Santa Cruz Mountains Wineries (Back to overview)
Wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains are located in the western part of the San Francisco Bay Area AVA. No single varietal dominates vineyards in the region, and local wineries are known for their diverse production.
Ridge Vineyards
Ridge Vineyards is known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Ridge is a very old winery and has a rich history. Paul Draper is the winemaker and can command over $400 per bottle for select bottlings of his Cab.
Thomas Fogarty Winery
In 1982, Dr. Thomas Fogarty established Fogarty Winery. He has been making wine on his beautiful, 25 acre mountain estate for over two decades. Fogarty’s creations include everything from delicate Pinot Noir to robust Cabernet Sauvignon.
Storrs Winery
Storrs Winery is an ultra-premium producer of highly sought after mountain wines. Stephen and Pamela Bianchini-Storrs initially made 1,200 cases and have since raised production to 10,000 annual cases of wine.
Ahlgren Vineyard
Ahlgren Vineyard is based in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Dexter and Valerie Ahlgren produce several estate wines and also buy grapes from other vineyard owners.
Clos LaChance
Clos LaChance makes a number of wines with grapes sourced from various AVAs. Owners Bill and Brenda Murphy produce an excellent Chardonnay with grapes from the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Soquel Vineyards
Soquel Vineyards is located above the fog line in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Bargetto Family history dates back to a time when the California wine industry was in its formative years. Soquel’s flagship wines are their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
David Bruce Winery
David Bruce Winery is one of the oldest wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Pinot Noir is their specialty; in 2004, David Bruce entered eight different Pinots into various state wine competitions, and won eight gold medals.
Fernwood Cellars
Fernwood Cellars was established by Matt Oetinger. He is also the winemaker and produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Syrah. Oetinger is dedicated to sustainable farming practices.
Pinder Winery
Pinder Winery is based in the Santa Cruz Mountains wine region. Originally producing only Zinfandel, Pinder has since expanded into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
Testarossa
Testarossa Winery is a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay specialist located in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA. This is a highly acclaimed winery that has won many awards from major publications.
ryan said:
Thanks Farley, we'll get them up asap.
Posted 582 days ago.
farley said:
Hey, guys. You should look into adding Testarossa. It's in Los Gatos and makes some damn good Pinot Noirs.
Posted 588 days ago.