A man and woman are toasting with glasses of red wine while standing outside against a background of green trees and sunshine.

One of California's Better Kept Secrets

Santa Cruz Wineries

One of California’s better kept secrets, the Santa Cruz Mountains, are home to nearly 50 family-owned and operated vineyards and wineries that specialize in small yield, handcrafted wines. With a winemaking tradition that dates back to the late 1800’s, local winemakers have mastered growing in the region, producing excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Visit Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz's Visitor Center, provides an extensive list of top wineries to check out along with fun facts about the Santa Cruz growing region.

An aerial view of a large vineyard with neatly arranged rows of grapevines, surrounded by dense forests and a small road on the right.

Beauregard Vineyards

Experience the true terroir of Bonny Doon at Beauregard Vineyards, a family-owned vineyard. For four generations, Beauregard has been creating simple wines through old-world winemaking.

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A group of people is raising and clinking glasses of red wine in a cheerful toast. They appear happy and are enjoying their time together.

Alfaro Family Vineyards

The Alfaro Family transformed a 75-acre apple farm into Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery. 56 acres are currently under vine, which they use to create Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and more.

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Bottles of wine are displayed among grapevines, with clusters of grapes and leaves placed in front; photo credit to Neil Simmons Photography.

Bargetto Winery

Since 1933, Bargetto Winery has produced hand-crafted wines true to their origins in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Sip on wines made from their own varietals overlooking Monterey Bay.

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The image shows a wine and cheese platter with different cheeses, green and red grapes, and crackers, accompanied by two glasses of red wine.

Santa Cruz Mountain

This vineyard prides itself on making food-worthy, cellar-worthy wines. For more than 32 years, they've created wines that express the true flavor of their chosen varietals.

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The image shows a collection of wooden barrels with metal bands, arranged closely together, likely used for storing or aging liquids, like wine or whiskey.

Rexford Winery

Unlike other wineries in the area, Rexford Winery focuses on crafting small, quality batches of wine. Their single-vineyard wines include Chardonnay and Merlot.

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A couple is sitting on a picnic blanket outdoors, each holding a glass of wine, smiling and enjoying each other's company.

Storrs Winery

Storrs Winery is a sustainable Santa Cruz winery that emphasizes the use of solar power in the creation of their wines. Sip wine overlooking their organic estate.

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People toasting with glasses of red wine in an outdoor setting.

Mja Vineyards

MJA Vineyards has two tasting rooms in Santa Cruz and Los Gatos. Open 7 days a week, MJA Vineyards offers a variety of wine including Santa Cruz Pinot Noir.

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The image shows multiple wine bottles, a black ice bucket, and a colorful floral arrangement with fruits and flowers on a table.

Bottle Jack Winery

Discover the Santa Cruz Mountains by way of Bottle Jack Winery. They offer both tastings and wine by the glass and a wine club so you can take your favorite home.

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More Ways to Explore Santa Cruz Wines

Wine Passport Days
Offer the opportunity to try wine tastings at a number of wineries, some of which are only open to the public for Passport days. This self-guided tour of the Santa Cruz Mountains includes discounts at select local restaurants, such as Chaminade's Linwood's Bar & Grill.
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The Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrowers Association
‍Coordinates other events throughout the year and is a one-stop source for the region’s wineries.
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The Swift Street Courtyard
Located on the Westside of Santa Cruz in a convenient courtyard setting are a collection of boutique wineries. Taste your way around the courtyard and then grab a quick bite at the bakery or other eateries in the vicinity.
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Wine Packages
‍These packages are often offered at Chaminade Resort & Spa. Wine packages enable people to get a taste of what the Santa Cruz Mountains have to offer and enjoy the luxuries of a four diamond resort.
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