Introduction to the Midpeninsula Wine Trail

The Midpeninsula Wine Trail, located in the heart of California’s industrial San Carlos, was once a thriving destination for wine enthusiasts. A glossy brochure and marketing campaign touted the trail as an easy way to experience the best of Wine Country without the long journey. However, in recent years, the trail has faced significant challenges, resulting in a substantial decrease in the number of wineries and stops along the way.

The Current State of the Midpeninsula Wine Trail

Before the pandemic, there were nine wineries and one cider maker on the trail. Unfortunately, today, only four wineries remain: Woodside Vineyards, Flying Suitcase Wines, Russian Ridge Winery, and Domenico Winery and Osteria. Despite this decline, each of the remaining wineries offers a unique and enjoyable experience, making the trail still worth visiting.

Challenges and Opportunities

The reduced number of stops on the trail presents both challenges and opportunities for visitors. With most wineries only open on weekend afternoons, visitors must plan their itinerary carefully to make the most of their time. However, this also allows for a more leisurely pace and the opportunity to truly appreciate the offerings of each winery.

Woodside Vineyards

Starting with the northernmost destination on the Midpeninsula Wine Trail, Woodside Vineyards is housed in Auto Vino, a high-end car storage facility and event space. On a sunny day, the outdoor patio is a lovely spot to savor the vibrant atmosphere, complete with cafe tables, shade structures, greenery, a pizza-slinging food truck, and of course, wine. The company produces a range of wines from grapes farmed in Woodside, part of the Santa Cruz Mountains American Viticultural Area, including three varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Port, and Champagne-style wines.
High-end cars are stored inside at Auto Vino, while the parking lot is transformed into a wine patio with greenery, shade and a pizza truck. (Kate Bradshaw/Bay Area News Group)
The dog-friendly outdoor space beckons visitors to grab a glass and a seat to while away a pleasant weekend afternoon. However, be sure to keep an eye on the time, as there are more stops to explore on the trail.
Details: Open 12-4 p.m. weekends at 380 Industrial Road, San Carlos; woodsidevineyards.com.

Flying Suitcase Wines

Next up is Flying Suitcase Wines, a local winery started by Danish husband-and-wife team Anders and Vicki Vinther. The couple launched the winery in 2013, and by 2016, they had opened a tasting room, seeking advice from Russian Ridge Winery. Flying Suitcase sources its fruit from various locations, primarily in Napa and Sonoma counties, and is particularly known for its Syrah. The tasting room is thoughtfully furnished, comfortable, and pet- and family-friendly, with a playroom for kids.
After sampling a tasting flight or a glass, head next door to Russian Ridge Winery for the next stop.
Details: Open 1-5 p.m. weekends at 915 Washington St., San Carlos; flyingsuitcasewines.com. Reservations are not required but encouraged, especially for groups of six or more.

Russian Ridge Winery

Behind a wood-paneled bar, Spencer Townsend offers pours of his wines. He grew up making wine with his dad at their family’s property in the Santa Cruz mountains, located along the Russian Ridge, the highest elevation in San Mateo County. After winning Best in Show at the 2010 county fair, they established their winery. Russian Ridge wines, particularly its Concerto, a Bordeaux-style red blend, have won numerous awards over the years.
Details: Open 1-5 p.m. weekends and 5-8 p.m. the third Thursday and final Friday of each month at 919 Washington St, San Carlos; russianridgewinery.com.

Domenico Winery

The largest operation of the four, Domenico Winery is the perfect destination for a special-occasion meal or a night out at one of its many events, like the monthly Grapes and Giggles comedy nights. It specializes in Californian and Italian wines, with vineyards in Amador County where it grows its estate Syrah and Primitivo wines. The falanghina, imported from the owners’ family winery in Campania, is floral and refreshing. Seating for wine tastings at the bar is limited to 45 minutes, so Domenico recommends making a reservation at a table, where tastings are always available.
Details: Open 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays at 1697 Industrial Road, San Carlos (brunch served 11 a.m.-3 p.m. weekends); domenicowinery.com.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges faced by the Midpeninsula Wine Trail, the remaining four wineries offer a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors. With careful planning, wine enthusiasts can still sip their way through the trail, exploring the best of what each winery has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun and relaxing weekend activity, the Midpeninsula Wine Trail is definitely worth a visit.

FAQs

• What wineries are currently on the Midpeninsula Wine Trail?
  • The four remaining wineries are Woodside Vineyards, Flying Suitcase Wines, Russian Ridge Winery, and Domenico Winery and Osteria.
• What are the operating hours for each winery?
  • Woodside Vineyards: 12-4 p.m. weekends
  • Flying Suitcase Wines: 1-5 p.m. weekends
  • Russian Ridge Winery: 1-5 p.m. weekends and 5-8 p.m. the third Thursday and final Friday of each month
  • Domenico Winery: 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays
• Do I need to make reservations for wine tastings?
  • Reservations are not required but encouraged, especially for groups of six or more at Flying Suitcase Wines. At Domenico Winery, reservations are recommended for table tastings.
• What types of wine can I expect to find on the trail?
  • The wineries on the trail produce a variety of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Port, Champagne-style wines, Syrah, and Italian varietals like falanghina and Primitivo.