with Visit California to check out some venues that can accommodate both independent travelers, as well as small to medium size groups.

A standout star in the San Jose region was Alamitos Vineyards. Nestled in the picturesque hills of historic New Almaden, Alamitos Vineyards is a hidden gem that offers a truly unique wine-tasting experience. As the only vineyard winery in San Jose, it has quickly gained recognition, even earning the title of Best New Winery Experience in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Visitors to Alamitos Vineyards are greeted with breathtaking views of the San Jose countryside, where they can explore the estate, savor handcrafted wines, and immerse themselves in the beauty of the region. The vineyard specializes in small-lot, award-winning wines, ensuring that each bottle delivers a memorable experience.

Beyond its exceptional wines, Alamitos Vineyards is also a sought-after destination for private and corporate events, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for gatherings. With a commitment to quality and a passion for winemaking, this vineyard continues to bring the rich tradition of wine back to Almaden Valley. www.AlamitosVinyards.com.

While in San Jose JAXFAX stayed at the Hotel Valencia Santana Row. This hotel has a boutique European-inspired design with rooftop bar, and outdoor pool. The service is attentive, and the location is ideal for exploring Santana Row’s shopping scene and restaurants. www.HotelValencia-SantanaRow.com

The next day we visited Filoi. For those travel advisors who may not be familiar with the Filoli Historic House and Garden, it is an exceptional venue that blends history, elegance, and natural beauty. Located in Woodside, California, this stunning estate offers a unique setting for corporate gatherings, team-building events, and private meetings.

With 19 meeting rooms and a variety of outdoor spaces, Filoli provides flexible options for both intimate and large-scale events. Whether you prefer the Ballroom, Garden House Lawn, or Sunken Garden, each space is designed to create a memorable experience. The estate’s meticulously maintained gardens and historic Georgian mansion add a touch of sophistication, making it an inspiring backdrop for discussions and networking.

Filoli also offers exclusive seasonal event buyouts, allowing organizations to host private experiences during Nightfall at Filoli or Holidays at Filoli. With a capacity ranging from 10 to 1,000 guests, the venue accommodates diverse needs, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable event. The property is also a great place for individual leisure travelers to visit and spend a couple of hours enjoying tours of the historic house, and wandering the magnificent grounds. https://www.Filoli.org

After spending the day exploring Filoli, our group spent the night at the Marriott San Francisco Airport Waterfront which makes a great base to explore this part of the San Francisco Peninsula. Consisting of San Mateo County, the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, is now doing business as The San Francisco Peninsula. The San Francisco Peninsula offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and adventure. Visitors can explore the Japanese Garden in San Mateo, a serene oasis with koi ponds and cherry blossoms. Outdoor enthusiasts will love Sawyer Camp Trail, a scenic six-mile path with stunning views. For a coastal escape, Half Moon Bay boasts breathtaking beaches and charming shops. Burlingame has a vibrant downtown area with an amazing restaurant scene. There is even a brand new TopGolf with amazing views of the Bay.
www.TheSanFranciscoPeninsula.com

JAXFAX ended our Northern California adventure with 2 days in San Francisco. The city has long been a tourism powerhouse, yet recent media coverage has painted a misleading picture of the city’s current tourist experience. While challenges exist, the reality is far more vibrant and welcoming than the nightly news suggests.

Visitors continue to flock to iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, The Presidio, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, and Fisherman’s Wharf, enjoying breathtaking views and rich history. The city’s culinary scene remains world-class, with Michelin-starred restaurants, diverse food markets, and hidden gems in neighborhoods like the Mission District and North Beach. Tourists rave about the cable cars, waterfront parks, and thriving arts scene, proving that San Francisco’s charm is very much alive.

While some reports focus on crime and homelessness, JAXFAX found that these issues are not as pervasive as portrayed. Like any major city, San Francisco has areas that require caution, but the vast majority of tourist spots remain safe, clean, and enjoyable. For our nights in San Francisco we stayed at the historic Westin St. Francis. Originally opening in April 1904, the Westin St. Francis remains a landmark of elegance and history, offering guests a blend of classic charm and modern luxury. Truly a world class hotel, right on Union Square where travelers want to be for shopping, proximity to restaurants, and the world famous Powell lines cable cars. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sfouw-the-westin-st-francis-san-francisco-on-union-square