I was able to find this:
Source(s):
http://ask.metafilter.com/101540/Do-you-know-the-best-way-to-San-Jose

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No matter how you cut it, the 405-5-152-101 is the best route. I would check CHP reports through the Grapevine. A friend of mine in Valencia was telling me that the road conditions near her neighborhood were icy. So, I would assume the mountains are worse and there is probably at least one lane closed. If you can, leave at 9, it'll take you 4.5 hours to get to Almaden Valley (South SJ). Otherwise you're looking at least 5.5-6 hours. However, there is no better route, I can assure you.
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Though Google Maps certainly suggests that the 5 is the quickest way, I've done this drive multiple times, and find the 101 to be a much more pleasant road and not that much longer in terms of time. (Google Maps says it's an extra hour, but if you believe my personal experience it's more like 35 minutes, well worth it in my opinion).
Source(s):
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=los+angeles&daddr=34.379713,-...

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james_bond is right about the 680 being quicker than going via Watsonville.

To answer your question: there's really no other practical way to avoid the grapevine. All the other routes either go through different/worse mountains and/or take a lot more time.

The grapevine shouldn't be that bad though. It's got those long cutbacks that are really annoying in the summertime, but make it a lot safer than other routes when there are winter weather issues. You can always check here http://www.dot.ca.gov/ for up-to-date info. They're currently showing "some icy spots ... drive with caution."

Just take it slow and safe through the sketchy parts, but you'll be fine.
Source(s):
driving the length of California about a jillion times

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