The Mission Santa Clara vineyard represents the baseline origin point for Santa Clara Valley viticulture. The first documented successful European cuttings (Mission grapes) in the valley were planted here in 1798, with sacramental wine production beginning in 1802.

1798: Franciscan monks at Mission Santa Clara planted the first European grape cuttings in the Santa Clara Valley using Mission variety grapes.

1802: First documented sacramental wine production at the mission.

1820s-1830s: By this period, the mission vineyard had become productive enough to support other missions in the region.

This mission vineyard established the foundation for all subsequent viticulture in the Santa Clara Valley. By the 1850s, Santa Clara County had more planted vines than any other county in California, a legacy that traces directly back to these mission-era plantings.

The Mission grape variety introduced here would dominate California wine production through the 19th century, and the mission's viticultural knowledge was passed on to the first generation of commercial winemakers in the valley.

• Mission Santa Cruz Vineyard - Sister mission vineyard in Santa Cruz
• Almaden Vineyard & Wine Company - First commercial planting of fine European grapes (1852)
• Pellier family vineyards - French grape imports (1854)

• Wineries of Santa Clara Valley - About Us - Santa Clara Valley Winegrowers Association