Wondering what to do in the Santa Cruz Mountains? Considering this your one-stop for Santa Cruz Mountains winery events, case specials and more! Get inspired with our suggested paths to travel below the winery events tab for your next wine tasting adventure. Book one of our transportation partners and leave the driving to them. This page is updated weekly. Keep checking in to find out what’s new in the Santa Cruz Mountains wine region.
APRIL
| Winery | Easter Weekend Hours |
| Ferrari Ranch Wines | Closed until May 2026 |
Winter Woodside Wine Special
April Woodside Special: Check out these April Wines of the Month. Call Silver Mountain Vineyards for more info at (408) 353-2278.
Starting April 4
Great news! The tasting room at Rosscienda Vineyard will be open every first Saturday of the month starting April 4th 1-5 PM – join Rosscienda for the First Tasting of the Season.
After the wonderful turnout for the Valentine’s Day event and Passport Day, they are excited to open the Rosscienda tasting room for the 2026 season.
This marks the start of the First Saturday tasting series, when they will welcome guests to the vineyard on the first Saturday of each month throughout the season.
The opening weekend also falls on Easter weekend, and they hope to see many of you for a relaxed afternoon at the vineyard. With a little spring sunshine, it’s the perfect time to enjoy Rosscienda wines looking out over the vineyard. The Rosscienda team is also happy to accommodate private parties on other dates. Call today to schedule your next gathering.
April 11-12
Join Wrights Station Winery Saturday and Sunday as Parker Picks serves up freshly shucked oysters and their signature red clam chowder. Enjoy these coastal favorites available for purchase directly from Parker Picks. Reservations are recommended to secure your spot, but walk-ins are always welcome! Make your reservation here.
April 11
BOUQUET WORKSHOP & WINE TASTING on SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026, 1:00 – 3:00 pm in the Redwood Room at Thomas Fogarty Winery.
No experience necessary!
Create your own hand-tied floral bouquet. Sip, create, and unwind in a scenic vineyard setting while learning how to craft your own seasonal bouquet to take home. Enjoy a 20-minute demo, then select 15 stems of fresh, farmers-market flowers to design your own beautiful bouquet. Flowers, tools, and floral tissue to take home your beautiful bouquet tied with natural twine are provided.
Bring a friend and make it a creative afternoon with wine tasting and light snacks during this fun workshop. Tickets $75, Member Tickets $55, Non-Drinker $55 (Use code “NOWINE”).
April 18
Join Wrights Station Winery for a relaxing afternoon of Mahjong on their beautiful Vineyard Deck. This event is designed for players who already know the basics and are ready to play. Hosted by Julie Lin-Friss in partnership with Wrights Station Winery, your ticket includes your first glass of wine and an afternoon of fun! Make your reservation here.
April 30
HOW WINE IS MADE MASTERCLASS EXPERIENCE at the University Club of Palo Alto on Thursday, April 30 at 6pm. Brought to you by Griffin Hill Vineyards.
Whether you’re a casual wine lover or a true enthusiast, this interactive master class will deepen your appreciation for every glass! RSVP here: reservations@ucpaloalto.com
Event Address: 3277 Miranda Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94304
MAY
May 14
Enjoy a Spring Farm-to-Table dinner on May 14 at Testarossa Winery at 6:30pm! Enjoy a sustainably sourced multi-course dinner paired with current release and library wines. Tickets here.
Stay up to date with Kathryn Kennedy Winery with 1 simple text!
You can now opt in to receive text messages from Kathryn Kennedy Winery! Scan the QR code and it will load the following message in your text messaging system. “I would like to opt in to Kathryn Kennedy Winery’s text distribution list. New releases and special prices will be announced via text. Direct communication with the Winemaker via text is offered. You can be removed from the list at any time with the reply STOP.”
The Santa Cruz Mountains wine region proudly boasts towering redwoods, epic hiking trails, breathtaking coastal views and exceptional wine!
Intrepid travelers and wine enthusiasts, look no further than the Santa Cruz Mountains for your next wine adventure. Easily accessible from San Jose and San Francisco, the Santa Cruz Mountains is a broad wine-growing region with unique, boutique wineries sprawling across nearly half a million acres. Don’t just take our word for it—witness its beauty for yourself.
