Santa Cruz Wineries

Discover Coastal Mountain Wine Country

Welcome to the Santa Cruz Mountains wine region, one of California’s most distinctive and historic wine-growing areas. Perched in the coastal mountains between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA produces exceptional wines from high-elevation vineyards overlooking both the bay and the coast. This region is renowned for world-class Pinot Noir, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, and outstanding Chardonnay crafted by passionate, often family-owned, wineries committed to quality over quantity. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape from the Bay Area or seeking boutique wineries producing limited-production wines, our guide to Santa Cruz Mountains wineries helps you discover tasting rooms, wine experiences, and producers worth visiting in this spectacular mountain wine region.

Top Santa Cruz Mountains Wineries

Explore our list of exceptional wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA. This region spans from the hillsides above Silicon Valley to the coastal ridges overlooking the Pacific, encompassing diverse microclimates and terroir that produce distinctive mountain-grown wines.

Premier Santa Cruz Mountains Wineries

1. Ridge Vineyards (Monte Bello) – Legendary mountain winery producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel since 1885
2. Mount Eden Vineyards – Historic estate specializing in Burgundian varietals (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay) from old-vine vineyards
3. Rhys Vineyards – Cult producer of terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from multiple mountain vineyard sites
4. Big Basin Vineyards – Small-production winery focusing on Rhône varietals and Pinot Noir from mountain vineyards
5. Byington Vineyard & Winery – Elegant château-style winery with stunning views, producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon
6. Thomas Fogarty Winery – Spectacular hilltop estate known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with breathtaking Bay Area views
7. Picchetti Winery – Historic winery in Rancho San Antonio Preserve offering Italian varietals and estate wines
8. Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards – Intimate mountain winery specializing in single-vineyard Pinot Noir and sparkling wines
9. David Bruce Winery – Pioneer of Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir, producing distinctive mountain wines since 1964
10. Windy Oaks Estate – Organic estate vineyard producing elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
11. Burrell School Vineyards & Winery – Family winery in historic schoolhouse crafting small-lot Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay
12. Testarossa Winery – Specializing in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from multiple California appellations
13. Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards – Boutique family winery producing Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux blends, and Chardonnay
14. Clos LaChance Winery – Estate winery offering diverse portfolio from mountain vineyards and Central Coast
15. Kathryn Kennedy Winery – Renowned for age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon from estate vineyards in Saratoga
16. Cinnabar Winery – Small family winery producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir
17. Salamandre Wine Cellars – Artisan producer focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from mountain sites
18. Silver Mountain Vineyards – High-elevation winery specializing in Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir
19. Wrights Station Vineyard & Winery – Mountain estate producing Pinot Noir and sparkling wine
20. Hunter Hill Winery & Vineyard – Small production winery crafting Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varietals
21. Loma Prieta Winery – Boutique winery producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinotage
22. Muns Vineyard – Family estate producing limited quantities of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
23. Soquel Vineyards – Established vineyard producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varietals
24. Sherrill Cellars – Small winery focusing on estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
25. Fellom Ranch Vineyards – Historic ranch property producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
26. Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery – Multi-generational family winery with tasting room in Corralitos
27. Sante Arcangeli Family Wines – Artisan producer crafting small lots of Pinot Noir and other varietals
28. Bargetto Winery – Historic Santa Cruz winery (since 1933) producing diverse wines including fruit wines
29. Storrs Winery – Specializing in small-production Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other cool-climate wines
30. Hallcrest Vineyards & The Organic Wine Works – Pioneer in organic winemaking since 1941
31. Beauregard Vineyards – Bonny Doon area winery producing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other varietals
32. Surf City Vintners – Urban Santa Cruz winery producing wines from local vineyards
33. Aver Family Vineyards – Boutique producer focusing on estate Pinot Noir
34. Jarman Wine – Small production winery specializing in mountain-grown Pinot Noir
35. Nicholson Vineyards – Family estate producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
36. Miraflores Winery – Small family winery crafting handcrafted wines
37. Poetic Cellars – Artisan winery producing limited quantities of mountain wines
38. Roudon-Smith Winery – Established winery producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varietals
39. Salamandre Wine Cellars – Focused on terroir-driven Pinot Noir
40. Trout Gulch Vineyard – Estate vineyard producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
41. Varner Wine – Acclaimed producer of site-specific Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
42. Lightning Ridge Vineyards – Mountain estate producing Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals
43. Armida Winery – Known for Zinfandel and other bold reds
44. Sycamore Creek Vineyards – Historic winery producing diverse portfolio
45. Cuesta Park Winery – Boutique producer in Los Gatos hills
46. Renaissance Vineyard & Winery – Small family winery producing estate wines
47. Tos & Pathos – Artisan winery focusing on small-lot wines
48. Vanumanutagi Vineyards – Limited production estate wines
49. Lexington Wine Co. – Small production winery in Los Gatos
50. Aptos Vineyard – Coastal vineyard producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

About Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Region

History & Heritage

The Santa Cruz Mountains boast one of California’s oldest winemaking traditions, with viticulture dating back to the 1850s. The region gained official AVA status in 1981, becoming one of California’s first designated wine appellations. Despite proximity to Silicon Valley, many Santa Cruz Mountains wineries remain family-owned operations committed to small-production, artisan winemaking.

Geography & Climate

The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA spans approximately 480,000 acres across Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and San Mateo counties. Vineyards are planted at elevations ranging from 400 to 3,000 feet, with most quality vineyards above 800 feet. The region benefits from:

• Maritime Influence: Cool Pacific breezes and fog moderate temperatures
• Elevation: Higher vineyards rise above the fog line, receiving more sunlight
• Diverse Soils: Ancient seabed deposits, shale, limestone, and volcanic soils
• Microclimates: Bay-facing slopes differ dramatically from ocean-facing sites

Signature Wine Styles

Pinot Noir: The region’s flagship wine, producing elegant, complex Pinots with bright acidity and distinctive mountain character.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Mountain-grown Cabernets show structured tannins, concentrated flavors, and excellent aging potential—Ridge Monte Bello is among California’s most celebrated examples.

Chardonnay: Cool-climate conditions produce Chardonnays with crisp acidity, mineral notes, and restrained oak influence.

Other Varietals: The region also produces exceptional Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, and increasingly, Rhône varietals.

Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Tasting Tips

Plan Ahead: With wineries scattered across mountain roads, plan your route carefully. Visit 2-3 wineries per day maximum.

Driving Considerations: Mountain roads are winding and narrow. Designate a sober driver or hire a wine tour service.

Reservation Required: Most Santa Cruz Mountains wineries operate by appointment only. Book ahead, especially on weekends.

Dress Casually: This is mountain wine country—dress comfortably and bring layers for changing temperatures.

Combine with Activities: Pair winery visits with hiking in nearby state parks, beach time in Santa Cruz, or exploring Los Gatos and Saratoga.

Ask Questions: Many Santa Cruz Mountains winemakers pour their own wines. Take advantage of their expertise and passion.

Santa Cruz Mountains Sub-Regions

Los Gatos/Saratoga: Accessible wineries near charming downtown areas with restaurants and shops.

Woodside/Portola Valley: Peninsula wineries with spectacular Bay Area views.

Bonny Doon: Coastal influence creates cooler conditions ideal for Pinot Noir and Rhône varietals.

Corralitos: Apple country turned wine region producing elegant cool-climate wines.

Summit/Skyline: High-elevation vineyards along mountain ridgelines.

Beyond Wine: What to Do in Santa Cruz Mountains

• Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Ancient coastal redwood forest with hiking trails
• Castle Rock State Park: Stunning rock formations and panoramic views
• Roaring Camp Railroads: Historic steam train through redwood forests
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Classic California beach and amusement park
• Los Gatos & Saratoga: Charming downtown areas with shops, restaurants, and wine bars
• Henry Cowell Redwoods: Accessible redwood grove near Santa Cruz

Where to Stay

Los Gatos/Saratoga: Boutique hotels and B&Bs near wineries with easy access to dining

Santa Cruz: Beach hotels and vacation rentals for coastal wine country experience

Woodside/Portola Valley: Luxury accommodations in Peninsula locations

Boulder Creek/Ben Lomond: Mountain lodging in redwood country

Winery Owners: Get Listed

Own a Santa Cruz Mountains winery? We’d love to feature you in our directory with detailed reviews, professional photography, and exposure to wine enthusiasts planning Santa Cruz Mountains visits.

Contact us to learn about listing opportunities and our Partnership Program.

Related Resources

All Wineries Directory – Browse wineries across all wine regions

Wine Tasting Guides – Detailed guides for visiting wine regions

Wine Club Reviews – Find wine subscriptions featuring California wines

Wine Reviews – Individual wine tasting notes and reviews