Il Vigneto

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Italian Fine Dining in the Heart of the Valley

Il Vigneto sits at the center of CordeValle, a 1,700-acre luxury resort in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, roughly midway between San Jose and the Monterey Peninsula. The resort's name derives from the Spanish El Corazón del Valle — "the heart of the valley" — and the restaurant carries that spirit forward, offering Italian cuisine in a setting shaped by rolling meadows, tree-dotted hills, and an on-site 150-acre estate vineyard operated by Clos LaChance Winery.

A Setting Built Around Wine Country

The architecture throughout CordeValle was designed by Backen & Gillam in a California Craftsman style, with interiors by Chhada, Siembieda/Remedios drawing on the colors and textures of the surrounding hills. Il Vigneto inherits this considered aesthetic — understated, rooted in its landscape, with the vineyard and golf course as a natural backdrop. It is the resort's fine dining destination, distinct from the more casual Lion's Peak Grill and One Iron Bar that also sit on the property.

Recognition for the Cellar

The wine program at Il Vigneto earned Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence in 2024, a recognition that reflects genuine depth and curation in the cellar. Given the proximity of the Clos LaChance estate vineyard, the list draws naturally on Northern California wine country, making it a fitting companion to the Italian cuisine on the table.

Culinary Philosophy

The broader CordeValle culinary team works with fresh, organic ingredients sourced from local farms and vendors across Santa Clara County, crafting menus that celebrate what the resort calls "California's original wine country." This farm-to-table sensibility runs through everything from private event catering to the more formal Italian dining experience at Il Vigneto. The restaurant also hosts special culinary events — including an annual Gaja Wine & Truffle Dinner — that bring together exceptional producers and the kitchen's seasonal approach.

For guests staying at the resort or visiting for the day, Il Vigneto offers a rare combination: Italian cuisine, a Wine Spectator-recognized cellar, and a wine-country landscape that makes the setting as memorable as the meal.