Picchetti Ranch Open Space & Winery

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Relatively Easy (one steep climb) - LENGTH - 4-5 miles

A short hike for the holiday weekend! If you don't mind drinking before noon, stay for some wine tasting after the hike (for a fee).

The hike begins at the Picchetti Ranch parking area and passes by the winery complex and through remnants of orchards and vineyards from the early days of the ranch. We'll take the Orchard Loop Trail along the oak-shaded hilltop overlooking Stevens Creek Reservoir which will connect us to the Zinfandel Trail. This will take us through oak-studded and chaparral-covered hills to Stevens Creek County Park. From there, we'll take a short walk along the paved road which will connect us to the Bear Meadow trail and back to the Zinfandel trail and winery. Restrooms available at the winery.

About Picchetti Ranch Open Space:

Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve has 308 acres of rich history. The ranch is named after the Picchetti family who emigrated from Italy in the 1870s and operated a winery at Picchetti for 72 years. There is a beautiful brick winery building and a farm complex at the preserve.

Picchetti Winery: A highlight of a trip to the Picchetti Ranch is a visit to the history winery complex. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the winery is open daily to the public for tasting's from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The winery grounds are also open to the public and include picnic tables and lots of grass areas.

Parking is Free.

Driving Directions to the Trail Head: From Interstate 280, exit at Foothill Expressway and drive 3.5 miles southwest on Foothill Expressway (which changes to Stevens Canyon Road about halfway there). Turn right on Montebello Road (immediately after the quarry entrance) and drive six-tenths of a mile to the parking area on the left.

Disclaimer: The South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Ramblers does not certify the expertise of its event organizers - we are all volunteers. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, gear and water.