With 70+ incredible wineries to explore, you might be wondering where to start. To give you a little inspiration, we’ve curated exciting paths to travel—all that’s left to do is to plan your visit and embark on an unforgettable journey.
Just a short drive down from San Francisco and 20 minutes from San Jose, the northern region of the AVA is an easy getaway! Experience diverse microclimates in the cool Northern Skyline subregion of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Portola Valley and taste remarkable wines from small production vineyards. Make your way from Woodside Vineyards to La Honda Winery and be sure to make a stop at Portola Vineyards. Head 5 minutes west to Neely and finish taking in the views of the Bay with a fantastic glass of wine at Thomas Fogarty Winery. NEW! Previously closed to the public, you can now go tasting at Rhys Vineyards– a short 10 minute drive from Thomas Fogarty Winery.
Make the journey up Montebello Road in Cupertino and immerse yourself in the rich history and complex flavor profiles of the wines produced from this famous ridgeline. Experience why this area is known for producing world-class Cabernet. Make it a Montebello Road outing and visit Naumann Vineyards, Ridge Vineyards and end at Vidovich Vineyards at the top.
Plan your weekend getaway to the beautiful foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where there is no shortage of entertainment and exceptional wine. Journey up Bear Creek Road to enjoy the beautiful estate vineyards and learn about the wines that made history at David Bruce Winery. While you’re in the neighborhood, make the 3-minute journey to Byington Vineyard & Winery for an exceptional wine experience with expansive views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Monterey Bay, and Pinot Noir vineyards, just minutes from Silicon Valley. Bookend urban tasting at Gali Vineyards and Saison in Los Gatos and Roudon-Smith in Saratoga. Then make a trip to the mountains and taste near the vines with panoramic views at Mount Eden Vineyards, Domaine Eden, Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards and House Family Vineyards!
Get off the beaten path to uncover exciting gems around every bend! Visit the historic schoolhouse at Burrell School then head next door to Regale Winery before you hop over to Wrights Station just across Summit Road. Continue past Wrights to stay in a treehouse or go glamping at Lago Lomita Vineyards. Just above, experience expansive views at Muns Vineyard. Learn more about organic farming and taste in the amphitheater on the estate of Silver Mountain Vineyards, overlooking the Monterey Bay.
Sample ocean-influenced, handcrafted wines in the heart of San Lorenzo Valley. Explore Big Basin Vineyards estate winery and taste with a perfect view of the vines before you head down to Roberts Ranch Vineyards, tucked high on a southeast-facing ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Go tasting at Pelican Ranch Winery in Scotts Valley, then make the short, less than 10-minute journey to Kissed by an Angel Wines and Inversion Wines, conveniently located next door. There are so many possibilities!
Let the breathtaking, dramatic coastal views of Highway 1 lead you to Sante Arcangeli Family Wines‘ second tasting room in Pescadero and to Bonny Doon to the home of Beauregard Vineyards at the historic Lost Weekend Saloon! Keep your eyes peeled to catch a McHenry Vineyard pop-up until their tasting room is rebuilt.
Drop into the Westside of Santa Cruz where many options await you. Stick around for an afternoon tasting at Rexford Winery, Bottle Jack and Silver Mountain’s Westside tasting room, Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard and Madson Wines. Follow Samuel Louis Wines to find out his next local or national pop-up! The Storrs Winery Santa Cruz tasting room is only a 10-minute drive. Big Basin Vineyards’ downtown tasting room also beckons a visit. Finally, venture to the charming village of Soquel and visit Wargin Wines and Bargetto Winery—around since Prohibition! Let S Main St lead you to Glen Haven Rd to family owned and operated Soquel Vineyards, nestled on the coastal side of the Santa Cruz Mountains with panoramic views of the Soquel hillside and Monterey Bay. Don’t miss Rexford Winery‘s new tasting room in the charming seaside village of Capitola.
Taste your way through the charming Aptos village where the Sante Arcangeli Family Wines and Aptos Vineyard tasting rooms beckon a visit. After lunch and shopping, take Trout Gulch to Larsen Road to visit Charmant Vineyards for gorgeous vineyard views, redwood forests and the Monterey Bay.
