Community Profile
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Community Profile
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62 History
“
This place of San Joseph Cupertino has good water and much firewood, but nothing suitable for a seBlement because it is among the hills very near to the range of cedars which I mentioned yesterday, and lacks level lands .”
When Spanish explorer San Juan Bautista De Anza traveled through California in 1776, he and his party documented these words about the land surrounding Stevens Creek, named back then Arroyo San Joseph Cupertino. However, first impressions can oOen be misleading. Underneath the spiny, overgrown bush was a completely different land waiting to be uncovered. During this time, the area was populated by Native Americans who hunted and gathered, prospering from the abundant resources the land had to offer.
It wasn’t until 1848 when the first American seHler, Elijah Stephens, a blacksmith from South Carolina, moved to the area—at this time, named simply ‘West Side’ and primarily owned by the government. AOer crossing over the Sierra Nevada in wagons, he discovered the true value of the land underneath the bush and proceeded to purchase over 300 acres of farmland to grow grapes and blackberries. Stephens pioneered the way for farmers, which established West Side as an agricultural hot spot. The land Stephens owned eventually became Blackberry Farm, and the road, creek, and reservoir were all named after him, although misspelled.
In the early West Side, many of the newest advances in agriculture were being developed. SeHlers were drawn to the land because of its rich earth, where they were able to grow products that competed on the world market.
Once the bush had been cleared, they grew grapes, which covered the West Valley area with vineyards by the late 1800s. By the 1900s, a plant louse called Phylloxera spread throughout the vineyards, aHacking the roots of the grapevines, killing the grapes, and puHing a halt to wine production. As a solution, nearly everything was replanted with fruit orchards. When the fruit trees blossomed, visitors would come to the orchards for “The Valley of Heart’s Delight” festivals, which celebrated the prosperous agriculture of the West Valley area.
Apart from the farmland, West Side was primarily known as a crossroads, an intersection between Saratoga- Sunnyvale Road and Stevens Creek. This served as a way station for travelers to pass through while going from town to town. As more people came to West Side to take advantage of the rich farmland, more family holdings gathered around the crossroads. Starting off as just a post office and home union store, West Side’s humble crossroads brought many diverse communities, all aHracted by the preferable climate and profitable market for crops.
As more people were drawn to the area around the crossroads, the orchards were gradually replaced with modern houses for workers. The population steadily grew, and the face of West Side changed, progressing into a more modern town. The community wanted to rename the city, so as to not confuse it with other cities, as well as establish a unique identity. John T. Doyle, a lawyer from San Francisco, and writer of historical anthologies on the area chose the name “Cupertino” after the original name of the creek.
AOer the post-World War II population boom, the growing community petitioned for Cupertino to become an incorporated town. Members of the community were worried that the alternative to incorporation was to have parts of Cupertino annexed by surrounding cities, spliHing up the community and erasing the local culture. To preserve the rural atmosphere, lower taxes for farmers, start a local government, and prepare for growth, Cupertino voted for incorporation. In 1955, Cupertino officially became the 13th city in Santa Clara County.
By the 1970s, Cupertino once again began to undergo dramatic changes. The growing community aHracted several large technology corporations. Lockheed Martin, HP, Intel, and many other big names established themselves in Silicon Valley. Apple Inc. was founded in Cupertino in 1976 and quickly grew into the tech giant it’s known for today.
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63 Apple Park Visitor Center
In the late 20th century, Cupertino and the surrounding areas experienced another surge in population growth, this time due to the immigration of people from Asian countries. Immigration laws at the time were in the favor of families looking to move to Silicon Valley. People immigrated here for a variety of reasons—whether they were aspiring for career prospects with major tech companies, or striving for quality education for their children, everyone who immigrated here had a common goal: to find opportunities to work hard for a beHer life for themselves and their families.
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64 Community Economic Profile
Cupertino, with a population of 60,869 and City limits stretching across 13 square miles, is considered one of the most prestigious cities to live and work in the Bay Area.
