Self Guided Wine Tours
See what the Santa Cruz Mountains have to offer on an adventure through some of the appellation's most distinguished wineries. Below are some recommendations for touring the wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Click here for a map to design your own tour. Or contact us for more information.
Due to the geography and roads of the Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation, a typical full day of wine tasting includes between two and four wineries. We highly recommend the use of a designated driver or a hired tour company/car.
- PLEASE NOTE -
For parties of 6 or more it is highly recomended that you call ahead to the wineries you will visit.
Have an artisan, wine paired picnic waiting on your wine tasting tour! The Picnic Guild offers delectable, unique menu options, made with the freshest local ingredients, and loaded "to-go" in biodegradable packaging. Visit our website to view our pick up locations and latest menus!
Weekday Tours
La Nebbia Winery
Experience solely premium wines from Half Moon Bay at La Nebbia Winery. Visit the tasting room to sample rich and full-bodied reds along with all-popular sparkling wine. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in an exclusive setting.
Beauregard Vineyards
Come visit Beauregard in their new tasting room in Bonny Doon. Located right behind Bonny Doon Vineyards. Beauregard farms 80 acres in the appellation, and production is limited to multiple small batches of extremely high end wines.
Hallcrest Vineyards
Come visit Hallcrest Vineyards at the crest of a small hill above the town of Felton. Known for their Cabernet Sauvignon and White Riesling, Hallcrest Vineyards has been established since the 1880’s. The winery’s focus is on handcrafting premium wine in small lots that bear a “signature” Santa Cruz Mountain Appellation character.
If you get hungry along the way stop by O’Mei Restaurant in Santa Cruz, Aquarius at the Dream Inn in Santa Cruz, or Duartes Tavern in Pescadero.
Storrs Winery
Come and enjoy handcrafted Chardonnays, Zinfandels, Merlots and Petite Syrahs from selected vineyards throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains in this decadent tasting room. Located in downtown Santa Cruz, visit Storrs for a tasting experience you are sure to never forget.
Bargetto Winery
The Bargetto family has been making wine in the Santa Cruz Mountains for generations. The quaint tasting room, courtyard, and art gallery overlook the babbling Soquel Creek. Come taste family specialties including Santa Cruz Mountains wines, Italian varietals, and dessert-style wines from pure, local fruit and honey.
David Bruce Winery
Producing premium varietals of Petite Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sagiovese, David Bruce Winery is a stop not to be missed. “Taste the dedication” brought to producing the world’s greatest Pinot Noir. Your visit is sure to be a remembered experience.
Byington Winery & Vineyard
Byington Winery Grand Chateau invites you to explore their jaw-dropping wine cave. Taste the award winning wines while enjoying the picnic BBQ area and bocce ball court, all with a dazzling ocean view.
If you are hungry stop by Michael’s on Main in Soquel, Paradise Beach Grille in Capitola Village, Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola, or Gabriella Café in Santa Cruz.
Option 3- Cinnabar Tasting Room, Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards, Cooper-Garrod Vineyards, Picchetti Winery, Testarossa Winery,
Cinnabar Tasting Room
Flanked by the magnificent Santa Cruz Mountains, and located in the heart of the historic Saratoga village, the Cinnabar Tasting Room is a great first stop. Their handcrafted wines are presented by a knowledgeable and gracious staff in a relaxed setting.
Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards
Established in 1892, and nestled above the Silicon Valley, this family owned and operated winery produces premium Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Chardonnay. They also specialize in exceptional Pinot Noir.
Cooper-Garrod Vineyards
This family owned operation first planted grapes in 1972. Now, award winning estate wines including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Viognier are produced from 28 acres of vineyard. Lace up your boots and join the family at this amazing rustic horse ranch.
Picchetti Winery
Save yourself the drive to Napa; experience Historic Picchetti Winery & Ranch. Just minutes from San Jose, sample award-winning wines and see specialty gift items. Try your luck chasing a flock of peacocks or enjoy a picnic lunch at this gorgeous location.