Travel a little further to feel transported by the bucolic allure and phenomenal wines of Corralitos. Explore the mountains to take in stunning views and enjoy fantastic wines at Alfaro Family Vineyards, Storrs Winery, La Vida Bella Vineyard and Lester Estate Wines.
Just off Freedom Boulevard, visit Rosscienda Vineyard and continue 10 minutes southeast to make a stop at El Vaquero Winery. Head a little east to be captivated by Ferrari Ranch and Windy Oaks Estate Vineyards. Planning a Sunday path? Make a reservation at Regan Vineyards Winery for a memorable tasting experience.
Enjoy superb wines from vineyards in the most southern part of the AVA—where towering redwoods give way to magnificent views of the Monterey Bay. Plan a visit down Aviation Way in Watsonville to check out Integrity Wines. Less than 30 minutes away, let a scenice drive up Mount Madonna Road bring you to Left Bend Winery. Set a course for Redwood Retreat Road for a wine adventure that feels far-removed at Martin Ranch Winery, nestled in the Eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Excellent transportation options to get you around the Santa Cruz Mountains
If you have any questions about these routes, reach out to our team at contact@scmwa.com.
Excellent transportation options to get you around the Santa Cruz Mountains
Announcing a 7-night River Cruise along the Danube River on July 14-21, 2025 featuring House Family Vineyards!
Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will travel into the heart of the
continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the
world’s greatest music was composed. Visit one of Austria’s greatest wineries, Schloss
Gobelsburg, which has a documented viticulture history dating back to the 12th
century. From grand abbeys and fortresses to iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites,
be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor. For more information, please contact Margaret Miner at 925-285-0628 or m.miner@dreamvacations.com.
Savor the Flavors of Burgundy with the Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains ABOARD AMACELLO | 7 NIGHTS | JUNE 17 TO 24, 2027
David Bruce Winery: Saratoga. David Bruce Winery has earned an international reputation for its dedication to producing great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay since 1964. It is our goal to produce world-class wines using grapes from our 45-acre estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains and other diverse appellations throughout California. davidbrucewinery.com
Bottle Jack Winery: Scotts Valley and West Santa Cruz. Bottle Jack is a small, family-run operation. Winemaker, John Ritchey, started Bottle Jack as a project while earning his enology degree from Fresno State University. He has continued to grow Bottle Jack while working on winemaking teams for a number of wineries located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and gaining experience abroad in Italy, France, Switzerland and Moldova. bottlejackwines.com
Rosscienda Vineyard: Aptos.
Tasting room opens on the last Passport Celebration Day of the year on October 19. rossciendavineyard.com
Wargin Wines: based in Soquel Village: We make small lot, handcrafted wines that speak to the palate and pair brilliantly with food, mood and maybe a little mayhem. warginwines.com
Domaine Eden has exciting news to share! Starting May 11, we will be offering weekend tastings by appointment. Our unique tasting experience seamlessly combines the elements of a conventional tasting room with the ambiance of a wine bar. Delight in curated wine flights, individual glasses or indulge in a bottle with friends. To make a reservation, visit https://www.exploretock.com/domaineeden
Check out these guests’ epic experience at the tree house at Lago Lomita Vineyards!
Want a magical experience like this? Learn more and book your stay here.
