Winery Events | What to do in the Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Region - Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains

Winery Events | What to do in the Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Region

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.

JUNE

June Events on the Mountain at Domaine Eden

Domaine Eden June events, in addition to regular weekend tasting hours.

June 13

BBQ, Wine and Line Dancing Saturday, June 13, at Cooper-Garrod Vineyards here at Garrod Farms. 5:30-9:30 PM. This fabulously FUN event is back!

Start with a delicious barbecue dinner, cooked on-site by Sergio Cowboy Barbecue, alongside the 100% estate-grown, award-winning wines. Then enjoy music and line dancing instruction from Adam the Dancing Cowboy!

Each ticket includes dinner, non-alcoholic beverages, and dancing instruction. No prior line dancing knowledge needed! Wine will be available for purchase by the glass or bottle; Wine Club Members and Boarders will recive a complimentary glass of wine.

Please note: they can accommodate vegetarian guests; but at this time, cannot accommodate any other food restriction. $75/ticket. This event has a history of selling out – so they recommend purchasing early, and invite your friends! It’s a fabulous night! Tickets are non-refundable. Reserve here.

June 18

Join Thomas Fogarty Winery for a Remarkable Dining Event at The Mountain House. Thursday, June 18, 2026 | Doors Open 5:30 pm | Dinner 6:00 pm.

Enjoy an exceptional evening at The Mountain House in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Chefs and Owners William Roberts and Dmitry Elperin will curate a multi-course menu thoughtfully paired with your favorite Thomas Fogarty wines.

The evening will be hosted by Chef Roberts alongside Fogarty winemaker Nathan Kandler, who will guide guests through each pairing. Held at The Mountain House on Skyline Boulevard in Woodside, just north of the winery, this intimate Winemaker Dinner promises a memorable experience for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Tickets $250 | Member Tickets $225 (inclusive of wine, dinner & gratuity). They look forward to sharing this special evening with you. Reserve here.

June 20

Uncorked Island BBQ at Domaine Eden. Enjoy an evening of traditional Hawaiian BBQ, live island music, and Domaine Eden wines. 4:30 — 8:00 PM. Catered by the Luau Factory, Hawaiian Music by Cam Sobalvarro- $110 per person/$100 wine club; discounted tickets for designated driver or non-drinkers. Tickets here.

SPEND FATHER’S DAY IN THE SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS

June 20

Sip, Savor & Play this Father’s Day Weekend at Nicholson! Father’s Day Weekend seems like the perfect time for a little fun. Join their first annual Father’s Day Patio Classic—a relaxed afternoon of great wine, classic games, and sunshine set alongside the vines.

Join in for the fun from 2:00–5:00 PM. They’re bringing out a curated lineup of tabletop games and patio favorites—cornhole, giant Jenga, and more—with horseshoes tucked beneath the oak grove!

Tickets include a welcome glass of wine to kick off the afternoon. After that, guests may enjoy wine by the bottle for purchase throughout the event. Bring the whole family and celebrate Dad with an afternoon full of fun, laughter, and play! Reserve here.

June 20

Celebrate Wine History with David Bruce Winery! In a Paris tasting room on May 24th, 1976, a panel of distinguished French judges gathered for what was meant to be a formality, a chance to celebrate French wine’s supremacy. They tasted blind. They ranked the bottles honestly.

When the scores were tallied, California had won.

The moment, known as the Judgment of Paris, changed how the world thought about American wine forever. David Bruce Winery was one of the California wineries that took part. This June 20th, they’re celebrating what that day made possible. Get your party ticket here.

June 21

FATHER’S DAY PIZZA & WINE at Thomas Fogarty Winery. Sunday, June 21. FIRST SEATING: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. SECOND SEATING: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM.

Celebrate the dads and father figures in your life with a memorable Father’s Day gathering featuring oven-fresh Neapolitan pizza, exceptional wine, and beautiful vineyard & valley views. Make your way to the Redwood Room for one of two seatings and enjoy your favorite wines thoughtfully paired with Vera Pizza Naturale. Pizza will be served buffet style by the slice and wine will be available at the bar. Tickets $75 | Members $55 Code: MEMBER. Non-drinkers $55 Code: NOWINE. Children $40 (12 & under)​. Code: KIDS. Tickets here.

June 21

Celebrate Father’s Day in Bonny Doon with Beauregard Vineyards estate wines and Chicago tavern-style pizza from Girasol Pizza. Expect scratch made thin crust pizza, redwood shade, and a relaxed afternoon at the winery. 11am – 4pm.

June 21

Enjoy a Father’s Day Brunch at 107 Bistro & Wine Bar at Testarossa Winery! Join them Sunday, June 21 from 10AM–1:30PM for a charming prix fixe brunch featuring seasonally inspired California cuisine, artisan coffee, mimosas, and Testarossa Winery’s acclaimed wines. Executive Chef Nadiv Geiger and his talented team have curated a shareable brunch experience where guests may select up to 3 menu items per person to enjoy family-style. Live Music | 11AM–2:30PM | $42 per guest | $28 for children 11 & under. Menu here. Book here.