Testarossa Winery
Internationally recognized for outstanding Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah, Testarossa Winery is located in downtown Los Gatos at the historic 19th Century old Novitiate Winery built in 1888. The winery is the oldest continuously operating winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Bay Area.
Enjoy a specialty lunch in downtown Saratoga at The Basin or La Fondue.
Weekend Tours
(Also includes options listed above)
Option 4- Equinox Champagne Cellar, Hillcrest Terrace Winery, Pelican Ranch Winery, Silver Mountain Vineyards, Vino Tabi, Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, Sones Cellars, Odonata
Equinox Champagne Cellar
Equinox produces “methode champenoise” sparkling wines, exclusively from the Santa Cruz Mountains. Limited production of vintage Blanc de Blanc and Brut cuvees. Critically acclaimed and award winning wines since 1989. “Taste the Passion, with the languid grace of a familiar lover.” See the enigma revealed.
Hillcrest Terrace Winery
Hillcrest Terrace handcrafts wines in small lots from select local vineyards. We focus on single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and other premium varieties. Our wines accurately reflect the varietal characteristics of the grapes and the unique microclimates and soils of the vineyards from which they come. Visitors are welcome at the winery located on the west side of Santa Cruz. We are open for tasting and sales Saturday and Sunday and many Fridays.
Pelican Ranch Winery
This family owned and operated winery specializes in Rhone and Burgundy wines from the best vineyards in California. Come to taste the results: rich, full-flavored, complex wines.
Silver Mountain Vineyards
The mountain top winery overlooks the Monterey Bay. The winemaker produces Chardonnay from the estate of organic vines and purchases premium grapes for Alloy, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. The view of the entire Monterey Bay will sweep you off of your feet…so be sure to call for an appointment.
Vino Tabi
Vino Tabi makes ultra premium wines: Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Visit our elegant tasting room on the west side of Santa Cruz. We offer custom made wine and private label (one barrel at time) wine making education events, barrel tastings, blending & bottling your wine with your own label.
Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard
For over 30 years, Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard has been producing terroir-driven, food-oriented red wines know for their character and personality. Wines made include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Durif, Tempranillo, and some small lots of lesser-known varieties.
Sones Cellars
Sones Cellars is a small family winery located on the Westside in Santa Cruz, California. Their goal is to produce small lots of fine quality, distinctively Californian wines from grape varieties that flourish in California. Sones’ primary focus is on Petite Sirah and Zinfandel.
Odonata
We are a tiny husband and wife operation, working closely with local growers to produce balanced, beautiful, award winning wines. Our focus is Rhone inspired wines (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Durif). We also make small lots of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Malbec.
Treat yourselves to a spectacular lunch or dinner at Ristorante Avanti in Santa Cruz or Sandab’s Seafood & Wine Bar in Scotts Valley.
Domenico Wines
Our recipe for success in the wine business is simple… take the finest grapes of California, add Dominick’s passion, blend with family tradition, and you get wine that exudes complexity, finesse, and agreeability. We invite you to come by the winery to taste for yourself.
Thomas Fogarty Winery
Specializing in the creation of handmade wines from the Burgundian varietals of their estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Cabernet and dry Gewuztraminer, Thomas Fogarty wines are worth the trip. Venture up Highway 35 to find a spectacular view and spectacular wines.
La Nebbia Winery
Experience solely premium wines from Half Moon Bay at La Nebbia Winery. Visit the tasting room to sample rich and full-bodied reds along with all-popular sparkling wine. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in an exclusive setting.
Savor a fabulous meal at Birk’s Restaurant in Santa Clara, or John Bentley’s in Woodside.
Option 6- Bargetto Winery, Hunter Hill Vineyards & Winery, Soquel Vineyards, Alfaro Family Vineyards, Nicholson Vineyards
Bargetto Winery
The Bargetto family have been making wine in the Santa Cruz Mountains for generations. The quaint tasting room, courtyard, and art gallery overlook the babbling Soquel Creek. Come taste family specialties including Santa Cruz Mountains wines, Italian varietals, and dessert-style wines from pure, local fruit and honey.