Bargetto Winery – SF Chronicle & Wine Enthusiast
September 11 2025
‘I tasted over 300 wines in August, these were my top 10 bottles’ – Decanter
August 11 2025
Beyond Pinot Noir: Monterey and Santa Cruz Weave a Vibrant Wine Mosaic – James Suckling
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Double Gold – Cooper Garrod Estate Vineyards 2023 Chardonnay
Sunset International Wine Competition
Double Gold – Kings Mountain Vineyards 2023 Boathouse Rosé, 97 points
Robert Parker Scores
2022 Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery Chardonnay Mary Katherine Vine RP 92
2022 Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery Chardonnay Trout Gulch Vineyard RP 92+
2022 Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery Pinot Noir Alfaro Family Vineyard RP 91
2022 Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery Pinot Noir Heirloom Clones Estat RP 90
2022 Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery Pinot Noir Lindsay Paige Vineyar RP 92
2022 Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery Pinot Noir Trout Gulch Vineyard RP 93
2021 Arnot-Roberts Cabernet Sauvignon Fellom Ranch RP 94
2022 Arnot-Roberts Chardonnay Trout Gulch Vineyard RP 93+
2022 Arnot-Roberts Pinot Noir Peter Martin Ray Vineyard RP 92+
2022 Arnot-Roberts Sauvignon Blanc Ascona Vineyard RP 91
2018 Beauregard Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Beauregard Ranch RP 93
2019 Beauregard Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Beauregard Ranch RP 94
2021 Beauregard Vineyards Chardonnay Bald Mountain Vineyard RP 94
2021 Beauregard Vineyards Chardonnay Beauregard Ranch RP 92
2021 Beauregard Vineyards Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains RP 90
2021 Beauregard Vineyards Pinot Noir Beauregard Ranch RP 93
2021 Beauregard Vineyards Pinot Noir Coast Grade Vineyard RP 94+
2022 Beauregard Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosé Oeuf en Béton RP 91
2021 Beauregard Vineyards Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains RP 90+
2019 Beauregard Vineyards Zinfandel Beauregard Ranch RP 92
2021 Big Basin Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Odeon RP 92
2021 Big Basin Vineyards Chardonnay Kimari Vineyard RP 93+
2019 Big Basin Vineyards Grenache Grizzly RP 93+
2021 Big Basin Vineyards Pinot Noir Alfaro Family Vineyard RP 93
2021 Big Basin Vineyards Pinot Noir Lester Family Vineyard RP 93+
2021 Big Basin Vineyards Pinot Noir Old Corral RP 92
2021 Big Basin Vineyards Roussanne Homestead Block RP 91
2021 Big Basin Vineyards Syrah Rattlesnake Rock RP 94
2019 Big Basin Vineyards Syrah Santa Cruz Mountains RP 91
2021 Big Basin Vineyards Syrah Sixty-Two Terraces RP 93+
2021 Birichino Cabernet Sauvignon Peter Martin Ray Vineyard RP 94
2021 Birichino Chardonnay Peter Martin Ray Vineyard RP 93+
2022 Birichino Pinot Noir Lilo Vineyard RP 93
2017 Domaine Eden Cabernet Sauvignon RP 91
2018 Domaine Eden Cabernet Sauvignon RP 94
2018 Domaine Eden Chardonnay RP 92
2019 Domaine Eden Chardonnay RP 93
2021 Domaine Eden Chardonnay RP 92
2018 Domaine Eden Pinot Noir RP 93
2019 Domaine Eden Pinot Noir RP 93
2021 Domaine Eden Pinot Noir RP 92
2022 Farm Cottage Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains RP 90
2022 Farm Cottage Pinot Noir Lester Vineyard RP 91
2022 Farm Cottage Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains RP 91
2022 Farm Cottage Pinot Noir Trout Gulch Vineyard RP 93+
2022 Farm Cottage Syrah Ryan Spencer Vineyard RP 92
1997 Kathryn Kennedy Cabernet Sauvignon RP 90
2009 Kathryn Kennedy Cabernet Sauvignon RP 92
2010 Kathryn Kennedy Cabernet Sauvignon RP 91
2021 Lester Estate Pinot Noir Francisco RP 92+
2021 Lester Estate Pinot Noir Mercurio RP 93
2021 Lexington Wine Co. Alma Gist Ranch Estate White RP 95
2021 Lexington Wine Co. Cabernet Franc Gist Ranch RP 92
2021 Lexington Wine Co. Cabernet Sauvignon Gist Ranch RP 93
2021 Lexington Wine Co. Merlot Gist Ranch Vineyard RP 91
2019 Madson Chardonnay Arey Vineyard RP 90
2022 Madson Chardonnay Ascona Vineyard RP 92+
2021 Madson Misty Gulch Vineyard RP 93+
2022 Madson Pinot Noir Ascona Vineyard RP 91
2020 Madson Pinot Noir Toyon Vineyard RP 90
2021 Madson Pinot Noir Toyon Vineyard RP 92
2021 Madson Syrah Ascona Vineyard RP 91
2022 Madson Syrah Ascona Vineyard RP 89
2021 Madson Syrah Red Tail Vineyard RP 90
2017 Maison Areion Cabernet Sauvignon Chaine d’Or Vineyard RP 93