Economic health is an essential component to maintaining a balanced city, which provides high-level opportunities and services that create and help sustain a sense of community and quality of life. Public and private interests must be mutual so that success as a partnership is a direct reflection of success as a community.
The cornerstone of this partnership is a cooperative and responsive government that fosters residential and business prosperity and strengthens working relationships among all sectors of the community.
Because Cupertino is a mature, 93% built-out city, the City of Cupertino focuses on business retention and revitalization, while at the same time, being supportive of redevelopment projects to bring in new investment.
Cupertino is world-renowned as the home to high-tech giant Apple, Inc., and as a community with stellar public schools. De Anza College, one of the largest single-campus community colleges in the country, is another major employer and a magnet for aHracting local and international students. The City’s proactive economic development efforts and a high-touch approach has resulted in an innovative environment for start-ups and growing companies to thrive, including Bromium, Moxo Cupertino, DURECT, Xisilicon Semiconductor Inc, Claspp, Panasonic Venture Group, Altia Systems, Mirapath, Aemetis Inc, Mist Systems, and many more. The City strives to retain our companies and aHract new ones through active outreach and a responsive, streamlined, and customer-oriented entitlement process.
Cupertino has a number of mixed-use development projects offering diverse retail and dining options, as well as providing additional housing opportunities to meet the needs of the growing community. There are also quite a few development projects underway including: Westport Cupertino, Marina Plaza, Alan Row, and Canyon Crossing. Further, City Council recently approved the 283,000 square foot mixed Office/Commercial Apple development at 19191 Vallco Parkway.
Main Street
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65 The Main Street and Nineteen800 mixed-use developments have created a vibrant downtown area for Cupertino, offering a large selection of restaurants and retailers, including Alexander’s Steakhouse, Eureka!, Oren’s Hummus, Lazy Dog, Ippudo, Pasta Armellino, HaiDiLao Hot Pot Restaurant, Pineapple Thai, Pressed Juicery, Orangetheory, 85 Degree Bakery, SomiSomi, Sul & Beans, Kura Sushi, Vitality Bowls, La Pizzeria, Tan-cha, Koja Kitchen, Bishops Cuts & Colors, Capezio, Howard’s Shoes, and Meet Fresh. Housing, office, and the Residence Inn by Marriott are available to support the thriving area.
Serving as a long-time retail anchor for the community, The Marketplace has a variety of stores and restaurants popular with students, families, and working professionals. They include Galpao Gaucho, Daiso, Marukai Groceries, Harumi Sushi, La Patisserie Bakery, Beard Papa’s, Legend’s Pizza, Icicles, Kong’s Tofu & BBQ, Rori Rice, One Pot Shabu Shabu, Olarn Thai, and Erik’s DeliCafé to name a few.
Cupertino Village, a shopping center located in the northeast portion of the City, is home to 99 Ranch Market, Duke of Edinburgh Pub & Restaurant, MOD Pizza, Ten Ren Tea, Fantasia Coffee & Tea, Kee Wah Bakery, Happy Lemon, and many other Asian restaurants, bakeries, and shops. The property owners have received approval to construct a new full-service boutique hotel with 185 rooms to accommodate business and leisure travelers.
Cupertino features many other retail opportunities, including TJ Maxx and Home Goods, Whole Foods, Target, Party City, and over 180 restaurants to serve residents and the local workforce. There are now seven hotels providing over 1,000 rooms, to serve the area: The AloO Cupertino, Cupertino Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, HyaH House, Juniper Hotel operated by Curio, Marriott Courtyard, and Residence Inn by Marriott.
Another longtime retail anchor in north Cupertino is Homestead Square Shopping Center, located at Homestead Road and De Anza Boulevard. This shopping center includes a 24-hour Safeway, Ulta Beauty, Ross Stores, Pet Club, Michael’s, Rite Aid, FedEx, and numerous restaurants, such as Fish’s Wild, Pho Hoa Noodle Soup, Yayoi Teishoku Japanese Restaurant, Starbucks, Chipotle, and financial institutions.
