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Tucked away in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Saratoga is a lovely residential community with a small-town feel. The City is well known for its excellent schools, fine dining, unique shops, and distinctive cultural institutions. Saratoga offers a high quality of life to its residents and a chance to escape the hustle of Silicon Valley.
Saratoga has continually evolved over its colorful 160-year history from a frontier town to an industrial settlement, from a village to a residential city. In 1848, William Campbell set up shop on the banks of what is now Saratoga Creek. His sawmill was destined to be the seed of a new community, but before he could complete it, gold was discovered at the western base of the Sierras, touching off the California Gold Rush and delaying Campbell’s plans.
The settlement received a permanent name after residents discovered a mineral spring in the early 1860’s. The spring’s chemical content was quite similar to that of Congress Spring at Saratoga Springs in New York, and in 1865 the town was officially named Saratoga.
Industry in Saratoga gradually gave way to fruit orchards and vineyards. From cherries and apricots to French prunes, Saratoga’s fruit harvests made it a popular trading post. In 1890, renowned winemaker Paul Masson opened his Mountain Winery in Saratoga, planting French champagne grapes in the rich California soil.
Saratoga’s identity continued to transform throughout the 1900’s, as orchards were replaced by homes and the palatial estates of the valley’s wealthy businessmen and politicians. The valley’s shift towards suburban and urban living in the years after World War II cemented Saratoga’s status as a residential community and its reputation as an excellent place to live. In 1956 the residents of Saratoga voted to incorporate and establish their own City government.
Saratoga has a number of neighborhood parks located throughout the city for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. The parks contain a variety of amenities and play apparatus for children and adults. Restrooms are available at many of the parks.
Saratoga is home to some of the most exciting and fun attractions around. Whatever you prefer, here in Saratoga you’ll find something for the entire family. For a relaxing day come visit the Hakone Gardens or The Mountain Winery, which are just a few of many things to do in the area.
Hakone Gardens
Hakone Gardens is a tranquil place of peace and harmony. Come experience the oldest Asian and Japanese estate in the Western Hemisphere. The gardens are home to eighteen acres of magnificent beauty nestled in the verdant hills of Saratoga overlooking Silicon Valley.
Villa Montalvo- Montalvo Arts Center
Montalvo Arts Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering community engagement through the creation and presentation of multidisciplinary art. By uniting the broadest possible audiences with a global community of artists, Montalvo expands the role of arts and culture as an essential community resource.
The Mountain Winery is dedicated to preserving the Mountain Winery's history and restoring the property to its magnificent glory for the enjoyment of all. The Mountain Winery is privileged to provide an incomparable setting for a wide variety of events, including weddings, corporate meetings, dinner parties, concerts, and holiday parties.
Whether you enjoy a nice glass of wine or listening to great music, Saratoga’s got something in store for you. View the links and events below to start planning your next night out!
Singles Mingle with Wine
Singles Mingle is an evening of wine tasting, music, singles and breathtaking views! The Mountain Winery is hosting the second of many Singles Mingle with Wine events. Additional wines and light food offerings will be available for purchase.
Wine and Jazz Night Benefit
Join The Mountain Winery and The Los Gatos Community Foundation for an evening of wine tasting accompanied by the soft sounds of jazz. A portion of the proceeds will go to support The Los Gatos Community Foundation and their mission to enhance the community.
The Harlem Quartet
The Harlem Quartet made their debut in 2006 at Carnegie Hall, earning rave reviews from The New York Times. Each quartet member is also a seasoned solo artist, having appeared with the New York Philharmonic, the Atlanta, Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburg, Sinaloa de las Artes (Mexico) and Baltimore Symphonies and the Boston Pops, among others. This innovative and daring all-Black and Latino string quartet has “played with panache" (The New York Times) and brings their impassioned sound to Montalvo.