Santa Cruz can seem like a bustling town due to the busy beaches, boardwalk, and overall tourist vibe, but it also have a relaxing side with numerous wineries you can relax and enjoy a glass of your favorite wines at. If you’re spending a few days in Santa Cruz, you’re going to want to carve out some time to enjoy these local wineries either by yourself or with some friends, why? Simply because these are among the best wineries in Santa Cruz CA, take a look!
Always remember to double-check dates, opening times, and weather conditions before traveling.
TIPS TO VISIT THE BEST WINERIES IN SANTA CRUZ CA
Storrs Winery and Vineyards
- Address: 303 Potrero St. #35, Santa Cruz, CA
Started in 1988 by a husband and wife, Storrs Winery and Vineyards is not just one of the best known wineries in Santa Cruz Mountains, but it’ aslo a great place to get some French varietals from local organic grapes. They are known for their Burgundy and Pinot Noir, including Dijon and Pommard’s hits.
This Santa Cruz wine tasting will cost you $10 where you can try six delicious wines, like Grenache and Pinot Noir, which have both won awards. Check the winery website for more info here.
Beauregard Vineyard
- Address: 10 Pine Flat Rd, Santa Cruz, CA
Aiming to produce flavors from Santa Cruz is Beauregard Vineyards, which has been in operation since 1945. They love to share their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel with guests, but also specialize in making a fun and unique Orange Wine and Sparkling Apple Wine. Their outdoor field is lovely to spend the afternoon in, and their tasting room is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily.
Sones Cellars
- Address: 334 B Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, CA
Sitting in the heart of Santa Cruz is this family winery that is known for its red and white blends. Head over to try their Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot and fall in love with the flavors they have created.
The owners love hedgehogs, they even have a wine dedicated to them, and their tasting room reflects their love with the décor. You can get a tasting of six for $10, and their tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday. You can take a look at the winery’s wine tasting list here.
Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard
- Address: 334-A Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard is one of the oldest wineries in Santa Cruz wine country, and is known as a “dive bar” of wineries. The tasting room sits in a back alley where you can enjoy a specialized European style wine that primarily focuses on Spanish and Portuguese flavors.
All their wines are under $30, and the owners know what wine pairs perfectly with food. Check their wine tasting suggestions before you visit them
Stockwell Cellars
- Address: 1100 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, CA
Known more as a micro-boutique winery, this Santa Cruz cellar offers wine and art. Their urban vibe is perfect for settling down and relaxing in while enjoying a glass of handcrafted wine.
Outside food is welcome into the cellar, and your tasting fee is waived if you purchase a bottle of wine, so there’s no excuse to visit them. You can join a patio wine tasting during the opening hours or even make an appointment online.
Bottle Jack Wines
- Address: 1088 La Madrona Dr., Santa Cruz, CA
If you’re looking for an easy-going winery, head into Bottle Jack Wines which has also ben reated as one of the best wineries in Santa Cruz CA. The tasting room is only open one weekend a month, usually the third, so everyone is happy to be there enjoying a glass when it is open.
Their establishment is on the cozier side, but the view of the ocean and mountains is next to none when you’re sipping your wine. They specialize in Italian and French flavors, classics like Firenze and Merlot. Since they have two different tasting premises in Santa Cruz, and one of them requires you to book an appointment, why not visit them online to choose the one you prefer?
MJA Vineyards
- Address: 328 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, CA
This vineyard is filled with a Hawaiian flair and a happy crowd to go with it. MJA is known for their Cabs and offers a family-like feeling to anyone who stops to enjoy a glass.
The winery also takes pride in their coffee! In fact, they have been growing and producing quality Kona coffee on the Big Island of Hawaii for over 20 years. And you cn taste that too!
Their outdoor patio has fire pits that you can cozy up to, and they welcome food from nearby restaurants. All in all, this is one of the best santa cruz wineries that you can visit in the area, check more info online.
Birichino Winery
- Address: 204 Church St., Santa Cruz, CA
Founded in 2008, this winery is dedicated to finding the perfect wine with a combination of perfume poise and puckishness.
Sitting in downtown Santa Cruz, you can enjoy a glass during your afternoon stroll of the area and enjoy flavors from California, France, and Italy. They feature outdoor wine tasting experiences for you to discover their labels. Online reservation is suggested.
Rexford Winery
- Address: 429 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, CA
The winery, which started producing wines back in 2008, has long been known for making handcrafted wines from local vineyards. Rexford Winery loves to focus on single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Merlot.
They welcome you to enjoy an outdoor tasting experience on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm. Since seating space is limited, they encourage wine aficionados to book online before the visit.
Sure, heading out to Santa Cruz to enjoy the beach and boardwalk is always a great option, sometimes relaxing and enjoying the finer things in life, like wine, is an even greater idea, don’t you think?