In 1945 retired Sheriff Deputy Amos Beauregard purchased 157 acres of which 13 acres have been planted with winegrapes. Cabernet Saugivgon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel and an old grape know as Charabono were originally planted in 1880. Over the years Jim Beuregard has planted hundreds of acres of vines throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains and still maintains his 68 acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Jim and his family live on the estate and Ryan Beauregard is the Winemaker.

Situated at 2,600 feet on Loma Prieta Way off the Summit Road exit of Highway 17, Loma Prieta Winery proudly holds the title of North America's largest producer of Pinotage. This boutique winery, producing fewer than 3,000 cases annually, is named after the flat-topped mountain that looms to the southeast, famous as the epicenter of the 1989 earthquake. In this picturesque setting within the Santa Cruz Mountains, you'll find breathtaking views in every direction, stretching to the Monterey Peninsula and the crashing waves of the Santa Cruz coastline. 

Founded in 2003 by attorneys Paul and Amy Kemp, Loma Prieta Winery initially gained acclaim for its Gold medal-winning Pinot Noirs sourced from both their Estate vineyard and the Saveria Vineyard in Corralitos. Every vintage of their Pinot Noir garnered accolades. However, Paul Kemp’s passion shifted after discovering Pinotage in a Lodi vineyard where he was sourcing Viognier. Enthralled by this unique grape, a hybrid developed in South Africa in the 1930s by crossing Pinot Noir with Cinsault, he began acquiring nearly every available acre of Pinotage in California. He even replaced his estate Merlot and Cabernet vines with Pinotage and grafted over his Estate Pinot Noir to this new varietal. Today, there are 52 acres of Pinotage in California—a stark contrast to the nearly 95,000 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon.

While Pinotage is the signature grape of South Africa, where it thrives more abundantly than anywhere else, very few wineries globally produce it. In California, Loma Prieta stands out, producing more Pinotage than any other single winery and offering single vineyard designates of this distinctive grape.

Winemaker Denis Hoey released his first commercial vintage at the age of 21. He now blends old-world methods with new-world techniques to create nouveau-style wines. His goal is to produce wines that are rich, textured, and balanced, while respecting both terroir and varietal character. Hoey's success stems from meticulous attention to detail and the purposeful application of each step in the winemaking process, including grape sourcing, fermentation techniques, pressing regimens, barrel selection, and aging programs. The result is a line of clean, focused wines.

A native of Sacramento, Hoey grew up in a family that appreciated fine wines, exposing him to a diverse range of quality selections that helped refine his palate. In 2004, he graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a degree in Business Management. Shortly after, he met Jeff Emery, the owner and winemaker at Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard. This relationship quickly evolved into an Old World apprenticeship for Hoey, who eventually became the production manager at SCMV before founding Odonata Wines in Santa Cruz in 2005.

Hoey honed many of his cellar practices at Bison Organic Brewery in Berkeley, where he worked with a more perishable product. This experience emphasized the importance of careful attention to spoilage organisms. He continues his education by following current trends in winemaking research from major universities and has traveled to Italy and France multiple times to gain a broader perspective on European winemaking techniques and varietal fidelity. His commitment to quality is evident in his practice of tasting frequently to maintain a sharp palate for the nuances of wine. He consistently challenges himself to improve by learning from the successes and missteps of others in the industry.

In 2014, Hoey and his wife, Claire, relocated to the Santa Lucia Highlands, where they are raising their family and operating Odonata Winery. Their property features a 2-acre vineyard, a production facility, a tasting room, and a welcoming patio where visitors can enjoy their unique wines.

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.