Recently approved is the redevelopment of The Oaks Shopping Center site, located off of State Route 85 freeway and across from De Anza College. The Westport Cupertino project will be a mixed-used development consisting of 259 housing units (Rowhouse/Townhomes, senior apartments) 35 memory care rooms, and 20,000 square feet of commercial space.
Apple Park Retail Store
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66 Apple Park, Apple’s newest corporate campus, features approximately 2.8 million square feet of office and R&D space north of Highway 280 between Wolfe Road and Tantau Avenue. A state-of-the-art Visitors Center, Observation Deck, flagship retail store, and café are open to the public.
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67 City Profile
The City of Cupertino operates as a general law city with a City Council-City Manager form of government. Five council members serve four-year, overlapping terms, with elections held every two years. The Council meets twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. in Cupertino Community Hall. The meeting schedule is available on the City’s website, and public participation for the Council meetings is in-person and online.
The City has over 200 authorized full-time benefited employee positions. Departments include:
Administration
Administrative Services
Community Development
Council and Commissions
Innovation and Technology
Parks and Recreation
Public Works
Public Safety services are provided by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Clara County Fire District.
Assisting the City Council are several citizen advisory commissions and committees, including:
Arts and Culture Commission
Audit Committee
Bicycle Pedestrian Commission
Housing Commission
Library Commission
Parks and Recreation Commission
Planning Commission
Public Safety Commission
Sustainability Commission
Teen Commission
Technology, Information and Communications Commission
The Commissioners are appointed by Council, and vacancies are announced so interested residents can apply for the positions. For more information, visit cupertino.org/commissions.
Housing
Based on data from Redfin, the median sales price for an existing single-family home was $2,758,000 for March 2023. For housing programs in Cupertino, please see “Programs & Applications.” Community Health Care Facilities
Cupertino is served by a number of private medical practitioners and El Camino Health Urgent Care. Nearby hospitals include Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Santa Clara, Valley Health Center in Sunnyvale, El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, O’Connor Hospital in San Jose, Community Hospital of Los Gatos, Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, and the Saratoga Walk-in Clinic in Saratoga.
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68 Utilities
Utility
Company
Phone Number
Gas & Electric
Pacific Gas and Electric
800-743-5000
Phone
AT&T residential service
800-894-2355
Phone
AT&T business service
800-750-2355
Cable
Comcast
800- 945-2288
Solid Waste & Recycling
Recology
408-588-7200
Water
San Jose Water Company
408-279-7900
Water
California Water Service
650-917-0152
Sewer Service
Cupertino Sanitary District
408-253-7071
Tax Rates and Government Services
Residential, commercial, and industrial property is appraised at full market value as it existed on March 1, 1975, with increases limited to a maximum of 2% annually. Property created or sold since March 1, 1975, bears full cash value as of the time created or sold, plus the 2% annual increase. The basic tax rate is $1.00 per $100 (full cash value) plus any tax levied to cover bonded indebtedness for the county, city, school, and other taxing agencies.
Assessed valuations and tax rates are published annually after July 1.
Assessed Valuation
(Secured and Unsecured) as reported in the Santa Clara County 2022-2023 Annual Report:
Cupertino: $30,892,117,995
County: $619,953,385,583
Retail Sales Tax Distribution
Agency
Sales Tax Distribution
State
6.000%
VTA
1.125%
City of Cupertino
1.000%
County General Purpose
0.750%
County Transportation
0.250%
Total
9.125%
Transportation
Rail
: The CalTrain station is four miles north of Cupertino. The Amtrak station is 10 miles south.
Air
:
The San Francisco International Airport is located roughly 30 miles north, and the Mineta San Jose International Airport is located approximately 11 miles south.
