The area served an important role in the early history of California wine and was home to the pioneer winemakers Paul Masson and Charles Lefranc.

Santa Clara Valley encompasses the established viticultural areas, Pacheco Pass and San Ysidro District.

[5] Santa Clara Valley is the oldest wine region in Northern California dating back to 1777 when Franciscan padres founded Mission Santa Clara de Asis and planted vitis vinifera in its vineyard for sacramental wine.

The best evidence of the area's identification as the Santa Clara Valley is indicated on the United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.)

[2][6] The population expanded because of the growth of high-tech businesses, and original Almaden Vineyards were uprooted to make way for urban sprawl.