Wineries and Wine Tastings

One of California’s Better Kept Secrets

One of California’s better kept secrets, the Santa Cruz Mountains, are home to nearly 50 family-owned and operated vineyards and wineries that specialize in small yield, handcrafted wines. With a winemaking tradition that dates back to the late 1800’s, local winemakers have mastered growing in the region, producing excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

There are many ways to explore these wineries:

Wine Passport Days - Offer the opportunity to try wine tastings at a number of wineries, some of which are only open to the public for Passport days. This self-guided tour of the Santa Cruz Mountains includes discounts at select local restaurants, such as Chaminade's Linwood's Bar & Grill.

The Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrowers Association - Coordinates other events throughout the year and is a one-stop source for the region’s wineries.

Wine Packages are often offered at Chaminade Resort & Spa. Wine packages enable people to get a taste of what the Santa Cruz Mountains have to offer.

Chaminade’s Farm to Table Wine Dinners offered throughout the summer months, enable guests to try a variety of wines from throughout the Santa Cruz and Monterey County growing regions.

If you would like to explore the wine regions on your own, you can click here to find a map of nearby wineries.  The following are just a few wineries you may want to visit:

• The vintages’ of Storrs Winery utilizes grapes selected from vineyards throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains.
• Originating from the Piedmont region of Italy, the Bargetto Winery has been carried on for three generations.
• Known for its untraditional labels Bonny Doon Vineyard offers high-end boutique vintages.
• Tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the rolling hills of Trout Gulch Vineyards produces wonderful slowly matured Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.