If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’re going to love the Santa Cruz Mountain AVA. It’s home to an number of excellent Santa Cruz wineries that offer unique experiences and delicious wines, and it’s not one of the typical California wine regions that people visit, so it’s more laidback and authentic.
You might not have heard much about the Santa Cruz Mountains as far as wine goes, but there are many wineries in the area that offer tastings, tours, and other experiences, from small, family-owned wineries to larger commercial operations.
The experience here is decidedly more laid back and friendly. You don’t have to be a wine expert to fit in. And another great thing about this area is that you don’t often need a reservation to stop by (except on busy weekends).
If you’re going to be in Santa Cruz for wine, you should also check out our list of things to do in Santa Cruz, the best beaches, and the best breweries.
» Looking for more wine regions in California to visit? We personally love the Paso Robles area, as well as Sonoma County with its various AVAs, and Napa Valley. But also check out Temecula Wine Country and San Luis Obispo, where you’ll find an altogether different experience.
Introduction to the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
If you’re looking for a California wine region that’s off the beaten path, then the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA is worth exploring. This relatively unknown region is located just south of San Francisco and spans three counties: Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and San Mateo.
The region is known for its rugged terrain, redwood forests, and cool coastal climate, which makes it an ideal location for growing high-quality grapes, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.
The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA is home to over 70 wineries, many of which are small, family-owned operations. The wines produced in the Santa Cruz Mountains are often described as having a distinct character that reflects the region’s unique terroir.
What types of wines is Santa Cruz known for producing?
One of the most notable wines produced in the Santa Cruz Mountains is Pinot Noir. The cool coastal climate and well-drained soils of the region are ideal for growing this delicate grape variety. Pinot Noir from the Santa Cruz Mountains is often described as having a complex, earthy flavor profile with notes of cherry, raspberry, and spice.
Another popular wine produced in the region is Chardonnay. The cool climate of the Santa Cruz Mountains helps to preserve the natural acidity of the grapes, resulting in a crisp, refreshing wine with notes of green apple, citrus, and tropical fruit.
In addition to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA does also produce some high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel. It’s not a hot-weather climate though, so don’t expect big, bold reds.
How to Get to Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz does not have its own airport, so unless you drive there from where ever you live in California or surrounding areas, getting there will involve a flight into one of the nearby airports, followed by a drive.
You can fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Jose International Airport (SJC), or Oakland International Airport (OAK).
If you land at SFO or OAK, you can rent a car (we recommend going through Discover Cars) and drive to Santa Cruz, which will take about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. If you land at SJC, the drive will be around 45 minutes to 1 hour. There are more flights from more location to SFO than SJC, but I prefer landing at SJC for the ease of it.
The drive from Los Angeles is about 6 hours, and 8 hours from San Diego. It’s 4 hours from Santa Barbara.
Top Santa Cruz Wineries
If you’re looking for the best wineries to visit in Santa Cruz, then you’re in luck. Here are some of the top wineries in the area that offer high-quality wines and an unforgettable experience.
Soquel Vineyards
Soquel Vineyards is a family-owned winery that has been producing award-winning wines for over 30 years. The winery specializes in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. For wine tasting, they are open Saturday and Sunday, 11AM-4:30PM. Each of their tasting flights feature at least four wines. If you want something special, their Library Tasting is located at their Upper Patio overlooking the Monterey Bay.
Location: 8063 Glen Haven Rd, Soquel, CA
Bargetto Winery
Bargetto Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Santa Cruz, established in 1933. The winery produces a wide range of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. You can visit their tasting room in Soquel, which is open daily from 12 pm to 5 pm, and try a flight of 5 different wines in their tasting room that has breathtaking views of the Soquel Creek. They also have a Monterey tasting room on Cannery Row.
Location: 3535 N Main St, Soquel, CA
Storrs Winery
Storrs Winery is a small, family-owned winery that produces handcrafted wines. The winery specializes in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. Their winery and tasting room is located in the Pleasant Valley district of historic Rancho de los Corralitos, overlooking their organically-farmed estate vineyard – Hidden Springs. You can also visit their tasting room in Santa Cruz, which is open Thursday through Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.
Location: 303 Potrero St SPC 35, Santa Cruz, CA
MJA Vineyards
MJA Vineyards is a boutique winery owned by Marin John Artukovich (MJA) that produces small-batch wines. After having a successful career growing Kona coffee in Hawaii, Marin started growing and producing a high-quality wine in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The winery is located in the Westside of Santa Cruz and offers tastings in their tasting room. Even though they’re located in Santa Cruz, they are known for their Napa Cabernets, which are considered some of the best in the country.
Location: 328 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard
Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard is a small winery that produces limited quantities of wine. The winery is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard has been making European style, food friendly, cellar worthy wines since 1975. You can visit their tasting room in Santa Cruz, which is open Monday-Friday 12pm to 5pm and weekends until 5:30 pm. Reservations aren’t necessary on weekdays.