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69 Bus
:
Cupertino is served by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. The routes listed below pass through the City. For Cupertino-specific schedules and maps visit their online website:
Route 23 San Jose – Mountain View/Palo Alto
Route 25 San Jose – De Anza College
Route 26 Eastridge – Lockheed
Route 36 East San Jose – Vallco
Route 51 Vallco – Moffett/Ames
Route 53 Westgate – Sunnyvale
Route 55 De Anza – Great America
Route 81 East San Jose – Vallco
Express 101 Camden/Branham – Palo Alto
Express 501 Palo Alto – I.B.M Bailey
Car
:
The City of Cupertino is in the heart of the world-renowned Silicon Valley. The major highway transportation facilities are Interstate Route 280 and State Route 85 freeways. The City is linked internally by several principal arterials and Santa Clara County expressways. Principal arterials are De Anza Boulevard, Stevens Creek Boulevard, and Wolfe Road. Nearby expressways are Lawrence Expressway and Foothill Expressway.
Sister Cities
The City of Cupertino recognizes the value of developing people-to-people contacts by strengthening the partnerships between the city and its four sister cities of Copertino, Italy; Hsinchu, Taiwan; Toyokawa, Japan, and Bhubaneswar, India. Cupertino’s Sister City partnerships have proven successful in fostering educational, technical, economic, and cultural exchanges. Over the years, there have been many delegations visiting both the cities as well as many local students participating in annual student exchange programs.
Cupertino Sister Cities Sign
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70 Education
Winners of numerous state and national awards for excellence, Cupertino’s schools are widely acknowledged as models of quality instruction.
Cupertino Union School District serves over 18,000 students in a 26 square mile area that includes Cupertino and portions of five other cities. The district has 20 elementary schools and five middle schools, including several choice programs. Eighteen schools have received state and/or national awards for educational excellence.
Student achievement is exceptionally high. Historically, district test scores place Cupertino among the premier public school districts in California. The district is a leader in the development of standards-based system of education and is nationally recognized for leadership in the use of technology as an effective tool for learning.
Quality teaching and parent involvement are the keys to the district’s success.
The Fremont Union High School District serves 10,000 students in a 42 square mile area covering all of Cupertino, most of Sunnyvale, and portions of San Jose, Los Altos, Saratoga, and Santa Clara. The five high schools of the district have garnered many awards and recognition based on both the achievement of students and the programs designed to support student achievements. Many high schools in the district exceed their established achievement targets for the State Academic Performance Index. District students are encouraged to volunteer and provide service to organizations within the community. During their senior year, if students complete 80 hours of service to a non-profit community organization, they are recognized with a “Community Service Award” medal that may be worn at their graduation ceremonies.
Building on its tradition of excellence and innovation, De Anza College challenges students of every background to develop their intellect, character, and abilities; to achieve their educational goals; and to serve their community in a diverse and changing world.
De Anza College Campus
De Anza College offers a wide range of quality programs and services to meet the workforce development needs of our region. The college prepares current and future employees of Silicon Valley in traditional classroom seHings and customized training arranged by employers. Several De Anza programs encourage economic development through college credit courses, short-term programs, services for manufacturers, technical FY 2023-24 Proposed Budget
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71 assistance, and/or recruitment and retention services. De Anza College is the top Silicon Valley college in numbers of students transferring to four-year schools, and is always at or near the top statewide, earning it the distinction of, “Tops in Transfer.”
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72 Programs and Applications
Community Outreach Programs
Neighborhood Block Leader Program
A connected community is a safer and more resilient community. Block Leaders are engaged Cupertino residents who go the extra mile to build a sense of trust and community in their neighborhoods. The program shares City news, hazards, and events with Block Leaders, provides support for community building, and organizes quarterly meetings. Meeting topics include crime prevention, emergency preparedness, and presentations from City Divisions to help residents learn more about their City. Leaders facilitate information sharing between the City and residents, host community gatherings, and build a sense of trust and safety in their neighborhoods. To become a Cupertino Block Leader, please contact the Block Leader Coordinator at [email protected]
.
