Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz

Burrell Winery & Vineyard

picture of winery's logo

Burrell School's origins date back to 1854 when Lyman J. Burrell settled the rough wilderness that is now home to Burrell Winery & Vineyard. Carrying on the more than 130 year old tradition at the School, David and Anne Moulton began development of the Estate Vineyard in 1973. At 1,600 foot elevation, the site faces the southwest. Soils are a complex mixture or loam and shale due to the close proximity of the San Andreas Fault. Nearby Monterey Bay brings warm days and cool nights The result is a unique microclimate, perfect for long, slow ripening of the grapes in the vineyard.

La Nebbia Winery

wine barrels all neatly stacked and in rows

Fun, unassuming tasting room. The service was really friendly and I got the impression that the "$10 for 5" tasting is rarely a sticking point. Meaning, they poured my group additional samples and even asked me which one I wanted to try one last time as I was paying. Never with the feeling I was being pressured to buy anything, far from it. Ample picnic area in the back. BYO whatever and enjoy the scenery and play a game of bocce ball in one of their 2 courts. This is a perfect stop on your way to the beach or when heading back home.

David Bruce Winery

grape cluster

David Bruce Winery has earned an international reputation throughout more than four decades for its dedication to producing the greatest Pinot Noir in the world. The winery was bonded in 1964, and in 2024 we celebrate our 60th Anniversary.
Our wines are produced from varietals grown in our 45-acre Estate Vineyard located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The winery has been in the forefront to develop methods that have changed the face of winemaking in California and will continue to do so.
David Bruce Winery was one of 12 California wineries to participate in the now famous 1976 “Judgment of Paris,” in which California Cabernets and Chardonnays outscored French Bordeaux and Burgundies in a blind tasting in France. Since then, David Bruce wines have consistently taken top honors in competitive tastings.

Silver Mountain Vineyards

grape cluster

Silver Moutain Vineyards

Hidden high in the Santa Cruz Mountains lies a unique winery and vineyard operated by founder/winemaker Jerold O’Brien. Established in 1979, Silver Mountain Vineyards is located at an elevation of 2,100 feet and enjoys a spectacular view of Monterey Bay and the surrounding redwood forest.

Barterra Wines

glass of wine

We found the Barterra winery, located in Half Moon Bay, to be a delightful place. A husband and wife team run this winery. The staff is friendly and they know their stuff when it comes to wine.

Barterra offers premium wines from the finest vineyards in Napa Valley, Sonoma, Carneros, Lodi, Amador, Alexander Valley, Mendocino, Lodi, Paso Robles, Russian River Valley and Madera.  All of Barterra Wines is sold directly to the public.

Their quaint tasting room is located on the main street and the pours are generous.  Their standard wine tasting allows you to sample three wines, but the owner let me try an additional port (and it was excellent!).  We enjoyed tasty white wines and their Ruby Cabernet and chocolatey dessert wine were very good. ~

Hours:

Tues-Weds   Closed
Thur     12:00pm to 6:00pm
Fri        12:00pm to 6:00pm
Sat       12:00pm to 6:00pm
Sun      12:00pm to 6:00pm
Mon     12:00pm to 6:00pm

Kissed By An Angel Wines

Winery's Logo

Larry Olivo, a third-generation winemaker with over thirty years of experience, has honed his craft alongside his grandfather and father. For the past eight years, he has served as an apprentice winemaker under the guidance of John Marion at The Big White House Winery in Livermore, California. His mission is to create fine, premium wines at affordable prices, sourcing grapes from both the family estate and the renowned Santa Cruz Mountains. Larry's passion for winemaking prioritizes quality over quantity, and the winery's Wine Club offers enthusiasts the best way to access their latest releases.

Together with his wife Lisa, Larry has dedicated his work to honoring their daughter, Amanda, who passed away at the age of 22 in January 2007. Diagnosed with kidney disease at just four years old, Amanda underwent a kidney transplant at the age of eight. Despite the return of her autoimmune disease following the transplant, she was treated for twelve years with an experimental regimen that helped maintain her kidney's health. During this time, Amanda developed a deep admiration for angels, amassing a collection and finding great comfort in her prayers to them.

