Big Basin Vineyards was founded in 1998 on an historic site in the Santa Cruz Mountains next to Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The old ranch property was first settled in the late 1800s. Wine grape cultivation had been started by French immigrants by the early 1900s and continued until 1965 when the property was sold by Justin Lacau, who had named the property "Frenchy's Ranch", to a timber company. By the 1990s, all that remained of the vineyards were redwood stakes and scattered vines hidden by brush and poison oak bushes. The mission has been to restore this historic vineyard site using modern, organic viticultural methods. The winery building was completed in December 2003 on the same site as the original 1890s house/winery structure which burned down in the 1970s. It is a 'Monitor'-style barn with a timber frame construction built using redwood selectively harvested from the estate.

The winery itself is likewise a one-man operation. Far from being a modern computer-monitored factory, it's more like an old fashioned one-room school house with me teaching all the grades; all the various pieces of equipment and barrels sit around the room like children of different ages waiting for their turn.

The wines themselves benefit from the small scale and individual attention and from the unique qualities of the Santa Cruz Mountain environment. The Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine aged in American oak barrels. It will complement flavorful dishes like roast chicken or baked salmon or Orah's spicy baked tofu. The Merlot is a substantial red wine. It will complement a holiday brisket or a roast.

CHAUCER’S CELLARS, a division of BARGETTO WINERY, has been producing premium, award-winning meads for over 50 years.

Chaucer’s Mead is crafted from 100% natural honey. Their Raspberry Mead and Pomegranate Mead are blends of mead and a small portion of fruit wine. The Sparkling Mead is made from 100% organic honey, infused with orange and ginger essences.

This mead can be enjoyed chilled, as an accompaniment to various entrées and desserts, served with dried fruit, nuts, and cheeses, or used as an ingredient in mixed drinks. Visit the recipes and pairings page for ideas. Mead can be served chilled or mulled with the included spice packs, making it an excellent gift option.

Hosted in our elegantly appointed Tasting Room and guided by our Estate Director, you and your guests will discover the unique terroirs of our Estate Vineyards as you savor a selection of six acclaimed single-vineyard wines.

Upon request and weather permitting, guests may also enjoy a scenic walk-through Skyline Vineyard followed by a tour of our Cave Winery. To ensure the intimate nature of your private tasting experience, groups are limited to no more than eight people, and reservations are required.

By-Appointment Tastings: Wednesday-Sunday

Start times at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm
Duration: 60-75 minutes
Tasting fee: $95 per person
Tours: Available upon request