It wasn’t easy getting to Horse Thief Vineyards in Morgan Hill. First of all, they were only open 3 days this month. Owners Rich and Debbie Furtado are still running a vineyard as a side hustle for the time being. The next problem was that Apple Maps delivered us to their neighbor’s farm instead of the vineyard. As we drove by their vineyard, we heard a band playing and wondered where everyone was having so much fun.
The good news, when we finally found it, is that not only was Horse Thief Vineyards where the band was playing, but it turns out to be a vineyard worth the trip.
Arrival and First Impressions
Horse Thief Vineyards is located on Watsonville Road in the hills west of Morgan Hill. It is just next to Uvas Creek and close to the Uvas Reservoir and the Thousand Trails Morgan Hill RV Resort (one of 3 nearby RV parks), where my parents used to be members.
On a warm summer Saturday, the drive down Watsonville Road leaves the city behind for live oak-topped golden hills, farm stands, and the occasional vineyard. There’s an authentic rural charm here. The vineyard sign is clear and easy to spot when you get to the right road. The only parking is on the road leading to the vineyard between Horse Thief Vineyards and Cottage Creek Vineyards.
According to Debbie Furtado, the unusual name Horse Thief “came from my Dad, who was Portuguese, and Fur means thief, thus the name.”
Tasting “Room” and Ambience
There may be an indoor tasting room, but in July, the tasting is done under the shade in the yard of the winery. Register at the tasting counter for your tasting, and you will get a slip of paper with the wines in your flight. Grab one of the tables under the roof or one of the Adirondack chairs in the shade of a tree. Linger with your wine. When you are ready for the next wine, return to the bar, present your paper, and they will check off the next wine on the list.
Since they were only open 3 days a month in July, each of those days featured live music by a local band, so we sipped and listened to the musical stylings of the band “Blue House”. While the music appealed to those whose musical tastes were formed in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, the age of the clientele ran from the legal drinking age up. Many of the guests brought a picnic lunch and then either bought a bottle to share or a tasting of 5 wines.
Horse Thief Vineyards is dog friendly.
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The Red Tasting Experience
Tastings are $15 for white wine, $20 for red wine per person. We tried the red wine tasting. We tasted the following wines:
| Wine | Vintage | Winery Notes | per bottle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grenache | 2023 | Berries! Berries! Berries! Strawberries, watermelon, and raspberries are just a couple of the many berries that stand out in this newest addition. | $36 |
| Pinot Noir | 2018 | Has a great mix of flavors ranging from peppers, oak, brown sugar, to berries with a smooth finish. | $42 |
| Petite Sirah | 2022 |
no wine notes |
|
| Barbera | 2022 | Lodi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. Full-bodied yet soft on the palate. Has flavors of black cherry and plum with a hint of spice and butterscotch. | $38 |
| Katchon Blend | 2019 | Sangiovese 2020. Has pleasant flavors of red cherry, plum, smoke, and tobacco. | $40 |
Their website lists only two of the wines we tasted in the Menu section, and only four of the five in the store. There are other problems with the website, such as misspelling the winery’s name on its about page.
The good news is that, while their web skills may be questionable, they produce some nice wines. I liked all five wines we sampled. My favorite was the Barbera, which had a bit of spice, followed by the Grenache. All the wines were very smooth and approachable. A few of them may still improve over time, as they are fairly young wines.
Practical Visitor Tips
Best Times to Visit Morgand Hill
- Spring (March–May): Wildflowers bloom, birds flutter, and the sun starts to warm the days. Dawn mist adds drama.
- Fall (September–November): Harvest is happening, though outside tastings may be limited. Colors shift from green to gold.
- Summer (June–August): Hotter temperatures dominate
- Winter (December–February): Cooler, slower pace. Tasting is cozy, and occasionally, rain spruces things up.
Getting There
- From San Jose or Gilroy: Take I?101 south, exit Tennant Avenue, drive south on Monterey Road, turn onto Summit Road, and then follow signage toward the vineyard. About 20 minutes from downtown San Jose.
- Parking is free.
What to Bring
- A light jacket—especially in spring or fall when evenings chill down under oak shade.
- A hat and sunscreen if you visit in summer
- A camera or your smartphone. This place is cute.
- You won’t likely have a signal, but free wi-fi is available
Accessibility
The tasting room has level access. Some outdoor areas are gravel or grass—ask for help if needed.
Membership Perks
You can sign up for their newsletter mailing list for free. You can sign up for their wine club for 4 or 6 bottles quarterly, though for the life of me I couldn’t find the cost on their website, even when I went to sign up.
Features:
- 4/6 Bottles of featured wines quarterly.
- Four free glasses (or Tastings) quarterly.
- 15% or 20% off all bottles, glasses, and winery apparel.
- Access to member-only events.
Should You Visit?
If You’re a Red Wine Fan
Absolutely. Whether you prefer a Pinot Noir or a blend, you’ll find something to enjoy.
If You Want a Relaxed Experience
This is not a rowdy, party-vibe wine stop. It’s calm, low-key, and ideal for enjoying conversation and atmosphere.
If You’re Alone or With a Small Group
The tasting experience feels personal even as a solo traveler. You won’t feel like you’re in a production line tasting.
If You Have Limited Time
My visit lasted approximately 60–75 minutes, including the time spent listening to the band. It’s an easy, fulfilling stop en route to or from Silicon Valley.
Final Reflections
We discovered Horse Thief Vineyards as we worked through the wineries of the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail Pass Deck, which included a free tasting at Horse Thief Vineyards. Honestly, we picked it for the name more than anything, but it was a wonderful bit of serendipity as we found a lovely winery worth returning to.
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