***COVID Update: Many local wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains are once again welcoming visitors with safety guidelines in place. Some wineries are also offering wine curbside pick-up and delivery. Click here for more details. Although this information is intended to be comprehensive, please check with individual wineries and tasting rooms regarding operations and hours, as information is subject to change.***
The Santa Cruz area is home to not only a boutique distillery but small production vineyards with passionate wine makers and hip, stylish microbreweries. For wine lovers, there are over 70 wineries and tasting rooms, and wine tasting here is a classic California experience, with the vintners oftentimes pouring the wine themselves. So raise a glass to Santa Cruz County wine, and spirits and start exploring this beautiful region!
The Corralitos Wine Trail features six independent, family-owned wineries in a mid-county region known for apple orchards, redwood trees, and horse farms and is the perfect setting for afternoon tastings. Storrs Winery overlooks the picturesque organically-farmed Hidden Springs estate vineyard. Lester Estate Wines sits amongst rolling hills and coastal fog: the perfect combination for award-winning wines. Alfaro Family Vineyards and Winery’s elevated patio and Nicholson Vineyards’ rural setting are gorgeous bucolic locales for tastings and picnics and welcome pets! See more pet-friendly wine tasting spots here.
For the history buffs: History and scenery abound at this historic winery perched directly above lush Soquel Creek. Established in 1933, Bargetto is the oldest winery in Santa Cruz County, and is still operated by the same family!
Enjoy a glass of your favorite grapes while also unleashing your inner artiste! Annieglass in Watsonville offers a Wine Tasting and Craftbar where you can sip on local favorites and create your own masterpiece.
Special events pertaining to wine are offered year round in Santa Cruz County. Try a Winemaker Wednesday at Shadowbrook or Sanderlings Restaurant at Seascape Beach Resort, where local wines are often featured.
See below for a full list of wineries and tasting rooms in Santa Cruz County!