Hunter Hill Vineyards & Winery
Drink in the flower-flecked hillside vineyards at Hunter Hill, where charming duck-filled ponds delight with fanciful fog fountains, and turtles sun themselves on polished rocks. Enjoy estate Pinot, Syrah and Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Old Vine Zin, Rock’n Rhone red, plus Double Barrel, a Roussanne-Viognier blend. Adirondack chairs beckon on the grassy lawn.
Soquel Vineyards
Specializing in Santa Cruz Mountains and Stags Leap District Wines, varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. On Saturdays only, come to visit the beautiful location and take in the ocean views.
Alfaro Family Vineyards
Alfaro Winery features Estate grown wines from their hillside vineyards in Corralitos, located only 4 miles from the cooling influence of the Monterey Bay. The vineyard is tended by the family producing 22 acres of Pinot Noir, 3.5 acres of Chardonnay, 3 acres of Syrah and 1 acre of Merlot. Low yields, Burgundian wine making techniques and strict attention to detail help them produce rich, concentrated and full body wines.
Nicholson Vineyards
Located in the Corralitos foothills of the southern Santa Cruz Mountains, we invite you to visit and enjoy our hand crafted wines. Surrounded by the estate vineyard and Tuscan olive grove, the winery produces limited releases of estate chardonnay and pinot noir, as well as syrah and old vine zinfandel. Extra virgin olive oil from the estate grove is also produced annually. Picnicking encouraged, relaxing required.
Have lunch at the Corralitos Market in Corralitos, or Michael’s on Main in Soquel.
Option 7- Testarossa Winery, Ridge Vineyards, Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards, Cooper-Garrod Vineyards, Picchetti Winery, Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards
Testarossa Winery
Internationally recognized for outstanding Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah, Testarossa Winery is located in downtown Los Gatos at the historic 19th Century old Novitiate Winery built in 1888. The winery is the oldest continuously operating winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Bay Area.
Ridge Vineyards
On the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Ridge Vineyards is breathtaking as well as the producer of many fabulous varietals. Talk to the winemakers while sampling some of Santa Cruz Mountains’ finest wines.
Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards
Established in 1892, and nestled above the Silicon Valley, this family owned and operated winery produces premium Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Chardonnay. They also specialize in exceptional Pinot Noir.
Cooper-Garrod Vineyards
This family owned operation first planted grapes in 1972. Now, award winning estate wines including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Viognier are produced from 28 acres of vineyard. Lace up your boots and join the family at this amazing rustic horse ranch.
Picchetti Winery
Save yourself the drive to Napa; experience Historic Picchetti Winery & Ranch. Just minutes from San Jose, sample award-winning wines and see specialty gift items. Try your luck chasing a flock of peacocks or enjoy a picnic lunch at this gorgeous location.
Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards
Specializing in the creation of handmade wines from the Burgundian varietals of their estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Cabernet and dry Gewuztraminer, Thomas Fogarty wines are worth the trip. Venture up Highway 35 to find a spectacular view and spectacular wines.
Enjoy a special lunch or dinner at Birk’s Restaurant in Santa Clara, The Basin in Saratoga, La Fondue in Saratoga, Los Gatos Brewing Company in Los Gatos, or John Bentley’s in Woodside.
Option 8- Burrell School Vineyards, Regale Winery, MJA Vineyards, Villa Del Monte Winery, Silver Mountain Vineyards, Byington Winery & Vineyard, David Bruce Winery, Loma Prieta Winery
Burrell School Vineyards
Located in the historic 1890 Burrell School House, this establishment produces Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay and premium red varietals. Picnic in the heirloom gazebo overlooking estate Chardonnay and Merlot vines.
Regale Winery
Experience a new alternative to simple pleasures at Regale. Our outdoor tasting bar overlooks our formal garden featuring fountains, bench walls, a spiral herb garden, bocce ball court, outdoor fireplaces and other quaint areas with seating. Plan to spend some time enjoying the views, the wines, and our Italian inspired décor. Picnics welcome!