Neighborhood Block Leader Program
Neighborhood Watch
Stay safe, get connected, and learn how to prevent crime with Cupertino Neighborhood Watch. Neighborhood Watch is a partnership between residents, the City, and the Sheriff’s Office to reduce crime in our communities through education. The program involves: neighbors working together in a program of mutual assistance; citizens being trained to recognize and report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods; and implementation of crime prevention techniques such as home security. To organize a Neighborhood Watch program in your neighborhood, please contact the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator at [email protected]
.
Affordable Housing: BMR (Below Market Rate) Program
The City of Cupertino requires that 15% of all new rental construction and 20% of ownership construction be affordable to households below 120% of the County median income. Rental units are made available to very low and low-income households, while ownership units are made available to median and moderate-income households.
The City of Cupertino contracts with Rise Housing to screen and place qualified households in BMR units. Rise Housing maintains a waitlist of interested persons for these BMR units. For more information visit Rise Housing at
www.risehousing.com
, email
[email protected]
, or call (415) 301-5448 (messages returned within 36-
48 hours).
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73 Smart Phone Applications
Cupertino Connect: One App for Everything
Are you looking for the latest Cupertino news, events, and important updates? Do you need to apply for a permit or submit a service request? Look no further than Cupertino Connect—a new app that gives you a one-stop app where all the City’s services are at your fingertips. Phone screen space is limited, and this update consolidates all the City apps on your phone into one.
With the Cupertino Connect app, you can find exactly the information you’re looking for. From COVID-19 updates, to election information, and even data on the trees in your neighborhood, you can find it all in one place.
Notice an issue that you want to bring to the City’s aHention? Whether it’s a roadway concern, landscape issue, or complaint, you can now submit Cupertino 311 requests through the Cupertino Connect app! It’s easier than ever to select the type of issue, select a location, attach any photos, and submit your request for service.
To download the app, search for “Cupertino Connect” in the app store. For more information, visit https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/advanced-components/cupertino-311 FY 2023-24 Proposed Budget
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74 Community Statistics
Facts and Figures
Population in City Limits
60,869
Average Household Income
$218,571
Average Age
40.7 Registered Voters
33,147
Democrats
15,384
Republicans
4,386
American Independent
525
Other
333
No Political Party Designated
12,519
Claritas 2023 Estimates and County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters as of April 27, 2023 Top 25 Sales Tax Producers 2022 (
in Alphabetical Order)
99 Ranch Market
Alexander’s Steak House
Alliance
Apple
Argonaut Window & Door
Benihana
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
California Dental Arts
Chevron
De Anza Car & Gas
Galpao Gaucho
Haidilao Hot Pot
Insight Direct
Insight Public Sector
Keysight Technologies
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Lazy Dog Cafe
Mirapath
Rotten Robbie
Safeway
Shane Company
Target
TJ Maxx
Valero
Whole Foods Market
HdL Companies 3Q 2022 (July - September) Sales Tax Update 1 1
2 2
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76 Community and Recreation Services
Blackberry Farm
Blackberry Farm is centrally located within the Stevens Creek corridor and has natural habitat for native trees, animals, and fish. The park includes an on-site café, pools, bocce ball, horseshoe courts, volleyball courts, and picnic areas with multiple sites for groups up to 400 people. The park is located at 21979 San Fernando Avenue.
Telephone: 408-777-3140.
Blackberry Farm Golf Course
The Blackberry Farm Golf Course is a nine-hole facility with a Par of 29 and is set along the bank of Stevens Creek with narrow tree lined fairways and small greens. The course is located at 22100 Stevens Creek Boulevard.
Telephone: 408-253-9200.
Quinlan Community Center
The Quinlan Community Center is a 27,000 square foot facility that provides a variety of recreational opportunities, rental spaces, hosts classes and programs for all ages, and houses the Cupertino Historical Museum. The center is located at 10185 North Stelling Road. Telephone: 408-777-3120.
Cupertino Sports Center
The Sports Center features 17 tennis courts, two racquetball courts, complete locker room facilities, teen center, and a fully-equipped fitness center featuring free weights, strength training equipment, and cardio equipment.
The center is located at 21111 Stevens Creek Boulevard. Telephone: 408-777-3160.
Cupertino Senior Center
The Senior Center provides opportunities for adults over the age of 50, including volunteering and various classes such as exercise, computer, English as a second language, and cultural and special interest. The center also coordinates trips and socials. The Senior Center is located at 21251 Stevens Creek Boulevard. Telephone: 408-777- 3150.
Civic Center and Library
The Civic Center complex has a 6,000 square foot Community Hall, plaza with fountain, trees, and seating areas.
City Council meetings, Planning Commission sessions, and Parks and Recreation Commission sessions are held in the Community Hall. The center is located at 10350 Torre Avenue. Telephone: 408-777-3120.
The Cupertino Library continues to be one of the busiest libraries in the Santa Clara County Library system. The library is located at 10800 Torre Avenue. Telephone: 408-446-1677.
McClellan Ranch Preserve
McClellan Ranch is an 18-acre preserve that houses the original ranch house, milk barn, livestock barn, and two historic buildings, including the Baer's Blacksmith Shop and the old water tower from the Parish Ranch, Environmental Education Center, and Community Gardens. The preserve is located at 22221 McClellan Road.
Telephone: 408-777-3149.
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77 Things To Do and See
Euphrat Museum of Art
The highly regarded Euphrat Museum of Art, at its new location next to the new Visual Arts and Performance Center at De Anza College, presents one-of-a-kind exhibitions, publications, and events reflecting the rich diverse heritage of our area. The Museum prides itself on its changing exhibitions of national and international stature emphasizing Bay Area artists. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Telephone: 408- 864-5464
Euphrat Museum of Art
Apple Park Visitor Center, Store & Café
A state-of-the-art Visitors Center, Observation Deck, flagship retail store, and café are open to the public seven days a week. The Visitor Center is located at 10600 N Tantau Avenue.
Free parking is available. For more information, visit the website at www.apple.com/retail/appleparkvisitorcenter or call 408-961-1560.
Fujitsu Planetarium
The Fujitsu Planetarium on the De Anza College campus is a must-visit Cupertino facility for stargazers. It hosts a variety of planetarium shows and events, including educational programs for school groups and family astronomy evenings. For more information, visit the website at hHp://planetarium.deanza.edu or call 408-864- 8814.
Cupertino Historical Society
The Cupertino Historical Society was founded in 1966 by a group of 177 longtime residents and is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of the city’s history. Their museum, located at the Quinlan Community Center, develops and expands the learning opportunities that it offers to the ethnically diverse community of the City of Cupertino. Telephone: 408-973-1495.
Farmers’ Markets
There are two farmers’ markets located in the City of Cupertino. One is held on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Creekside Park located at 10455 Miller Avenue, and the other is held every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Senior Center/Memorial Park parking lot, behind 21251 Stevens Creek Blvd.
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78 California History Center
The California History Center and Foundation is located on the De Anza College campus. The center has published 37 volumes on California history and has a changing exhibit program. The center’s Stocklmeir Library Archives boast a large collection of books, pamphlet files, oral history tapes, videotapes, and a couple of thousand student research papers. The library’s collection is for reference only. Heritage events focusing on California’s cultural and/or natural history are offered by the center each quarter. For more information, call 408-864-8987. The center is open Tuesday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Local Wineries
The Santa Cruz Mountains have played a pivotal role in the history of winemaking in California, with roots going back over 100 years, and including legendary winemakers such as Paul Masson, Martin Ray, David Bennion (Ridge), and David Bruce. The Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail features wineries in the southern portion of Santa Clara County, including Cupertino.
Take some time to enjoy Cupertino-based wineries: Fellom Ranch Vineyards, Naumann Vineyards, PiccheHi Winery, R&W Vineyards, Ridge Vineyards, and Vidovich Vineyards, as well as the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding foothills.
Photo courtesy of Ridge Vineyards
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