The Santa Clara Valley is the oldest wine region in the western United States. Vines have been cultivated here since the end of the 18th century. In the meantime, Santa Clara has lost much of its importance compared to other wine-growing regions. Today less than 1,000 hectares are under vines. A major factor in the region's decline in viticulture is the rise of nearby Silicon Valley, which has resulted in ever-increasing space requirements by IT companies.