ALMADEN VINEYARDS - View this location on map  - On this site, in 1852, Charles LeFranc made the first commercial planting of fine European wine grapes in Santa Clara County to found Almaden Vineyards. LeFranc imported cuttings from vines in the celebrated wine districts of his native France, shipping them by sailing ship around the Horn. 1530 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, California Historical |