Invitation to All Companions

California here we come!
There’s something so romantic about California. The SVC conference dates in May will assure us of a breath of vibrant spring as we meet in the Santa Clara Valley, tucked between the mountains to the west and the bay to the east.

Companions, don’t underestimate all the wonderful options we’ll have to explore in the Santa Clara area: beautiful old missions, historic mansions, a docent-led tour of an art museum and its gardens, a quiet meditation in the olive garden of a monastery, a walk through fragrant rose gardens in peak bloom, wonder about the Winchester House mysteries, enjoy the Museum of Quilts and Textiles, check out the history of flight, or savor 150+ teas and scrumptious treats at a very special tea room. Who knew Santa Clara had so much to offer?

Getting around will be easy. Right outside the door of the Convention Center is the light rail station which will whisk us around town and off to San Jose or other stops. The adventure of new sights and unique discoveries is calling!

Companions are invited to meet for breakfast at the Hyatt Regency on Monday morning, May 11 to renew friendships and greet new guests. We will coordinate a special visit from the hotel concierge staff to provide information on some of the top local attractions and answer questions. Start your day there and head out on your own or with a group to share the fun together. We always have a great time!

Special Winery Tour Day   
Wine tasting in the Santa Cruz Mountains is an experience to savor. Among the nearly 80 wineries sprinkled throughout the appellation are small, family-run operations where the first one to greet you on arrival will be the winery dog, ridgeline estate wineries with panoramic vistas of the Monterey Bay, and slope-side vineyards surrounded by redwoods and coastal madrones. The atmosphere is laid back, friendly and unrushed, the wines are out of this world, and the vintners are delighted to share their knowledge and passion for their craft with their guests.

Does that sound like fun? We would like to put together a special private tour of several wineries with gorgeous views and a picnic lunch—with wine, of course! If you are interested, the cost would be between $50-80 depending on the number of guests and whether we go to wineries that charge for tastings and tours.

For the Special Winery Tour, please contact Jodie McClure, SVC Companions Hostess, jodiemcclure@hotmail.com, by April 15, 2009, and she will finalize the arrangements and cost.