Located in the very heart of Silicon Valley, Cupertino is known for the quality of high-tech integration within its school system and its position as the headquarters city for Apple. Over 50 high-tech firms call the city home, filling the community with technologically savvy parents who demand educational excellence.

Home to Apple’s headquarters since 1993, Cupertino has been a centre for technology companies stretching back to the early 1960s. Last year, it came back into the media spotlight when Apple revealed plans for a new $5bn headquarters, Apple Park, with the company’s first visitor centre. Inspired by the original Apple HQ, the campus style of this hub of Silicon Valley led commentators to dub Cupertino “the suburb of the future”.

Concerts and culture

Part of a community college, the Flint Center for the Performing Arts is a popular venue for concerts and cultural events. It also has a place in tech history: it was at a press conference here in 1984 that Apple co-founder Steve Jobs unveiled the company’s first Macintosh computer.

Asian food

The city’s near-60,000 population is, according to the latest US census (2010), about 63 per cent Asian (predominantly Chinese and Indian). This is reflected in its eateries. Asian dessert spots are popular hangouts, especially bubble tea outlets (also known as boba shops): locals recommend Happy Lemon, part of a global chain, known for its salted cheese tea. The menu at the highly regarded Alexander’s Steakhousehas a Japanese influence.

Wine tasting

Ridge Vineyards is among California’s most pre-eminent winemakers. One of its original wineries can be found at 2,300ft on the Monte Bello Ridge, part of the Santa Cruz mountain range to the west of Cupertino. The estate is open for a variety of tours and tasting sessions as well as offering membership options.