MJA Vineyards
MJA Vineyards is a small family owned winery in Santa Cruz, California. They specialize in Napa Valley Cabernet, Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir, offered from our Serene Cellars and DaVine Cellars selections.
MJA Vineyards is a small family owned winery in Santa Cruz, California. They specialize in Napa Valley Cabernet, Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir, offered from our Serene Cellars and DaVine Cellars selections.
Villa del Monte Winery
Villa del Monte Winery is an award-winning, family-owned, artisanal winery located on Summit Road in Los Gatos. We specialize in Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot, Syrah, and Syrah Rosé, producing extraordinary single-varietal, single-vineyard wines that reflect the terroir of the vineyards. Ask about our Wine Club in order to get substantial discounts.
Silver Mountain Vineyards
The mountain top winery overlooks the Monterey Bay. The winemaker produces Chardonnay from the estate of organic vines and purchases premium grapes for Alloy, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. The view of the entire Monterey Bay will sweep you off of your feet…so be sure to call for an appointment.
Byington Winery & Vineyard
Byington Winery Grand Chateau invites you to explore their jaw-dropping wine cave. Taste the award winning wines while enjoying the picnic BBQ area and bocce ball court, all with a dazzling ocean view.
David Bruce Winery
Producing premium varietals of Petite Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sagiovese, David Bruce Winery is a stop not to be missed. “Taste the dedication" brought to producing the world's greatest Pinot Noir. Your visit is sure to be a remembered experience.
Loma Prieta Winery
Escape to an Italian Villa overlooking the vast Pacific coastline, where you can taste award winning Viognier, Gold medal Pinot Noirs, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and the region’s only Pinotage. Loma Prieta is the only vineyard planted to both Pinot and Piontage in North America. Enjoy a game of bocce ball on the edge of the earth or picnic by the fountain! Sign up for the Pinotage Only Club!
Stop along the way at Nonno's in Holy City (Los Gatos) for great deli sandwiches and picnic supplies.
Clos LaChance Wines
Clos LaChance is a family owned winery located amongst the rolling hills of San Martin. We specialize in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Santa Cruz Mountains, as well as Rhone and Bordeaux varietals from our Estate Vineyards. Picnic facilities and Bocce Ball are available.
Fernwood Cellars
We are a family-run winery in the southern tip of the appellation. We specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Syrah, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel all of which are estate grown. Open by invitation only. Please call or visit our website for information.
Martin Ranch Winery
Handcrafted wines with a roadmap of tastes to delight any palate. Award-winning, estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Nebbiolo wines, and exceptional wines from Syrah, Sangiovese, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc. Open for Passport Saturdays, special events and by appointment.
Sarah’s Vineyard
At Sarah's Vineyard, we share a dream of forging fine food-friendly wines that express the unique qualities of this secluded pastoral area. We grow estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and source other varietals from local vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountain and Santa Clara Valley appellations.
Pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of these fabulous wineries.
Option 10- Burrell School Vineyards, Loma Prieta Winery, Vine Hill Winery, Poetic Cellars, and Hunter Hill Vineyards & Winery
Burrell School Vineyards
Located in the historic 1890 Burrell School House, this establishment produces Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay and premium red varietals. Picnic in the heirloom gazebo overlooking estate Chardonnay and Merlot vines.
Loma Prieta Winery
Escape to an Italian Villa overlooking the vast Pacific coastline, where you can taste award winning Viognier, Gold medal Pinot Noirs, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and the region’s only Pinotage. Loma Prieta is the only vineyard planted to both Pinot and Piontage in North America. Enjoy a game of bocce ball on the edge of the earth or picnic by the fountain! Sign up for the Pinotage Only Club!
Vine Hill Winery
Wander in the beneficial gardens of Vine Hill where fruit trees and flowers abound. Enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay from winemake Sal Godinez, while relaxing on the terrace above the organically farmed Pinot and Syrah vineyards, a sweeping view of Monterey Bay as your backdrop. Perfect for weddings and events. Open the third weekend of each month.
