SPOTLIGHT
Cooper-garrod estate vineyards
Cooper-Garrod is a family owned and operated estate winery with 28-acres of organic vineyards. Located in the foothills above Saratoga, the vines capitalize on the sunny days, moderate nights, and long growing season of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
About Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyard
Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards is located on Garrod Farms, one of the Bay Area's premier equestrian centers, offering riding lessons, pony rides for young children, trail rides for adults and older children, and boarding for privately owned horses. Garrod Farms has been in operation by the Garrod family since 1893; once a fruit orchard producing dried apricots and prunes, and now an equestrian center and winery. Currently the fourth and fifth generation of family members live and work on the farm.
Our founder and winemaker, George Cooper, established this vineyard, our first, in 1972 under the tutelage of legendary winemaker Martin Ray and with the help of nephew Jan Garrod as well other members of the family. Martin Ray provided cuttings of Cabernet Sauvignon from the original Paul Masson vineyards, which he owned in the 1930 and 1940's.
The Test Pilot series are each named after a different airplane that our founding winemaker, George Cooper, flew when he was a NASA Test Pilot at the Ames Research Center in Moffett Field between the 1940s and 1970s. George married Louise Garrod, and after he retired from flying, decided to try his hand at winemaking as a retirement hobby. He planted vines in 1972, and in 1994 the hobby became part of the family business, when he began to sell Cooper-Garrod wines.
Contact Info
Thing to know
Owners - Garrod Family
Winemaker - Bill Cooper
Assistant Winemaker - Trevor Garrod
Vineyards - Yes, 28 acres
Organic - Yes (and sustainable)
Cases produced - 2,000
Easy to find - Yes, scenic drive
Parking - Yes
Scenic View - Yes, estate vineyard and stables
Tours - Yes, by appointment
Large parties - Yes, email events@cgv.com
Reservations - Yes, 9 or more
Tour buses - Yes, call ahead of time
Other Tasting - Horseback Ride + Wine Tasting
Kid friendly - Yes
Pet friendly - Yes (and Horse friendly)
Picnic friendly - Yes, several picnic tables
Food onsite - Yes, Pre-packaged cheeses, crackers, and charcuterie
Allows outside food - Yes (no outside alcohol allowed)
Games - No
Live Music - Yes, Every Sunday, April through October, 1-4pm
Public Events - Yes
Corporate Events - Yes
Private Parties - Yes
Weddings - No
Gift shop - Yes
