We hosted a retirement luncheon today at Kirigin Cellars for a couple of colleagues, and it was an…read moreabsolutely wonderful experience from start to finish. The clubhouse setting is beautiful with stunning views that made the day feel extra special. The caterer recommended by the winery was fabulous - everything was delicious and perfectly coordinated. The wine was also exceptional and reasonably priced. A huge thank you to Dhruv and his incredible staff. They went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly. Throughout the planning process, they were prompt, responsive, and genuinely interested in making our event memorable. Kirigin Cellars created such a magical and unforgettable celebration for us. I highly recommend it for any special occasion!

Had a pretty disappointing experience here on my first visit for a girls' wine day. We came in…read moreexcited to try somewhere new, do a tasting, and hopefully buy a few bottles to enjoy on the grounds, but the service immediately felt cold and uncomfortable. The staff member behind the bar greeted us with a blank, deadpan stare (otherwise known as a "GenZ Stare") that made the whole interaction feel awkward from the start. When we mentioned it was our first time visiting and that we were excited to be there, there was no warmth, no enthusiasm, and no effort to tell us about the wines or the property. Even the pours seemed careless. I know this is Gilroy and not Napa, but I still expected a welcoming experience and better wine service. Unfortunately, both the service and the wine itself were disappointing. The best part of this place was definitely the beautiful grounds, which would make a gorgeous wedding setting. Maybe this place is better suited as an event venue than a wine tasting destination, but based on my experience, I would not return. The two stars are for the beautiful grounds.

Doing U-pick is fun: rounded up for the fun factor. The fruit is not organic. In case you want to…read moreeat the U-pick fruit on the spot: Bring a basket with holes in the bottom, and bottled water, so that you can rinse the fruit before eating. The lineup: 5/5: U-pick boysenberries: June 4: Blenheim apricots, June: $3.70/pound. About 70% were ripe. 3: Dutch apple pie. Kind of meh. 3: Strawberry shortcake. Bring your own maple syrup and pour some on top; it needs some sweetness. 2: Cherry pie. Kinda meh. For boysenberries, consider wearing latex gloves to keep your hands from getting stained red.

Every now and then, during strawberry season, we pop into Gizdich Ranch, seeking out a Strawberry…read morePie like one that we got about 8 years ago. While we didn't see it listed on the menu board, when my wife asked the order taker, she knew exactly what we wanted and told her that the wait would be 15 minutes as they made them to order. OMG, it was beautiful! Loaded with fresh strawberries and just enough glaze to bind it, the glaze did not overwhelm the taste of the strawberries. You can't really slice it as created. Instead, you pick off some of the fruit on top until it's down to a manageable height and then we use a large spoon to parse it out. Whipped cream? Ice cream? Both would be excellent accompaniments to be sure, but we used neither.

These state historic parks are almost always a gem that allows you to step into history and immerse…read moreyourself in a moment of time that helped shape California as the state it is. Most of these state historic parks are almost snapshot in religious history that was primarily due to the with the influence of Spanish missionaries visiting the west coast. San Juan Bautista state history park sits right next to the mission and lets you take a step into how those that founded the town lived. From hotel to the stable to the garden. Definitely a worthwhile visit.

San Juan Bautista State Historic Park is one of those truly special places that feels timeless. No…read morematter how often we visit, it never loses its charm. The mission church is absolutely breathtaking--built in the late 1700s, it's incredible to stand inside a structure that has been standing for centuries. The architecture, the craftsmanship, and the peaceful energy of the space make it impossible not to pause and take it all in. It's beautiful, humbling, and deeply moving. We happen to live only about 20 minutes away, which makes this place even more meaningful to us. We come out here religiously, sometimes twice a week, and it has become our little hideout. It's where we go to slow down, walk the grounds, clear our heads, and reconnect--with history, with the surroundings, and with ourselves. Every visit feels grounding. The surrounding area is just as special as the park itself. The historic downtown has an old-fashioned charm that's hard to find these days. It almost feels like a quiet ghost town frozen in time--in the best possible way. The preserved buildings, wooden walkways, and relaxed pace make it feel like you've stepped into another era. There are also some great local restaurants nearby, perfect for grabbing a meal and making a full afternoon out of your visit. What makes San Juan Bautista so unique is that it doesn't feel overdeveloped or commercialized. It's authentic, peaceful, and full of character. Whether you're a history lover, architecture enthusiast, photographer, or just someone looking for a calm, beautiful place to escape for a bit, this spot delivers every time. Founded in 1797, this place is a true California treasure. We're incredibly lucky to have it so close to home, and it's somewhere we'll continue coming back to again and again. Highly recommend--this is a must-visit.

We had such a lovely time at the Steinbeck House Mother's Day Tea. The service was exceptional, and…read moreknowing that the staff are all volunteers made the experience even more special. Everyone was so warm, attentive, and welcoming. The food and tea were absolutely excellent -- beautifully prepared and delicious. And of course, the house itself is charming, with gorgeous table settings that made the afternoon feel elegant and memorable. Everything was done with such care and attention to detail. A wonderful way to celebrate Mother's Day!

My wife and I had an amazing lunch on Thursday for our anniversary. The food is always terrific and…read morechanges monthly. Our server told us about the free monthly tours which included all three floors of the house and one was this Saturday, today. The tour was great and there was so much information on John Steinbeck and the history of the Salinas area. Our tour guide was John and he did a terrific job and had so many personal stories that he added into the conversation. Probably from over 12 years experience and knowledge of Steinbeck. Highly recommend and chicken mushroom crepe is hard to beat. Thank you and we can't wait to be back!