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Clos LaChance Winery Summary

1 Hummingbird Lane
San Martin ,CA 95046
United States
clos.com


Clos LaChance Winery Description

Clos LaChance Winery, located in the picturesque Santa Clara Valley of California, is a renowned and award-winning winery that offers a unique and unforgettable wine experience. Founded in 1992 by Bill and Brenda Murphy, the winery's name "Clos LaChance" translates to "enclosed luck" in French, reflecting their belief in the divine intersection of location, opportunity, and hard work that has shaped their success.

Nestled amidst 150 stunning acres, Clos LaChance Winery is characterized by its commitment to sustainable farming practices and eco-friendly production methods. This dedication is reflected in their numerous certifications, including Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, Fish Friendly Farming, and Certified Wildlife Friendly. The winery's lush vineyards are home to a variety of grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, among others, resulting in an impressive selection of high-quality wines.

Clos LaChance Winery offers an exceptional tasting experience that invites visitors to explore their exquisite wines while enjoying breathtaking views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The welcoming and knowledgeable staff guides guests through the range of varietals, sharing insights about the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of each wine. Visitors can choose from different tasting options, such as the Reserve Tasting or the Elevated Wine and Cheese Pairing, ensuring there is something to suit every palate.

In addition to its exceptional wines and scenic setting, Clos LaChance Winery hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including wine release parties, vineyard tours, and even live music performances. The winery also features a charming picnic area, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine alongside a delicious meal or snack while soaking in the beauty of the surroundings.

Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of wine country, a trip to Clos LaChance Winery promises an unforgettable experience filled with outstanding wines, warm hospitality, and stunning natural beauty.

What Makes Clos LaChance Winery Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Clos LaChance Winery stands out among the numerous wineries in the California region for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its dedication to sustainable farming practices sets it apart from many others. The winery embraces a holistic approach to viticulture that prioritizes the long-term health of the land and the surrounding environment. By utilizing cover crops, composting, and beneficial insect habitats, Clos LaChance Winery actively contributes to the preservation of the delicate balance between nature and agriculture.

In addition to its commitment to sustainability, Clos LaChance Winery boasts a magnificent location that sets the stage for an unforgettable wine tasting experience. Situated in the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains, the winery offers mesmerizing views of rolling vineyards, lush greenery, and the distant mountain ranges. This extraordinary backdrop amplifies the pleasure of sipping on their exquisite wines and immerses visitors in the beauty of California's wine country.

Moreover, Clos LaChance Winery is renowned for its impressive selection of varietals and blends. With a meticulous focus on quality, their vineyards are carefully cultivated to produce distinct wines that capture the essence of the region's unique terroir. From rich and full-bodied reds to delicate and crisp whites, the winery offers a diverse range of options to cater to every wine enthusiast's palate.

Furthermore, Clos LaChance Winery goes beyond just producing exceptional wines; it also fosters a welcoming and educational environment for visitors. The winery offers informative tours and tastings, allowing guests to gain insight into the winemaking process and the intricacies of each wine's flavor profile. Through these experiences, visitors not only enjoy the wines but also deepen their understanding and appreciation of the art of winemaking.

Lastly, Clos LaChance Winery distinguishes itself with its dedication to giving back to the community. As a family-owned and operated business, they prioritize philanthropy and actively support numerous charitable organizations. From hosting fundraising events to donating portions of their profits, the winery exemplifies an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on society.

In essence, Clos LaChance Winery's unique combination of sustainable practices, breathtaking location, exceptional wine selection, educational experiences, and community engagement make it a captivating and memorable destination for wine lovers seeking an extraordinary winery experience in California.

What Some Possible Concerns About Clos LaChance Winery ?

