers of Concerts in the Park will include Silicon Valley House Rockers (June 30), Mission City Opera & Santa Clara Chorale (July 7), and Shabang Steel Drum Band (July 11). If you like more mainstream music, you’ll definitely want to attend Movin 99.7 Red, White and Boom! concert on July 3^rd that will feature current day phenomena B.O.B., Kevin Rudolf, New Boyz, Travie McCoy, and Shontelle.