Santa Cruz Mountains Winery Profiles
The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA is found in the range that bears its name, from Half Moon Bay in the north, to Mount Madonna in the south. This AVA contains the sub-region of Ben Lomond Mountain. Varietals include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel.
Burrell School Vineyards & Winery
Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards
Equinox
Fernwood Cellars
Zayante Vineyards
Burrell School Vineyards & Winery
Burrell School Vineyards & Winery sits on land once owned by Lyman Burrell, who planted grapes on his homestead in 1854. And yes, the school that was on the property still exists today, right next to the winery. Burrell School winemaker and owner, Dave Moulton, educates visitors on his premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, both well-suited to the warm days and cool nights of his vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains. He also produces Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Get to know Dave in this video and learn more about his unique winery.
Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards
Bill Cooper understands that sustainability is an ongoing and rigorous process. Nestled high up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, his vineyards have been producing premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier, and Pinot Noir for years. Take a tour of these rolling vineyards and learn how sustainability is an integral part of this winery's vision for the future.
Equinox Wines
Ever wonder how sparkling wine is made? Barry Jackson takes us through the process as he explains the evolution of his winery and how sparkling wines have an important place in the Santa Cruz Mountains. You'll get a first-hand look at how he creates his premium, limited-production sparkling wines, and new insight into the nuances of appreciating them.
Fernwood Cellars
How does one region produce such a wide range of distinct and exciting wines? Find out from Matt Oetinger, owner, grower, and winemaker at Fernwood Cellars in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA. Matt gives us a great overview of the AVA and takes us on a tour of his vineyards where he grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Learn about vine training, and cluster vs. berry sampling as Matt describes the benefits and challenges of producing grapes in a mountainous region where forest is the predominant growth.
Zayante Vineyards
Originally part of a land grant from Ulysses S. Grant, Zayante Vineyard is situated on a a relatively flat piece of land for the Santa Cruz Mountains. Former owner and grower Greg Nolten introduced us to his dry-farmed vineyard that produces a wide range of varietals including: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petite Syrah, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Greg offers some insight into how he got started, and how proximity to the coast and high elevation make this region perfect for creating premium wines.