While everyone's tastes and preferences may vary, there have been a few common criticisms and concerns expressed by some visitors to Clos LaChance Winery. It's important to note that these criticisms may not reflect everyone's opinion and should be considered alongside positive aspects of the winery as well. Some aspects people have expressed dissatisfaction with include:

1. Limited parking: Visitors have occasionally mentioned that parking can be challenging, especially on busy weekends or during events. It is advisable to arrive early or check for alternative parking options nearby.

2. Crowded tasting room: Some visitors have mentioned that the tasting room can get crowded, particularly during peak hours. This could result in longer wait times for tastings, less personalized attention from staff, and a less immersive experience.

3. Limited food options: Some visitors have expressed that the food offerings at Clos LaChance Winery are limited, either in terms of variety or availability. While they do offer cheese and charcuterie boards, some visitors have hoped for a more extensive menu or additional options for pairing with the wines.

4. Inconsistent service: While many visitors have praised the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Clos LaChance Winery, a few have reported instances of inconsistent service, including slow response times and a lack of attentiveness during busy periods.

5. Accessibility concerns: A minor issue some visitors have encountered is related to accessibility, mentioning that certain areas of the winery, such as the tasting room or outdoor spaces, may not be easily accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.

It's worth noting that Clos LaChance Winery also has numerous positive reviews, particularly regarding its scenic vineyard views, quality wines, and warm hospitality. It is always a good idea to consider different opinions and experiences when assessing a winery, and these criticisms can be balanced with the winery's unique offerings and potential personal preferences.

Clos LaChance Winery History

Clos LaChance Winery is a renowned family-owned winery located in the picturesque Santa Clara Valley wine region of California. With a rich and captivating history, this winery has become a symbol of passion, quality, and sustainability.

The roots of Clos LaChance Winery trace back to 1987 when Bill and Brenda Murphy embarked on a journey to fulfill their dream of owning a vineyard. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, the couple's love for wine and the desire to contribute to the California wine industry inspired them to take the brave leap into winemaking. They found a prime location in the rolling hills of San Martin, just south of San Jose, and set about creating their winery.

In 1992, the first vines were planted on the estate, encompassing 150 acres of picturesque land. The winery's name, Clos LaChance, meaning "enclosed by luck" in French, perfectly encapsulates the Murphy family's belief in the serendipity that brought them to winemaking and their commitment to crafting exceptional wines.

Over the years, Clos LaChance Winery has earned a reputation for producing outstanding wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Santa Clara Valley. The region's cool ocean breezes, warm days, and rocky soils provide the ideal conditions for growing premium wine grapes. The winery primarily focuses on Bordeaux and Rhône varietals, producing vibrant reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, as well as elegant whites such as Chardonnay and Viognier.

In addition to their commitment to winemaking, the Murphy family places great emphasis on sustainability and stewardship of the land. Clos LaChance Winery was one of the first wineries in California to become certified sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. They implemented numerous eco-friendly practices, including water conservation, soil management, and wildlife habitat preservation, all aimed at protecting and preserving the delicate balance of the surrounding ecosystem.

The winery's commitment to sustainability extends to their production processes as well. They have invested in state-of-the-art technologies to reduce their carbon footprint and have implemented solar power systems to generate clean energy for their operations. The dedication to sustainability has not only earned Clos LaChance Winery numerous accolades but has also inspired other wineries to adopt sustainable practices.

Beyond their winemaking endeavors, Clos LaChance Winery is dedicated to giving back to the community. Through various philanthropic initiatives, the Murphy family supports local charities, educational programs, and organizations that promote environmental conservation.

Today, Clos LaChance Winery stands as a shining example of a family-owned and operated winery, blending tradition with innovation and sustainability. As the Murphy family continues to carry the winery's legacy forward, they remain steadfast in their pursuit of crafting exceptional wines that embody the beauty and character of the Santa Clara Valley. Whether through their award-winning wines, environmental stewardship, or community efforts, Clos LaChance Winery continues to be a beloved and respected institution in the world of California winemaking.

Introduction

Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!

I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....

After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.

Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.

Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.

As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.

Cheers! - Franklin Laurel