In memory of Amanda, Larry and Lisa created the "Kissed By An Angel" wine brand, celebrating her life and spirit.

 

Four Gates

purple grapes - Pixabay

Four Gates Winery: A Unique Kosher Wine Experience

Thirty-three years ago, a dedicated winemaker embarked on a journey to plant a small vineyard with the intention of crafting wine for Shabbos and Yom Tov. Having made his own kiddush wine for years, he recognized the promise of the vineyard site, located in the renowned Santa Cruz Mountains wine-growing region of California. Though small, this area has a long-standing reputation for producing quality wines. Nestled on a south-facing slope and surrounded by majestic oak and redwood forests, the vineyard overlooks a stunning valley that stretches down to the Pacific Ocean. Interestingly, the land had been planted with wine grapes in the 1880s, but the original vines were removed during Prohibition.

Four Gates is likely the smallest kosher winery in the country, with just 3.5 acres dedicated to growing Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. The vineyard's grapes are certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), and the vines are not irrigated, leading to small yields that are concentrated in flavor. Additionally, the wine is estate bottled, ensuring that one individual oversees the entire process, from grape cultivation to wine production.

The winery operates as a one-man show, evoking the charm of an old-fashioned one-room schoolhouse, where all equipment and barrels await their turn, much like students of varying ages. This personal approach allows for meticulous attention to detail, resulting in wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Santa Cruz Mountain environment.

The wines themselves benefit from this small-scale production. The Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine aged in American oak barrels, making it an excellent pairing for flavorful dishes such as roast chicken, baked salmon, or Orah's spicy baked tofu. Meanwhile, the Merlot offers a substantial red wine experience, perfect for complementing holiday brisket or a savory roast.

Four Gates Winery invites wine enthusiasts to explore its artisanal offerings and experience the dedication behind each bottle.

Cinnabar Vineyards & Winery

glasses of wine in front of fireplace - Pixabay

Cinnabar Winery is a family-owned establishment that embraces winemaking as a harmonious blend of science and nature's magic. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, their vibrant Saratoga and Gilroy Tasting Rooms serve as the heart of the winery, where they collaborate with local growers to transform California's finest grapes into distinctive and approachable wines.

History

Founded in 1983 by the late Tom Mudd, Cinnabar initially planted vineyards and constructed a majestic winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Following Tom's passing, the estate changed hands in 2007, and Cinnabar relocated to its new home in downtown Saratoga.

In 2019, Ron Mosley, the original vineyard manager, took ownership, completing a remarkable full-circle journey. Ron is dedicated to honoring Cinnabar's legacy while steering the business toward an exciting future. Cinnabar's philosophy remains rooted in the joy of creating serious wine with a sense of fun.

McHenry Vineyards

grape cluster

McHenry Vineyard is a third-generation, family-run estate vineyard and winery located in Bonny Doon, CA. They have been producing wine for over 40 years. The first vineyards were planted in 1970, and the winery was commercially established in 1980. Situated at an elevation of 1,800 feet above the Pacific Ocean in the Santa Cruz Mountains, just north of Santa Cruz, CA, McHenry Vineyard occupies a sandy slope surrounded by redwood forest. Their wines cater to those seeking exquisite small-batch, hand-crafted Pinot Noir made in the Burgundian style.

CZU Fire Update


At this time we are not open to the public, but we will continue to sell wine.

Although we lost our winery facility (built in 1980) in the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in August 2020, our vines are still going strong and we plan to rebuild in the coming years. In the meantime, our wines will be made by the generous and highly capable hands of Ryan Beauregard at Beauregard Vineyards and John Benedetti of Sante Arcangeli Family Wines.

Contact us via email or phone if you would like to order.
Phone: (831) 222-0379
Email: mchenryvineyard@gmail.com

Chaucer's Cellars

people enjoying wine - by wine artist Agata

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.

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