Saratoga: Hakone Gardens; things to do

Santa Cruz Mountains 

Hakone Gardens  

21000 Big Basin Way (Hwy. 9), (408) 741-4994.  M-F 10-5, Sat-Sun 11-5; Nov-Feb to 4.  $10, 65+ & 5-17 $8.  Tea & cookies:  Sat-Sun in summer; $5.  Tea ceremony:  3rd Sun of month, Apr-Nov; $7.

wisteria in bloom at Hakone Gardens in Saratoga, California

Reached via a steep, narrow, paved road off the highway, Hakone Gardens is the oldest authentic Japanese-style residential garden in the Western Hemisphere.  Originally a private garden but now a city park, it is typical of a mid-17th-century residential garden and is composed of four separate areas:  a Hill and Pond Garden,

Hill and Pond Garden at Hakone Gardens in Saratoga, California

a Tea Garden, a Zen Garden (where stones can represent either water or clouds, and sometimes gardens or mountains),

Zen Garden at Hakone Gardens in Saratoga, California

and a Bamboo Garden that boasts the largest collection of Japanese bamboo in a public park in the western world (bamboo from the garden is popular with decorators and available for sale in the gift shop).

Bamboo Garden at Hakone Gardens in Saratoga, California

Besides being soothing, a three-level waterfall symbolizes from the top down heaven-man-earth.

three-level waterfall at Hakone Gardens in Saratoga, California

Special features include a Japanese-style house built without nails or adhesives,

Japanese house at Hakone Gardens in Saratoga, California

a pond stocked with eye-catching koi (certain orange-spotted ones are valued at up to $40,000 each!),

and three authentic tea ceremony rooms.  The natural greens in this garden bring calmness and are accented with seasonal bloom.  A claim to Hollywood fame--the final third of "Memoirs of a Geisha: was filmed here.  A picnic area with tables is available.  Cultural classes are scheduled regularly, and an annual Japanese Cultural Festival is held each May.  


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images and video ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Saratoga: The Mountain Winery; things to do

Santa Cruz Mountains 

The Mountain Winery  

14831 Pierce Rd., (408) 741-2822. 

First owned by the famous Paul Masson--when it only produced sparkling wine--The Mountain Winery continues to produce fine wine, including a signature Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  It is also a premier concert venue in Santa Clara County.  After driving up a long, winding, scenic road and parking in a lot with a spectacular panoramic view of the Silicon Valley, you stroll a fairly flat paved path—also with a good view--to the cave-like, windowless tasting room.  Additional seating is available on a deck, where comfortable padded chairs surround fire pits and feature a view of the adjacent stadium (when you leave, make up for this by visiting the small deck beside the catering house which provides a stunning view of the valley).  My favorite of six tastes was a crisp, citrusy 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast. 

The world's largest and the country's oldest winery-related music festival, the Mountain Winery Groupware Technology concert series has been held in its picturesque hilltop setting every year since 1958.  This eclectic series schedules outdoor concerts from July through October.  Before-show dining at the Chateau Deck Restaurant provides an outdoor white-tablecloth experience, while the Vineyard Bar & Grill provides casual outdoor elegance and beautiful views of the Silicon Valley.

parking lot at The Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California

entrance to The Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California

tasting room at The Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California

view of Silicon Valley from The Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California

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images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Saratoga, Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards winery; things to do

Santa Cruz Mountains 

Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards winery

Tasting at the Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards occurs in the historic Fruit House, and a picnic area shaded by mature trees is out front. Pack up a basket full of goodies, and pick a wine to enjoy with it--the Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay are exceptional, and the Test Pilot F-86 label is just plain delicious fun.  And don't forget your cowboy hat. Special horse events are often scheduled at adjacent Garrod Farms Stables. 

 
More things to do in Saratoga.
 
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image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers