Things to Do in Morgan Hill, California: Food, Wine, and Farm Experiences

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Discover the best things to do in Morgan Hill, California, from Santa Clara Valley wineries and farm-to-table restaurants to local farms, olive oil, and historic downtown.

Nestled between the San Francisco Bay and California’s Central Coast, Morgan Hill combines farm-to-table and modern dining with its rich agricultural heritage. It blends the past and present to enhance its cultural flavor. As the southernmost part of Silicon Valley, Morgan Hill offers a relaxed, community atmosphere, set against the innovative tech firms that call it home. Meanwhile, its place in the Santa Clara American Viticultural Area (AVA) highlights a growing wine culture that adds even more character to this charming destination.

The History Behind Morgan Hill, California

Morgan Hill’s history is driven by its agricultural heritage in the Santa Clara Valley, long before the rise of technology businesses. The area was initially inhabited by the Ohlone people, who lived among its hills and fertile valleys. Spanish colonization in the late 18th century led to the establishment of missions and land grants, transforming the area into ranchos devoted to cattle and farming. One such parcel, Rancho Ojo de Agua de la Coche, eventually became the heart of modern-day Morgan Hill.

In the mid-19th century, rancher and entrepreneur Hiram Morgan Hill and his wife, Diana Murphy Hill, helped shape the community. The couple purchased part of the rancho and built their estate, which quickly became a social center known as “Morgan Hill’s ranch.” When the Southern Pacific Railroad constructed a station near their property in the late 1800s, travelers called their stop “Morgan Hill.” The name stuck. By 1906, the growing settlement incorporated as the City of Morgan Hill.

Agriculture continued to drive the town’s economy. Orchards of plums, apricots, and cherries covered the Santa Clara Valley, while ranching and viticulture gained prominence in the surrounding foothills. As the tech boom reshaped Silicon Valley to the north, Morgan Hill retained its rural charm and small-town character, even as it grew. Today, the city embraces both its heritage and modern identity—celebrating its historic downtown, fertile farmland, and thriving wine industry while embracing technological innovation.

How Agriculture Shaped Morgan Hill

Morgan Hill played a role in California’s prune industry, particularly through its ties to Sunsweet, the grower-owned cooperative formed in 1917. In the early to mid-20th century, the Santa Clara Valley was known as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight.”  Acres of plum, apricot, and cherry orchards surrounded Morgan Hill. The warm summers, cool evenings, and fertile soils made the region ideal for growing the French prune variety, which would become the area’s cornerstone crop.

As a major force in organizing growers, improving processing, and marketing prunes worldwide, the cooperative had many Morgan Hill farmers as members, sending their harvests to Sunsweet’s facilities for drying, packing, and distribution. Sunsweet helped define Morgan Hill’s agricultural identity. Although prune production moved to the Sacramento Valley, Morgan Hill’s legacy remains connected to the prune industry, which left its mark on the community through its respect for the land.

Why Morgan Hill Became the Mushroom Capital

Morgan Hill is also known as the “Mushroom Capital of the World,” reflecting the city’s agricultural legacy. While the Santa Clara Valley was primarily known for its prune and apricot orchards, Morgan Hill’s microclimate—cool nights, warm days, and consistent humidity—also proved ideal for mushroom cultivation. By the mid-1900s, mushroom farming emerged as a thriving local industry, eventually becoming another of the town’s distinctive agricultural claims.

It started with small family-run mushroom farms established in the 1930s and 1940s. These farms grew button mushrooms year-round in controlled environments, a relatively new method at the time. As demand for fresh mushrooms increased, Morgan Hill’s production rose.

Experience Morgan Hill’s Modern Farm Culture

Agriculture remains at the heart of Morgan Hill, shaping everything from family farms and olive groves to winery tasting rooms and chef-driven restaurants. Visitors can experience this connection firsthand by touring local farms, sampling estate-produced olive oil, and dining on menus inspired by the region’s seasonal harvests.

Terra Amico Farms: Regenerative Farming and Heirloom Tomatoes

One example of modern farming is Terra Amico Farms, where the owner, Joe Raineri, practices organic, sustainable, and regenerative agriculture, including 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.”

Take a taste test of Joe’s tomatoes, and you will know he has achieved his goal. Stop by and take a tour; you will find it an inspiring experience.

Joe’s passion for the community and farming extends further, as he leads a new project called Fattoria Public Market and Food Hall, slated to open in Fall 2027. This initiative is inspired by European public markets, which support small family farmers and artisan food producers by showcasing a variety of culinary delights.

Frantoio Grove: Award-Winning Organic Olive Oil

Another example is Frantoio Grove, where the owner, Patrick Martin, is a sixth-generation farmer. In 2020, he joined the family business after a period of coffee roasting. He still roasts coffee, as you will notice when visiting Frantoio. Patrick took olive cultivation and milling to new levels. He believes he is stewarding the ecosystem for the trees.

What sets Frantoio apart from other groves is certification. The grove is a regenerative and organic-certified olive farm and mill. Frantoio prides itself on being the first and only grove and mill to obtain these certifications.

The Frantoio property is situated on 97 acres, with 30 acres planted with Italian olive varieties, including Pendolino and Leccino. The Pendolino is a small, elongated olive with a delicate and fruity flavor. The Leccino olive is known for its mild, sweet flavor. The olive oil created by Frantoio Grove is a blend of these two varieties.

