![]() ![]() Even the poles at the ends of the vineyard rows are painted in riotous colors. A faded yellow brick road winds its way to the patio, past a labyrinth, colorful market umbrellas and whimsical decor. There’s a zen-meets-Oz vibe here - with a touch of Willy Wonka, if he’d gotten into zin, instead of chocolate. What Sandy and Tom Moller have created in this corner of Gilroy is a landscape of such whimsy and delight, we’re still grinning weeks later. Settle into one of the rainbow-hued Adirondack chairs with a glass of Satori’s rosy Chardonnay of the Pink Ray - and chances are good that you will not be going anywhere anytime soon. 26985 Loma Prieta Way, Los Gatos Nearby: Burrell School, Sonnet and Silver Mountain The details: Open weekends $5 tasting fee. An impressive expression of the Summit area. Wine pick: The 2009 Estate Pinot Noir ($55) is strawberry-rhubarb pie in a glass with roasted chestnuts and a kick of rose petals. Glance up between moves and you might spot a whale. Picnic perks: Feeling active? Opt for a game of bocce or mega-chess. Since Loma Prieta is a bit out of the way and doesn’t have food for purchase, stop by the Summit Store (24197 Summit Road) for made-to-order sandwiches and other goodies before heading up the mountain. Keep in mind, those beautiful, umbrella-covered wrought iron tables and cozy outdoor couch are all first-come, first-served. Lounging on the patio overlooking sloped estate pinot noir vineyards - the winery is also known as North America’s largest producer of pinotage - you can see the entire Monterey Peninsula and watch waves crashing on the Santa Cruz coastline. That said, the views and vibe at Loma Prieta Winery, set at 2,600 feet above winding Highway 17, are downright mesmerizing. With its rugged trails and breathtaking mountaintop locales, the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation has a bit of an advantage when it comes to wow-factor picnicking.
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