The refurbished tasting room of the old Novitiate Winery officially reopened under the aegis of Testarossa Vineyards on Nov. 28. Additionally, proprietors Robert and Diana Jensen celebrated with a special post-parade event on Dec. 6, with proceeds from the $10 admission fees supporting the Library History Project. (The Jensens have cultivated vineyards on the site for the past seven years.) Located at 300 College Ave., the stately buildings truly take you back in time.

Additionally, the Jensens announced that they've promoted longtime employee Bill Brosseau to winemaker. Founding winemaker George Troquato remains involved on a consulting basis.

Testarossa extends celebrating its 10-year anniversary by offering customers a 10 percent discount on orders of 10 or more bottles through the end of 2003. Tasting-room hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.­5 p.m. Call 408.354.6150 for additional events and details.

Los Gatos is arguably one of the most picturesque towns for a variety of dining and shopping experiences, with its wide selection of restaurants and multitude of creative displays in shop windows.

Our town is known for its abundance of unique gift shops and upscale services, such as those available at Scandalous Salon & Spa, located at 420 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Owner David NyBlom recently began offering some especially good news for clients. For every $10 spent on salon or spa services, the client receives one entry for their drawing for a free Reno getaway.

"Prizes are drawn on the last day of every month," says NyBlom. "The vacation includes a two-day stay in a spa suite at the Silver Legacy Hotel, dinner for two at Sterling's Steak House, two tickets to Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club, limousine service to and from the airport, and VIP check-in, so guests are only responsible for getting there."

Scandalous is open Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m.­8 p.m., and closed on Sunday and Monday. The salon can be reached at 408.395.2300.

The town of Los Gatos is encouraging residents to increase creativity and decrease waste this holiday season. Sadly, the U.S. generates over 7 million pounds of waste just between Thanksgiving and Christmas—ouch! That said, the town suggests bringing out the fine linen and china (or at least renting it) and placing labeled recycling bins out for guests at holiday parties. Free labels can be downloaded at www.town.los-gatos.ca.us.

That same kind of pioneering and earth-friendly town spirit can be seen at Blossom Hill Cleaners. After 40 years of providing dry-cleaning services to the community, owner Debbie Schuster saw an opportunity to become a leader in an industry that hasn't experienced much innovation in as many years.

Blossom Hill Cleaners recently became the first Silicon Valley dry cleaner to offer customers a green alternative to the known carcinogenic cleaning solvent perchloroethylene (aka perc), which California will be phasing out in the coming years.

"Just like our customers, we are conscious of the buying choices we make and we want to do our part for the environment," says owner Debbie Shuster, daughter of company founder Richard Wright. "In a place like Silicon Valley that was built on innovation, the seemingly sleepy world of dry cleaning is undergoing change and innovation as well. The many entrepreneurs who are our clients could learn a thing or two from us about giving good customer service, staying competitive and being good business citizens in doing our part to protect the environment."

The new Green Earth biodegradable cleaning system employed uses a liquefied silicone base and detergent to clean clothes. The cost to switch required a hefty investment of $70,000 in new equipment, a significant amount for a small family-run business. In addition to eliminating the offensive and unnatural smell from garments, it's also gentler on delicate fabrics and trims, and clothing comes out brighter, softer and lasts longer.

Schuster, a third-generation dry cleaner, co-manages the business with her father, who started Blossom Hill Cleaners in 1961. Wright's father was also a dry cleaner dating back to the 1930s.

Blossom Hill Cleaners is located in the Cornerstone Shopping Center at the corner of Los Gatos Boulevard and Blossom Hill Road. The store can be reached at 408.356.1692.

Congratulations to Sammy Elmi, owner of The Memoir Company, on his upcoming one-year anniversary. Just in time for the holidays, Elmi reminded us that there's still time to make reservations to prepare memoirs in time for Hanukkah or Christmas. Elmi interviews people, then writes up their personal memoirs, creating a lasting keepsake and family legacy. To find out more, call 408.356.2688.

Do you have or know about a cool new Los Gatos business, a hot news tip or a business anniversary or special event to announce? We'd love to hear about it. Contact Michelle C. Crowe at 408.378.9056 or a1writers@hotmail.com.