Location: 334 Ingalls St Suite A, Santa Cruz
Wineries with the Best Views
If you’re looking for a wine-tasting experience that also offers breathtaking views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, then you’re in luck. There are several wineries in the area that boast stunning vistas. Here are two of the best:
Beauregard Vineyards
Beauregard Vineyards is located in Bonny Doon and offers some of the most spectacular views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. From the tasting room, you can see miles of vineyards, forests, and rolling hills. The winery has a cozy and rustic feel, with a large fireplace and plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. There’s even a picnic area where you can bring your own food and enjoy a bottle of wine with friends or family.
The vineyard is known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon, all of which are made from grapes grown in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they offer a variety of tasting options to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual drinker, you’re sure to have a memorable experience at Beauregard Vineyards.
Location: 10 Pine Flat Rd, Santa Cruz, CA
Silver Mountain Vineyards
Silver Mountain Vineyards is another winery that offers stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Located in the town of Los Gatos, the winery sits atop a hill and overlooks the entire valley below. From the tasting room, you can see all the way to San Francisco on a clear day.
The winery is known for its organic and biodynamic farming practices, which result in high-quality grapes and exceptional wines. The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are particularly noteworthy, but there are plenty of other varietals to choose from as well. The tasting room is cozy and inviting, with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they offer a variety of tasting options to suit your preferences.
Location: 269 Silver Mountain Dr, Los Gatos, CA
Family-Friendly Wineries
If you’re looking for a family-friendly winery to visit in Santa Cruz, you won’t be disappointed. Several wineries in the area offer a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Here are two wineries to consider:
Hallcrest Vineyards
At Hallcrest Vineyards, you can enjoy a glass of wine while your kids play in the spacious outdoor area. The winery offers a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. If you’re interested in learning more about winemaking, you can take a tour of the winery and learn about the history of the vineyard. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
Location: 379 Felton Empire Rd, Felton, CA
Loma Prieta Winery
Loma Prieta Winery is another family-friendly option in Santa Cruz. The winery offers stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and there’s plenty of space for kids to run around and play. The winery specializes in Pinotage, a red wine grape that’s native to South Africa. In addition to wine tasting, the winery offers tours and private tastings. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and they’re happy to accommodate families with children.
Location: 26985 Loma Prieta Way, Los Gatos, CA
Sones Cellars
Sones Cellars is a small family-owned winery located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The winery produces a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. What sets Sones Cellars apart is their commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices. They use only organic fertilizers and pest control methods, and they handpick their grapes to ensure the highest quality.
When you visit Sones Cellars, you can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The tasting room is cozy and intimate, and you’ll likely be greeted by the owners themselves. They’ll guide you through a tasting of their wines, sharing their knowledge and passion for winemaking.
Location: 334-B Ingalls St, Santa Cruz, CA
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz
When it comes to finding a place to stay in Santa Cruz, there are several neighborhoods to choose from, each offering a different experience. Here are some of the best areas to consider:
- Downtown: If you want to be in the heart of the action, Downtown is the place to be. You’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. We recommend staying at Hyatt Place Santa Cruz.
- Westside: This laid-back neighborhood is located just a few blocks from the beach and is home to many surf shops and cafes. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to the ocean and enjoy a quieter atmosphere. Book at Beach Street Inn and Suites or Dream Inn Santa Cruz.
- Capitola: This charming seaside town is located just a few miles south of Santa Cruz and is known for its colorful houses and quaint shops. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to the beach and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Book at Capitola Venetian Hotel or Capitola Hotel to be near the beach.
- Boardwalk: If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, the Boardwalk neighborhood is a great choice. You’ll be right next to the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which features amusement park rides and games. Book at Casablanca On The Beach or Courtyard by Marriott.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wineries are in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is home to over 70 wineries. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit during your trip. To make the most of your time, research the wineries ahead of time and choose the ones that align with your preferences.
Do you need a reservation to visit these wineries?
Most wineries in Santa Cruz require reservations for tastings. This is especially true for smaller wineries that have limited space and staff. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation to ensure that you can enjoy your tasting at the winery of your choice.
Can I share a tasting at a winery?
Sharing a tasting at a winery is usually allowed, but it’s important to check with the winery beforehand. Some wineries have policies that prohibit sharing tastings, while others may charge a fee for sharing. Keep in mind that sharing a tasting may limit the amount of wine you get to taste, so it’s best to plan accordingly.
Which wineries in Santa Cruz offer the best views?
If you’re looking for stunning views while sipping on some of the best wines in Santa Cruz, then you’re in luck. There are many wineries in the area that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Some of the best wineries for views include Alfaro Family Vineyards, Burrell School Vineyards, and Loma Prieta Winery. Each of these wineries offers a unique perspective on the Santa Cruz Mountains and provides a picturesque backdrop for your wine tasting experience.
Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.