Winding into the Santa Cruz Mountains, you expect the towering redwoods and the misty ocean views. But wineries? It’s surprising but true: The Santa Cruz wine region boasts more than 70 wineries, producing a wide range of varietals from its mineral-rich soils.
Santa Cruz Wine Country: Mountain Vines, Elevated Wines
The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, one of the state’s first AVAs, is an under-the-radar wine region best known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Microclimates abound, with warm sunny days, nights brushed with fog, and almost everything in between.
Wine experts note that the rugged region practically forces character into wine. On the often-foggy slopes, the grapes ripen slowly. Marine air cools the vines at night, keeping acids intact (a good thing). Flavors mature in the grapes before sugar levels spike too high, allowing lower alcohol levels in the end. These are lively, interesting, arresting wines. Mountain soils here are often thin and stony, and this is a good thing too: Vines that struggle in poor soil produce fewer, better grapes, with more concentrated flavor.
Santa Cruz Wine Country Wineries & Tasting Rooms
A must-see example of the region’s remote, low-key wineries is Ridge Vineyards, perched on a steep slope on the northern reaches of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Ridge first hit the wine scene with a flourish at the famous 1976 Judgement of Paris blind tasting (the subject of the 2008 film Bottle Shock); a Ridge Cabernet was ranked by the world's top tasters above some classic Bordeaux. Ridge wines are still considered top shelf. Bring a picnic, buy a bottle, and relax with a stellar view east across the Silicon Valley. Explore other vineyards and tasting rooms such a Lester Estate Wines, Beauregard Vineyards, and Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard; chart your tastings using this map, or seek out some of the spots recommended by locals.
In-town tasting options are another way to sample local wines. Stop by Storrs Winery, located in a former mill, to sample Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir, or Stockwell Cellars on the city’s west side, where the cavernous setting can also accommodate live music and a gallery for local artists. At Pelican Ranch, just outside town in Capitola, you can enjoy tastes of Burgundy- and Rhône-style varietals. These aren’t the only nearby options for tasting wine though: You can also do so in walkable neighborhoods just steps from the beach in Aptos Village, Scotts Valley, and Soquel.
Where to Eat in Santa Cruz Wine Country
From cozy bistro-style spots in the mountains to lively seaside hangouts, dining around the Santa Cruz Mountains wine region perfectly complements its vineyard adventures. In downtown Santa Cruz, the walkable scene features tasting rooms like Birichino Winery Tasting Room and the mixed-use food hall at Abbott Square Market where fresh regional wines and field-to-table fare come together.
On the coast, consider the beloved Crow’s Nest Restaurant for seafood and a waterfront view to cap your wine-country day. Whether you peel off for a vineyard picnic in the hills or stroll into town for a relaxed dinner, the Santa Cruz dining scene offers a stylish balance of mountain and beach-chic alongside a glass of the region’s signature Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz Wine Country
From vineyard retreats to ocean-view hotels, Santa Cruz wine country offers a range of inviting stays. Nestled amid redwoods, Chaminade Resort & Spa overlooks the Monterey Bay and pairs luxury amenities with scenic tranquility. For a more intimate experience, Inn at Pasatiempo places guests minutes from downtown tasting rooms yet surrounded by wooded serenity.
In the mountains, The Inn at Saratoga blends historic charm with easy access to nearby wineries and hiking trails. Along the coast, Dream Inn Santa Cruz delivers beachside comfort and spectacular sunsets—perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA.