Morgan Hill California
Where Agriculture, Wine & Community Thrive
In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food Wine & Travel" Show with International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer and photographer Cori Solomon joins the show to explore the rich agricultural roots, evolving wine scene, and vibrant community of Morgan Hill, California. From its early farming history—including the once-thriving mushroom industry—to today’s sustainable wineries and farm-to-table dining culture, Morgan Hill reveals itself as a destination deeply connected to the land. Enjoy the podcast, and her article below.
MORGAN HILL UNCOVERED
A Journey Through Agriculture, Wine & Community
Story & Photos by Cori Solomon
Morgan Hill is considered a bedroom community of San Jose. It is situated between San Francisco Bay and California’s Central Coast, lying at the southernmost part of the Silicon Valley.
It combines the best of both areas in a laid-back, community-oriented, yet technically innovative way, as do the tech firms in the area. The result is a charming destination with lots of character.
History of Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill’s history is rooted in its agricultural beginnings in the Santa Clara Valley. Native Americans, known as the Ohlone people, originally inhabited the hills and fertile valleys of the region. Spanish colonization later led to the creation of missions and land grants, turning the area into ranchos dedicated to cattle and farming. One parcel, Rancho Ojo de Agua de la Coche, became the focal point of Morgan Hill.
Blanketing the Santa Clara Valley were orchards of plums, apricots, and cherries, while ranching and viticulture thrived in the surrounding foothills. As the tech industry exploded in Silicon Valley, Morgan Hill maintained its rural charm even as it expanded. Today, history and modern growth intertwine, evident in the area’s historic downtown, fertile farmland, and wine industry. Simultaneously, Morgan Hill embraces technological innovation.
Morgan Hill and Sunsweet
Morgan Hill’s development was linked to Sunsweet, the grower-owned cooperative formed in 1917. Since prune, apricot, and cherry orchards surround Morgan Hill, the area’s warm summers, cool evenings, and fertile soils made it ideal for growing prunes, which eventually became the area’s main crop. Sunsweet helped shape Morgan Hill’s agricultural identity until they moved their plum production to the Sacramento Valley. Morgan Hill’s legacy remains connected to the prune industry because of the farmers’ inherent respect for the land.
Mushrooms and Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill earned the nickname “Mushroom Capital of the World,” highlighting its agricultural history. Morgan Hill’s microclimate proved ideal for growing mushrooms. By the mid-1900s, mushroom farming became a successful local industry, adding to the town’s unique agricultural identity.
Agriculture Today
Visiting Morgan Hill today, one sees the significance of agriculture in the area. From small farm producers to wineries, the passion for the land comes through. Even the area restaurants aspire to feature products from local purveyors.
Here are some producers that caught my eye:
Terra Amico Farms: Owner Joe Raineri practices sustainable organic and regenerative farming of heirloom tomatoes. At Terra Amico Farms, they believe in the power of community and the joy of connecting people with the source of their food. Tasting Joe’s tomatoes, you can see they are achieving their goal. I recommend taking a tour of the farm; it is quite enlightening.
Frantoio Grove: Owner Patrick Martin is a sixth-generation farmer. He joined the family business in 2020 after a stint in coffee roasting. He still roasts coffee, as you will see when visiting Frantoio. Patrick took olive growing and milling to the next step. He is a steward of the ecosystem for the tree.
What makes Frantoio unique is that it is a regenerative, organic-certified olive farm and mill. They pride themselves on being the first and only grove and mill to have this certification.
The Frantoio property is on 97 acres with 30 acres planted with groves, and the trees are all Italian varieties. The olive oil is a blend of Pendolino and Leccino olives.
A Taste of the Santa Clara Valley AVA
Alara Cellars: When I entered Alara Cellars’ tasting room and saw the fashion prints on the walls, I thought of Erté’s artwork.
Owner Janu Arasu creates small-lot, hands-on winemaking that highlights balance, texture, and varietal expression. Janu’s wine has its own fashion; each bottle is decorated with a fashion statement that defines that specific wine.
Guglielmo Winery: Founded in 1925 and celebrating its 100th anniversary, Guglielmo Winery stands as a testament to the Santa Clara Valley’s enduring agricultural roots.
What began with Emilio Guglielmo making wine for family and friends has grown into one of the region’s oldest continuously operating family-owned wineries, now guided by fourth-generation winemaker George Guglielmo.
Through Prohibition and the rise of Silicon Valley, Guglielmo Winery has remained committed to estate and locally grown grapes, honoring Old World techniques while adapting to modern winemaking.
Cordevalle Winery: This scenic winery captivates you with its sweeping views of the rolling hills in South Santa Clara Valley.
Winemaker Steve Driscoll crafts elegant wines that express the site. The estate vineyard’s unique microclimate enables Bordeaux and Rhône varieties to develop depth and balance.
With a focus on sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, Cordevalle prioritizes fruit purity and structure over excess.
Farm Roots, Modern Plates Dining in Morgan Hill
The area’s agriculture inspires the downtown Morgan Hill dining scene. I experienced four restaurants that I think exemplified this concept:
Odeum: Situated in the historic granary building, Odeum features Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with dishes from Greece, Italy, and Spain. Michelin-starred Chef Salvatore Calisi sources ingredients locally.
From its setting in the repurposed grain mill to its exceptional food, it’s evident that Chef Calisi showcases the best of the area’s agriculture. My favorite dish is artichoke hearts with Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and lemon, baked in a wood-fired oven.
Craft Roots: Celebrating vegan food is at its core. Justin Gaich showcases Morgan Hill’s crops in a unique way that the locals love. From a Vegan Harvest Salad to the pizzas, Justin’s passion for plant-based foods is evident.
Mohi Farm: Think modern-day diner with healthy food that is locally grown. The cuisine reflects fresh California cooking in a contemporary, laid-back atmosphere.
Véra Restaurant: Like the gallery, Cura Contemporary, where it resides, Véra’s dishes are artfully creative and delicious.
The ambiance is very modern with clean lines. While you wait for your meal, pop in to view the artwork on display in the gallery. Cura Contemporary is Morgan Hill’s signature art center, and the cuisine enhances the vibe.
The Spirit of Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill has emerged as a destination where agricultural heritage and modern innovation coexist harmoniously.
From its roots to its present-day vineyards, farms, and chef-driven restaurants, the city reflects a deep respect for the land while embracing contemporary culture.
Morgan Hill offers visitors a relaxed experience—one where local food, wine, and community spirit define the area.
Plan your visit to Morgan Hill: https://visitmorganhill.org/
Her blog, The Written Palette, features eclectic articles focused on travel, wine, art, architecture, and pets. Cori looks for the story behind the restaurant, chef, winery, winemaker, or artist.
She is the President and Membership Chair of IFWTWA and a member of NATJA, SATW, CWA, and DWAA. Visit: WrittenPalette.com
SEE THIS STORY & MORE IN THE NEW BIG BLEND “TRAVEL FOOD & WINE” DIGITAL PODCAST MAGAZINE: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1
