Left Bend Winery

ALERT THE PRESSES, there’s a new wine tasting room in Los Gatos… and I expect a next big thing!
Left Bend is relatively new to the wine scene in South Bay. Run by a two-​person team, Richard handles the sales/​face-​to-​face, whereas Gary works the wine side of things. With a winemaker educated by Los Gatos’ favorite Bill Brosseau of Testarossa Winery, you can definitely expect amazing products. I stopped by on a lazy Sunday right before their tasting room closed around 4PM, and had personalized service by the sweet and professional Richard! They don’t do any white for now, but are in the process of developing a delicious Viognier! I’m PSYCHED for that and will definitely be back for that.
I had their tasting menu selections, and absolutely loved their Red Mashup V1 (Syrah, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc) and took a bottle of that home with me. Their pinot was DELICIOSO and their Cabernet Franc surprisingly well-​rounded. I’m not a cab drinker, but I was very pleased with their variety of reds. They also have a cheese/​snacks area which is serve-​yourself because they don’t have a food license yet. However, I’m sure they will find a way to obtain that license once more people know about their quaint little space by LG Café.
Next time you’re in Los Gatos and want to get some quality service and delicious wine tasting in, stop by Left Bend. The tasting room is easily accessible, although sometimes incorrectly assumed to be closed with the glare by the sun… but Richard said he does not mind staying open later than the posted hours of operation if people wanted to stop by and taste some wine! This is a beautiful and small space, filled with quality wines that are ripe for tasting, and run by a small and dedicated staff. Stop by and you won’t regret it.

I am a home winemaker and was out tasting wine with the hubby and adult kids.
This place is great! Very relaxing and nicely decorated. Richard (one of the co-​owners) was pouring and was very informative and friendly.
The wine is very GOOD!!! Very impressive. (And according to my children, I am a wine SNOB)
Make sure you stop in and taste their wines. They even have a self serve snack bar where you can buy cheese and crackers to go with your tasting… or bring your own!
Great job Left Bend!!!

Gary and Richard have really done a great job with the new tasting room. We love all they have to offer especially the Mashup.

Very friendly host pouring here! Wine was good not fantastic. Will return because people, location and casual welcoming environment!

What a phenomenal new tasting room in downtown LG. Left Bend Winery hits all the musts– super friendly service, local grapes, cute comfortable tasting room and most obvious amazing wine.
Stopped in here last Friday evening with my husband and some friends before dinner. Love the fact that they stay open till 7pm perfect stop before dinner reses. We started with a Rose and then dove into the Reds. The tastings were each accommodated by an entire tasting card to read which the wonderful staff explained. Loved the importance this brought to each specific wine. We bought a bottle of the Syrah and can’t wait to return to buy more bottles.
There is a huge map on the wall with all the Bay Area and surrounding areas and where they get grapes from– love this. Such a fun local and personal touch. Go visit Left Bend soon you will love it!

Gary and Richard have created a great place with a down to earth atmosphere. Full bodied Santa Cruz Mtn wines and good conversations. I love the pictures and descriptions on each of the locally grown vineyards. Yummy wines. The Pinot Noir and Syrah are my favorites. We took the Syrah home and served it with a mild Vindaloo — it was awesome!

The Mashup v1 is phenomenal. Highly recommend the rosé and the Mashup. Richard Hanke is very knowledgeable and gracious. Stop by for a tasting.

We stopped by for the grand opening today and sampled some fantastic wines. Richard is very knowledgeable about the grapes, the region and the wine making process. I bought a bottle of the Carignane. I’d definitely also recommend the Mashup v1.

Great wine and fun atmosphere. Worth the visit and wine is very reasonable. Nice area to start your wine tasting for sure!