Wine Tasting in the Santa Clara AVA

The Santa Clara Valley AVA offers a wine experience rooted in history, diverse grape varieties, and generations of family winemaking. While neighboring Napa and Sonoma often steal the spotlight, this lesser-known region rewards visitors with intimate tasting rooms, distinctive wines, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Guglielmo Winery: A Century of Family Winemaking

Founded in 1925 and celebrating its 100th anniversary, Guglielmo Winery exemplifies the Santa Clara Valley’s rich agricultural history. What started with Emilio Guglielmo making wine for family and friends has grown into one of the region’s oldest continuously operated family wineries, now led by fourth-generation winemaker George Guglielmo. Despite Prohibition and the rise of Silicon Valley, Guglielmo Winery has remained dedicated to estate-grown, locally sourced grapes, honoring Old World techniques while embracing modern winemaking methods.

Guglielmo grows and produces a few unusual varieties, including grignolino, a grape grown in Italy’s Piedmont region known for light-colored wines and rosés, and sagrantino, a grape from Italy’s Umbria region that makes a bold wine with inky color and higher tannins. Since I love trying new varieties, the grignolino caught my eye, but the sagrantino was my favorite.

Alara Cellars: Boutique Wines with Artistic Flair

Entering Alara Cellars’ tasting room, I noticed the fashion prints on the walls and was reminded of Erté’s artwork. Owner Janu Arasu produces small-lot, handcrafted wines that focus on balance, texture, and varietal expression. Janu’s wine has its own sense of fashion. Each bottle makes a fashion statement that captures the essence of its wine.

Janu’s journey into the wine industry has many twists and turns. Her career is eclectic, ranging from acting to designing a clothing line that recycled Indian saris into colorful cocktail dresses. She then became a weather anchor. When she married her ex-husband, a local vintner, her passion for wine grew deeper, leading her to become a wine professional.

Janu embraced this new path by earning her CSW, CS, WSET3, and completing the Wine Executive program at UC Davis. She transitioned from education to a hands-on approach, learning her craft as a winemaker. The tasting room is located in downtown Morgan Hill, and its ambiance is very appealing and inviting. My favorite wine was Aglianico, known for its delicate and elegant character. I was also impressed with the cabernet franc.

CordeValle Winery: Luxury Wines with Scenic Vineyard Views

This scenic CordeValle Winery enchants visitors with its sweeping views of the rolling hills in South Santa Clara Valley. Previously known as Clos LeChance Winery, the property was purchased by the CordeValle Resort in San Martin this year. The property consists of 100 acres, with 83 planted. The goal is to integrate wine experiences into the resort’s luxury offerings, expanding its hospitality and culinary experiences. They are now focusing on quality rather than quantity.

Current winemaker Steve Driscoll remained with the winery after the transition. He creates elegant wines that reflect the site. The estate vineyard’s distinctive microclimate allows Bordeaux and Rhône varieties to develop depth and balance. Emphasizing sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, CordeValle focuses on fruit purity and structure rather than excess. My favorite wines were the sauvignon blanc and malbec.

Where to Eat in Morgan Hill

Morgan Hill’s agricultural roots extend well beyond the fields. Local chefs showcase the region’s farms, orchards, and vineyards through menus that celebrate seasonal ingredients and fresh California flavors. These restaurants stood out during my visit.

Odeum: Mediterranean Dining in a Historic Granary

Located in the historic granary building, Odeum offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes from Greece, Italy, and Spain. Michelin-starred Chef Salvatore Calisi sources ingredients locally. From its setting in the renovated grain mill to its outstanding cuisine, it’s clear that Chef Calisi highlights the region’s best produce. My favorite dish was the artichoke hearts with Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan, lemon, and baked in a wood-fired oven.

Craft Roots: Creative Plant-Based Cuisine

Celebrating vegan food is at the heart of everything at Craft Roots. Justin Gaich highlights Morgan Hill’s local crops in a way that locals love. From a Vegan Harvest Salad to the Pizzas, Justin’s enthusiasm for plant-based foods shines through.

Mohi Farms: Fresh Farm-to-Table Comfort Food

Imagine a modern diner serving healthy, locally grown food. The cuisine at Mohi Farms showcases fresh California flavors in a relaxed, contemporary setting. The premise is farm-to-table with locally sourced produce from their farm and small local farmers. All baked goods and desserts are made in-house. Chef Lance creates almost everything from scratch. I enjoyed the gluten-free version of the Sunrise Sleeve.

Véra Restaurant: Art-Inspired California Cuisine

Like the gallery where it is located, Cura Contemporary, the dishes at Véra Restaurant are creatively crafted and delicious. The atmosphere is very modern with clean lines. While waiting for your meal, stop by to check out the artwork on display in the gallery. Cura Contemporary is Morgan Hill’s main art center, and the cuisine complements the vibe. I enjoyed the Kale, Grain and Pomegranate Salad.

Explore Historic Downtown Morgan Hill

Wander through downtown Morgan Hill and enjoy the charming small-town vibe that draws visitors to each shop or restaurant, from the local train depot to the diverse selection of galleries, wineries, and eateries that support Morgan Hill’s agriculture.

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Why Morgan Hill Should Be on Your California Travel List

Morgan Hill is a place where past and present blend seamlessly, shaped by generations of farmers, winemakers, artisans, and innovators who hold a deep respect for the land. From its orchards, olive groves, and mushroom farms to its Santa Clara Valley AVA wineries and chef-driven dining scene, the city honors its agricultural roots while embracing a modern, creative spirit. Whether exploring its historic downtown, tasting expressive local wines, or enjoying cuisine inspired by nearby fields, Morgan Hill provides a relaxed yet lively experience—one that reflects the authenticity, community spirit, and forward-looking vision that continue to define this unique part of Silicon Valley.

If you’re planning a California road trip or wine-country escape, things to do in Morgan Hill, CA deserve a place on your itinerary. For more inspiring food, wine, and travel ideas, explore additional California destinations on Wander With Wonder.

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