Poetic Cellars
Soothe your soul at the romantic and tranquil Poetic Cellars, where Katy Lovell, on of three women winemakers in the Santa Cruz Mountains, puts poetry in and on each handcrafted bottle. Taste her charming sun-drenched Chardonnay, her fruity-spicy Pinot, her signature Mourvedre, her meaty Syrah and her richly dense blueberry pie Petite Sirah. Or get lost in one of her exquisite blends, like Ballad or Mantra. Write your own poetry here!
Hunter Hill Vineyards & Winery
Drink in the flower-flecked hillside vineyards at Hunter Hill, where charming duck-filled ponds delight with fanciful fog fountains, and turtles sun themselves on polished rocks. Enjoy estate Pinot, Syrah and Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Old Vine Zin, Rock’n Rhone red, plus Double Barrel, a Roussanne-Viognier blend. Adirondack chairs beckon on the grassy lawn.
Enjoy a lunch or dinner at Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola, or Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola
Option 11- Windy Oaks Estate, Pleasant Valley Vineyards, Nicholson Vineyards, Alfaro Family Vineyards
Windy Oaks Estate
Visit our all estate pinot noir and chardonnay vineyard, and taste our beautifully crafted Burgundian-style wines. Our vineyard is 1,000 feet above the Monterey Bay with spectacular views in all directions, and self-catering picnicking is available. Taste our wines and find out why we are the favorite of wine bloggers.
Pleasant Valley Vineyards
Nestled in its own private enclave, our estate vines surround a cathedral grove of coastal redwoods. Our vineyards of pinot noir and chardonnay were planted in select French Dijon clones and are a short distance from the Monterey Bay. Possessing its own unique microclimate of warm days and tempered nights allows the vines to gradually produce and mature fruit with intense varietals characteristics and complexity. The property is one of nature’s treasures and a must to visit.
Nicholson Vineyards
Located in the Corralitos foothills of the southern Santa Cruz Mountains, we invite you to visit and enjoy our hand crafted wines. Surrounded by the estate vineyard and Tuscan olive grove, the winery produces limited releases of estate chardonnay and pinot noir, as well as syrah and old vine zinfandel. Extra virgin olive oil from the estate grove is also produced annually. Picnicking encouraged, relaxing required.
Alfaro Family Vineyards
We feature premium pinot noir, chardonnay, merlot and syrah from our hillside vineyards in Corralitos, located 4 miles from the cooling influence of the Monterey Bay. We are also one of the only growers of Gruner Veltliner in California! Eight of our 38 acres under vine are CCOF Certified Organic. Bring a picnic and enjoy expansive vineyard views from our tasting room deck overlooking the vines.
Stop by the Corralitos Market to enjoy a famous sausage sandwich!
Organic Wineries
Alfaro Family Vineyards
We feature premium pinot noir, chardonnay, merlot and syrah from our hillside vineyards in Corralitos, located 4 miles from the cooling influence of the Monterey Bay. We are also one of the only growers of Gruner Veltliner in California! Eight of our 38 acres under vine are CCOF Certified Organic. Bring a picnic and enjoy expansive vineyard views from our tasting room deck overlooking the vines.
Cooper-Garrod Vineyards
This family owned operation first planted grapes in 1972. Now, award winning estate wines including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Viognier are produced from 28 acres of vineyard. Lace up your boots and join the family at this amazing rustic horse ranch.
Silver Mountain Vineyards
The mountain top winery overlooks the Monterey Bay. The winemaker produces Chardonnay from the estate of organic vines and purchases premium grapes for Alloy, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. The view of the entire Monterey Bay will sweep you off of your feet…so be sure to call for an appointment.
Vine Hill Winery
Wander in the beneficial gardens of Vine Hill where fruit trees and flowers abound. Enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay from winemake Sal Godinez, while relaxing on the terrace above the organically farmed Pinot and Syrah vineyards, a sweeping view of Monterey Bay as your backdrop. Perfect for weddings and events. Open the third weekend of each month.
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