Calerrain Wines in Gilroy, More than a Backyard Winery
We first heard of Calerrain Wines when we visited nearby Horse Thief Vineyards in Morgan Hill. We struck up a conversation with someone who was in the wine club at Calerrain Wines. It was on our list of wineries in the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail Pass Deck. On our next outing to explore the wineries of Southern Santa Clara County, we added Calerrain to our itinerary.
I will admit that when we arrived at their address, we were not sure we were in the right place. The address seemed to be that of a house, not a winery. Granted, it is a cozy house with a cool treehouse in the backyard, but it was not what we expected.
The house is the home of the winery owners, Geoff and Chantelle Mace. The winery is in the backyard between two different small vineyards.
Origins
This cozy family-run operation was born from a weekly grocery habit, believe it or not. Geoff and Chantelle were newlyweds who’d routinely tuck a six-pack of wine into their cart, then trace the labels to far-flung tasting rooms, from the misty vineyards of Mendocino to the sunbaked slopes of Temecula. Their curiosity turned into a desire to create their own winery that showcased the different vineyards they were exploring. The problem was… they didn’t know anything about making wine.
In 2010, Geoff quit his job to return to school at Fresno State to study winemaking and viticulture. In 2016, they launched Calerrain Wines, eager to share the thrill of discovery, one bottle at a time. Chantelle continued to work as a pharmacist until recently, when she also quit her job to work full-time on their winery.
While you may be sipping their wines in between two vineyards, they did not plant these grapes until 2019 and only produced their first estate wine in 2021. Instead, they buy grapes from all over the state so that they don’t limit Geoff’s work as a winemaker to one specific terroir. The name from the winery comes from the portmanto of California and Terrain. They produce wines from grapes from Santa Clara Valley, Paicines (San Benito County), the Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands, the Central Coast, San Antonio Valley (southern Monterey County), and their own backyard.
Organized, Inviting Layout That Feels Like Home
The vibe at Calerrain is a backyard gathering with high-end wine. Currently, all of the seating for their wine tasting is outside in the yard in a few separate areas. This is Gilroy, which can get quite warm in the summer, so check in for your tasting, then find a shade umbrella. Don’t come during the week. This family business is open only on the weekends.
Tasting Hours & Reservations
- When to Go: Saturdays and Sundays from 12 PM to 5 PM
- Plan Ahead: Reservations are encouraged, especially if you’re bringing friends or aiming for weekend “wood-fired pizza days,” a beloved local favorite
Wines That Whisper of Place and Purpose
Wandering through their wine list, I’m not just tasting grapes, I’m tracing California’s twists of geography and history.
Tasting Menu ($20)
One tasting fee waived per 3 bottles purchased
- 2023 Albariño $28
San Antonio Valley | Pierce Ranch Vineyard - 2022 Chardonnay $37
Paicines | Pedragal Vineyard - 2020 Pinot Noir $48
Paicines | Pedragal Vineyard - 2022 Primitivo (Like a Zinfindel) $46
Santa Clara Valley | Caudill Family Vineyard - 2021 Cabernet Franc $46
Santa Clara Valley | Church Creek Vineyards
Bonus Club Member Pour
The last time we enjoyed all the wines as much as we did at Calerrain, we joined the wine club, so approach this winery with care. My wife particularly loved their Chardonnay and their warm-weather Pinot Noir. I think of Pinot as a cold-weather grape, but Paicines is near Hollister and has warm weather. Geoff told us that cold-weather Pinot tends to be more “earthy,” which is why it is not usually one of my wife’s favorite varieties.
Calerrain Wines produces around 1700 cases a year. They have made more in some years but are trying to find the right work/life balance. Rather than building their own production facility, they are part of the local Atelier des Savants Fous wine co-op (formerly the Stomping Ground).
A Perfect Day: Itinerary & Practical Tips
Getting There & Nearby Enjoyment
Start your day in downtown Morgan Hill—grab a coffee, browse boutiques, maybe catch the Wine Trolley if it’s running (a fun loop through several wineries). Then head south to Gilroy for Calerrain, a smooth 10-minute drive through the valley’s gentle folds.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall bring mild temperatures and golden light—perfect for sipping rosé in the open air. Summer works too, especially if the pizza oven is stoked and the breeze carries laughter. Join their newsletter or keep an eye on their event calendar for special events.
Quick Reference Guide
HighlightsWood-fired pizza, yard games, pet- and kid-friendly, picnic vibes)
| Location | 10220 Jean Ellen Ct, Gilroy (near Morgan Hill) |
| Hours | Saturdays & Sundays, 12–5 PM |
| Wines to Try | Albariño, Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, Grenache Rosé, Primitivo) |
| Nearby Picks | Morgan Hill downtown, Wine Trolley experiences, scenic valley drives) |
Paring
If you are looking for a good local spot for dinner after visiting the winery, Geoff and Chantelle recommended the Westside Grill or the Gilroy Ale House.
Final Sip: Why Calerrain Stays with Me
Calerrain Wines isn’t trying to be the next Napa headline. What it offers instead feels more honest: a place where wine is rooted in discovery, shaped by real people, and meant to be shared over pizza and sunshine. If your heart is set on travel experiences that feel personal, inviting, and alive, make this your next stop. You’ll leave with more than a bottle. You’ll leave with a story.
