The signs are up in the parking lot, and now the minds behind one of Los Gatos’ most prominent vintners, Testarossa Winery, have announced they’re opening a new dining space: Bistro 107.
Testarossa has long been a popular events venue. For many years, a myriad of different caterers brought their talents to the historic property for weddings, parties and corporate functions. As the Testarossa Wine Club grew, the events geared toward members increased in number and scope. Harvest dinners and barrel tastings were planned. Grower Luncheons—where members could meet the people whose hands worked the land from which the ever-growing Testarossa portfolio was sourced—became quite a popular series. Providing food for those events was brought in house in 2014, granting greater flexibility and control.
Bistro 107 represents a new turn for Testarossa, and is not to be confused with Wine Bar 107, which was established in 2012 as a benefit for wine club members. That beautiful outdoor area, surrounded by hundred-year-old sycamores, oaks and redwoods, quickly became the go-to spot for plates of cheese, charcuterie and smoked fish, as well as mezze platters, all to enjoy alongside glasses of Testarossa wine. While Wine Bar 107 will continue to fill a niche for club members and their guests who want to hang out and drink more after tasting a flight of Testarossa wine, Bistro 107 is oriented more toward formal lunch and dinner meals.
Helmed by Chef Nadiv Geiger, who came aboard in 2014 to head the culinary team in support of the winery’s robust event schedule, Bistro 107 will have its own separate area in the courtyard of the old Novitiate winery. As such, it will provide a separate menu and unique dining experience.
According to the Testarossa team, at Bistro 107, it’s all about the harmony between food and wine. Proprietor Rob Jensen says that club members have been after him for years to broaden the food program. The team has fielded hundreds of requests to offer entrees for dinners and lunches. “We decided to make the investment to enable a full dining experience for the general public at Testarossa’s 136-year-old winery in Los Gatos,” Jensen says. “As of later this summer, Chef Nadiv’s innovative wine country cuisine will be available to everyone at Bistro 107.” A grand opening is planned for August, with a soft opening slated for mid-July.
Wine will be available by the glass, flight or bottle in the outdoor setting. And guests will have access to an extensive library of limited-edition vintages, to spark conversation and further enliven the dining adventure.
Team Effort
Trained under multiple Michelin-star chefs, Geiger creates classic dishes with modern flavors. And he sure has fun doing it. This is what’s come to be known as Los Gatos “wine country cuisine”—plates made with fresh ingredients, paired with the fruits of local vineyards.
Owner Jensen sees the dining expansion as an opportunity to give guests another avenue for enjoying the historic property and award-winning wines from Testarossa’s deep cellar.
“We will feature outdoor dining year-round,” Jensen says. “We have giant shade sails for the summer heat, and clear, heated tents during the colder winter months. Wine Bar 107 will continue for those who are looking for a lighter wine and small bite experience, with Bistro 107 available for those who are looking for that perfect ‘wine country dining and wine’ experience.”
Jensen adds that guests will be able to choose from more than 300 library wines and large format bottles. “We will be encouraging larger groups to order a current release wine, as well as a library selection of the same wine, so they can see what they prefer between a newly released wine and a properly cellared wine,” he says.
Open soon, Bistro 107’s hours will be Fri–Sun noon–8pm and Thursday and Monday 4–8pm. Reservations will be encouraged. 300 College Ave, Los Gatos; 408.354.6150; testarossa.com/bistro107.
