Did you know that Santa Cruz County has the fifth-largest population of artists per capita in the United States? The community is brimming with talented artists who make a lively and colorful mark on the county. And when it comes to wine, the Santa Cruz Mountain AVA – one of the oldest wine regions in the country – has more than 70 wineries and 200 growers. Pairing art and wine is a summer favorite in Santa Cruz County and these festivals will give you a unique taste of what the area has to offer. Prefer beer over wine? There are some great opportunities to enjoy some local brews as well! Get out your calendar and start planning for this Summer’s Art, Wine (and Sometimes Beer) Festivals and Events in Santa Cruz County!
Various 2023 Dates
Vine to View Farm to Table Wine Dinners at Chaminade Resort
From Vine to View Overlooking Santa Cruz & Monterey Bay. Locally sourced and perfectly paired, Chaminade’s Vine to View Dinners are back with an exciting line up for 2023! Join Chaminade Resort as Executive Chef Samuels and his culinary team create gourmet five-course dinners expertly paired with wines from local California vineyards. See dates below and visit their website for tickets and menu details.
- Friday, May 12, 2023: Silver Mountain Vineyards
- Friday, June 16, 2023: Equinox Winery
- Friday, June 1, 2023: Equinox Winery
- Friday, July 21, 2023:Maker’s Mark
- Friday, August 18, 2023: J. Lohr Vineyards
- Friday, Sept. 15, 2023: Alfaro Vineyards
- Friday, October 20, 2023: Calerrain Wines
July 15, 2023
HOP N’ BARLEY BEER FESTIVAL
This family and dog friendly beer festival is celebrating fun in the sun with craft brews from far and wide! From San Diego’s Modern Times Beer to Eureka’s Humboldt Cider, makers from across California will be in attendance. Santa Cruz’s booming craft beverage scene will also be heavily represented by breweries and cideries new and old including: Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, Discretion, Humble Sea, East Cliff Brewing, Shanty Shack, New Bohemia, Seabright Brewing, Santa Cruz Cider Company, Tanuki Cider, and Soquel Cider. So bring the whole family and enjoy amazing live music, fantastic food, over 50 breweries and so much more!
July 15 – 16, 2023
BARGETTO WINERY ART & WINE FESTIVAL
Enjoy a weekend filled with Art, Wine, and Live Music! Shop over 30+ Local Artists and Food Vendors including jewelry, leather goods, paintings & watercolors, mosaics, photography, textiles, woodworks, candles, succulent arrangements, soaps and body lotions, snacks and other great gifts. 11am – 5pm; live music 2pm – 4pm. Free Admission; Wine Tasting with Purchase of $20 Festival Glass ($15 for Wine Club Members).
August 19 – 20, 2023
SCOTTS VALLEY ART, WINE AND BEER FESTIVAL
The Scotts Valley Art, Wine and Beer Festival is a summer favorite! They go above and beyond with over 100 artists, award winning wines and beers, live music and entertainment, a Saturday car show, Dog Day Sunday, food trucks, kid zone, and more! Don’t miss this two day event! There are lots of tasting and drink ticket options – see their site for details and pre sale tickets. August 19th & 20th 2023: Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm.
August 19, 2023
WATSONVILLE: WINE, BEER, AND ART WALK
The City of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture are pleased to partner together to present our 4th Annual Wine, Beer, and Art walk in historic downtown Watsonville. This event is a great way for locals and visitors to experience great local wines, craft beers, delicious food, and artwork by talented local artists while they stroll downtown. Eventgoers will receive a wine glass, tote bag, and passport book featuring downtown locations for one tasting at each site: 18 – 22 locations in all.
September 9 – 10, 2023
40TH ANNUAL CAPITOLA ART & WINE FESTIVAL
Stroll the festival with friends and family, sipping exceptional wines from Santa Cruz Mountain wineries while admiring the artistic talents of over 100 fine artists. Sway to live music and be inspired by local dance groups while taking in the ocean breeze and breathtaking view of the Monterey Bay. Feed your cravings with tantalizing cuisine from local food purveyors, and cruise through the Artisans Marketplace for locally handcrafted goods. If that isn’t enough, Capitola Village is filled with restaurants for every taste and charming boutiques to satisfy a shopper’s dream. Art, wine, music, and gourmet cuisine in the enchanting beach-side setting of Capitola Village…summer’s last hurrah, and truly a weekend in paradise! Saturday 10AM – 6PM; Sunday 10AM – 5PM. *No pets allowed
Want more summer wine-focused events? Stop by Bargetto Winery for their Thursday Night Music in the Courtyard or set sail on the Chardonnay or O’Neill Yacht Charters for wine over the Monterey Bay. Cheers to great summer events in Santa Cruz County! Plan ahead and book your stay!