2018 Maison Areion Cabernet Sauvignon Chaine d’Or Vineyard RP 92+
2019 Maison Areion Cabernet Sauvignon Chaine d’Or Vineyard RP 94
2020 Maison Areion Chardonnay Chaine d’Or Vineyard RP 92
2019 Maison Areion Pinot Noir Saveria Vineyard RP 93
2021 Maison Areion Pinot Noir Tarwater Vineyard RP 88
2021 Mindego Ridge Chardonnay RP 92
2021 Mindego Ridge Pinot Noir RP 94+
2019 Neely Chardonnay Bee Block RP 90
2021 Neely Chardonnay Bee Block RP 91
2019 Neely Chardonnay Bee Block Special Selection RP 92
2021 Neely Chardonnay Home Block RP 90
2018 Neely Pinot Noir Hidden Block RP 92
2021 Neely Pinot Noir Hidden Block RP 92
2018 Neely Pinot Noir Picnic Block RP 93+
2021 Neely Pinot Noir Picnic Block RP 93
2019 Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate RP 93
2021 Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate RP 92+
2021 Ridge Vineyards Chardonnay Estate Monte Bello Vineyard RP 92
2022 Ridge Vineyards Chardonnay Estate Monte Bello Vineyard RP 91
2019 Ridge Vineyards Chardonnay Monte Bello RP 95
2021 Ridge Vineyards Chardonnay Monte Bello RP 94
2019 Ridge Vineyards Merlot Estate RP 93
2015 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello RP 95
2016 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello RP 96+
2017 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello RP 100
2018 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello RP 99
2019 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello RP 97
2020 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello RP 85
2021 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello RP 96
2021 Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Jimsomare RP 93+
2021 Sandar & Hem Chardonnay Bald Mountain Vineyard RP 94
2021 Sandar & Hem Chardonnay Le Boeuf Vineyard RP 93+
2021 Sandar & Hem Chardonnay Mountain Winery Vineyard RP 94+
2021 Sandar & Hem Pinot Noir Deerheart Vineyard RP 94
2022 Sandar & Hem Rosé of Grenache Bates Ranch RP 91
2017 Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Franc Bates Ranch RP 93
1994 Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Bates Ranch RP 93
2017 Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Bates Ranch RP 93+
2007 Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Luchessi Viney RP 94
2018 Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Luchessi Viney RP 93+
2017 Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Staiger Vineyar RP 93
2019 Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir Bailey’s Branciforte Ridge RP 90
2016 Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir Branciforte Creek Vineyar RP 92
2021 Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir Las Nietas Vineyard RP 91
2013 Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir Vine Hill Reserve RP 93+
2021 Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Zinfandel Zayante Vineyard RP 92
2021 Sante Arcangeli Pinot Noir Ananda RP 93
2022 Sante Arcangeli Pinot Noir Coast Grade Vineyard RP 94
2022 Sante Arcangeli Pinot Noir Lester Family Vineyard RP 93
2022 Sante Arcangeli Pinot Noir Saveria Vineyard RP 92
2022 Sante Arcangeli Pinot Noir Split Rail Vineyard RP 94+
2021 Soquel Vineyards Pinot Noir Coast Grade RP 92
2021 Thomas Fogarty Chardonnay RP 92
2021 Thomas Fogarty Chardonnay Albutom Vineyard RP 91+
2021 Thomas Fogarty Chardonnay Damiana Vineyard RP 93
2021 Thomas Fogarty Chardonnay La Vida Bella Vineyard RP 93
2021 Thomas Fogarty Chardonnay Langley Hill Vineyard RP 95
2021 Thomas Fogarty Chardonnay Mindego Ridge Vineyard RP 92
2021 Thomas Fogarty Chardonnay Portola Springs RP 93
2021 Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir RP 91
2021 Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir Deerheart Vineyard RP 93
2021 Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir La Vida Bella Vineyard RP 92
2021 Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir Mindego Ridge Vineyard RP 93+
2021 Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir Rapley Trail Vineyard RP 94
2021 Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir Rapley Trail Vineyard Henry Ayrton’s Block RP 95
2021 Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir Rapley Trail Vineyard James Thomas’s Block RP 96
2021 Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir Razorback Vineyard RP 92
2021 Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir Windy Hill Vineyard RP 94+