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.

Owner-Operator: Ed Muns, a former technology manager in Silicon Valley, acquired his viticulture knowledge from Northern California wine-growers and extension courses at the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology while establishing his own vineyard. Ed is hands-on in the vineyard, overseeing the crew and handling all the tractor work. Outside the vineyard, Ed is an avid Ham radio contester (W0YK) and holds world records in the field. Both Ed and Mary have enjoyed sailing and racing Hobie Cats and monohulls, though the demands of the vineyard and winery have recently limited their time on the water.

Partner: Mary Lindsay manages marketing and sales for Muns Vineyard wines, marking her second career. Formerly, she was President of Lindsay Public Relations, where she shaped the image and messaging for young high-tech companies in Silicon Valley. Mary also handles marketing for Silver Mountain Vineyards and previously managed their tasting room on Cannery Row in Monterey. She is President of the Viticulture Association of the Santa Cruz Mountains (VASCM), supports various winery groups, and assists in the vineyard, particularly during harvest. Her additional interests include foraging for wild mushrooms, collecting rocks, and knitting.

We hold tours of the vineyard on specific scheduled dates (please see our Events page), and will provide address and directions with your reservation. We participate in Passport Day at Vino Locale, 431 Kipling St., Palo Alto  650-328-0340 . 

Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard

The seeds for Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard were planted when a young man by the name of Ken Burnap took a prom date out to one of the finest restaurants in San Antonio, Texas. Ken ordered a bottle of wine and mangled the pronunciation of the French variety. The very snobby and pretentious wine steward humiliated Ken with his reaction and in the manner of most of us when barely out of our teens, Ken vowed to learn as much as he could about wine and go back to show that wine steward a thing or two. 

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.