June 27

Spend the Day in the Vineyard at Nicholson Vineyards! Step into the heart of Nicholson Vineyards for an unforgettable afternoon with owner Marguerite Nicholson and winemaker Ellie Loustalot. Day in the Vineyard is an intimate estate experience that brings guests closer to the land, the vines, and the stories behind every bottle.

Enjoy a guided tour through the estate, from Pinot and Chardonnay vineyard rows to the olive grove, as Marguerite and Ellie share insights into Nicholson’s farming practices, viticulture philosophy, olive oil program, and hands-on winemaking approach. Along the way, sip a curated selection of Nicholson wines while taking in the beauty.

The afternoon concludes with a catered Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria picnic lunch served among the vines, offering time to relax, connect, and enjoy exceptional wine, food, and conversation in a picturesque setting. More info and reservations here.

June 27

Cooper-Garrod tasting room patio

Cooper-Garrod has invited wonderful instructor Cassie Arver back to guide folks through another Paint-and-Sip class!

Join in on Saturday, June 27 from 1:00pm–4:00pm for a beginner-friendly watercolor paint & sip experience designed to help you slow down, reconnect with creativity, and enjoy a more meaningful kind of afternoon.

This guided workshop invites guests to paint one of the property’s barns using approachable step-by-step watercolor instruction in a welcoming and supportive environment.  Cassie’s teaching style focuses on creating a calm, beginner-friendly atmosphere where guests can relax, explore creativity, and enjoy the process of painting without pressure. No artistic experience is required.  All skill levels welcome!  $85/person.

Space is limited, so they recommend purchasing your ticket today! Cooper-Garrod Wine Club Members receive a 20% discount at checkout. Tickets here.

JULY

Summer Series at Nicholson Vineyards! Summer is calling, and the annual Summer Series is the perfect way to soak it all in. Join in on Saturdays for wine tasting and a charming lineup of local artisans, and Sundays for live music while you sip. Blooming lavender, sun-drenched vineyard views, community gathered around every table, and wines made for the season—summer at Nicholson Vineyards is meant to be savored! Reservations here.

July 18

A Fusion of Heritage and Harvest: An Evening with Chefs Kathy and Ashley at Fernwood Cellars. 5:30pm – 9:30pm. Savor an extraordinary evening where the vibrant heritage of the Philippines meets the refined terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Join Fernwood Cellars in the Redwood Retreat Grove for a curated dining experience featuring a multi-course feast of Chef Kathy’s soulful, authentic Filipino cuisine, followed by the delicate, Asian-inspired pastries of Chef Ashley. Each dish is masterfully paired with estate-grown wines, creating a rare fusion of bold island flavors and local craftsmanship that is truly unforgettable.

FEATURING WINES FROM MATT’S CELLAR

This unique culinary experience is designed to expand your palate and explore new regional flavors. Winemaker Matt Oetinger will partner with the chefs to curate a selection of new releases and library vintages, perfectly paired to complement and enhance every course of the evening’s feast. 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 80+ incredible wineries to explore, you might be wondering where to start. To give you a little inspiration, check out our helpful Trip Planner HERE. All that’s left to do is to go out and start exploring!

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

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.

  • Rhys Vineyards is officially open for tastings by appointment at our Skyline Vineyard! Interested guests can request an appointment here. You can also contact Estate Director Rose Lacey directly at 831-359-1201 to schedule an appointment.
  • Domaine Eden Domaine Eden has exciting news to share! Starting May 11, they 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.

GODELLO IS GOLD Gold Medal TEXSOM Wine Awards – one of only 120 Gold medals awarded.

A white wine at another level..Definitely not a picnic wine, but instead of luxurious “white tablecloth” wine for that special dinner.  M. Mathis Winegrower label. 2024 vintage  $55.00/b in 3 bottle set. 28% discount using code GOLDMEDAL upon checkout. Link to purchase. Questions please text or call 408 230 0392. wholesale@kathrynkennedywinery.com

Rated in the top 5 score of Napa Merlot by Alder Yarrow – ‘23 Lateral

In his recent survey and tasting of Napa Valley Merlot Alder Yarrow (writing for Jancis Robinson) called out our Lateral by name and it scored it n the top level. read below: “The most successful, more modern Napa Merlots don’t forego acidity in the name of texture, either. As with Napa Cabernet, some producers are producing exciting, acid-driven wines with alcohols under 14% that deliver considerable refreshment with a lighter-bodied, easy-to-drink character that comes across more chiselled than plush. (Check out Matthiasson, Ashes & Diamonds, Heitz and Lateral below.)”

2023 LATERAL. score 17/20

Smells of flowers, plums and aromatic herbs. Juicy, mouth-watering flavours of plum, dried herbs and wildflowers show gorgeous freshness and a fine-grained tannic texture that make this a pleasure to drink. The green herbs and floral notes hint at the Cabernet Franc in the blend, all to the wine’s benefit. Outstanding. Closed with a screwcap. (AY) Link to Lateral wine 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+

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