Summary of Wine Tasting in the Santa Cruz Mountains
About the Santa Cruz Mountain Wine Region
Established in 1981, the Santa Cruz Mountain wine region is recognized as the first American Viticulture Area (AVA) defined primarily by its mountainous terrain. This region boasts over 60 wineries stretching from Woodside in the north to Watsonville in the south. Due to the diverse terrain and the distance between many wineries, it is advisable to plan your wine tasting trip geographically for optimal enjoyment.
Where to Go Wine Tasting on Summit Road, Los Gatos
Embark on one of the most accessible wine tasting routes in the Santa Cruz Mountains along Summit Road, just off Highway 17 in Los Gatos. This picturesque drive offers breathtaking ocean views, lush vineyard landscapes, and tranquil drives through majestic redwood forests. The small, family-owned wineries found along this route exude a welcoming charm, often with owners or winemakers present in the tasting rooms.
Many wineries operate seasonally; therefore, it’s wise to check their hours before planning your visit.
Loma Prieta Winery
Starting at the end of Summit Road, Loma Prieta Winery is perched over 2,600 feet high and offers spectacular vistas of vineyard-covered hills leading to the Monterey Bay, alongside views of Mount Loma Prieta. Visitors can observe the morning fog lifting from Santa Cruz, usually dissipating by the afternoon. For a unique perspective, check the winery’s live webcam showcasing the current view.
Unique to Loma Prieta Winery is its production of Pinotage, being the largest producer of this varietal in the United States. The winery also excels in creating wines from Viognier, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The artwork on their labels features a character known as Bodo, rendering a magical touch.
The charming venue is dog-friendly, with pets required to be on leashes.
Address: 26985 Loma Prieta Way, Los Gatos, CA 95033.
Phone: 408-353-2950.
Tasting Hours: Saturdays & Sundays, Noon to 5:00 pm
MJA Vineyards
MJA Vineyards features a rustic timber cabin tasting room nestled within a redwood grove, giving it a distinctly Hawaiian vibe, thanks to founder Marin Artukovich’s background in Hawaii. Additionally, the winery is renowned for its artisan coffee, including their house-roasted Kona coffee, which reflects Artukovich’s passion for coffee farming in Hawaii.
MJA Vineyards also has an additional location in Santa Cruz.
Address: 24900 Highland Way, Los Gatos, CA 95033.
Phone: 408-353-6000.
Tasting Hours: Monday – Thursday, noon to 5 pm; Friday, 2 pm to 5 pm; Saturday – Sunday, noon to 6 pm.
Wrights Station Vineyard & Winery
Wrights Station is a new but charming addition to the local wine scene, crafting exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from estate-grown grapes, along with Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from nearby vineyards. Named after an early 19th-century mountain town, this winery features a spacious, well-lit tasting room in a refurbished farmhouse.
Address: 24250 Loma Prieta Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95033.
Phone: 408-560-9343.
Tasting Hours: Friday to Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.
Burrell School Vineyard & Winery
Burrell School Vineyard & Winery stands out with its rich history, originally established in 1854, making it one of California’s earliest commercial vineyards. Transitioning from a one-room schoolhouse into a vineyard, the property is now owned by Dave Moulton, who has continued the winemaking tradition since 1973. The winery showcases a range of estate-grown varieties.
With names like “Teacher’s Pet” Chardonnay, the winery’s offerings reflect its educational roots, and visitors can enjoy impressive views from the tasting room’s balcony.
Address: 24060 Summit Road, Los Gatos, CA 95033.
Phone: 408-353-6290.
Tasting Hours: Thursdays – Sundays, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Where to Eat in the Summit Road Area
For a full day of exploration in the Summit Road area, it is wise to bring your own food. Many wineries offer picnic spots. Should you forget, the only dining option on the mountain is the Summit Store, where you can find essentials for a picnic, including deli items, gourmet cheeses, and an impressive selection of local wines.
For more extensive dining options, consider heading back down towards downtown Los Gatos or south to Santa Cruz.
Address: 24197 Summit Road, Los Gatos, CA.
Phone: 408-353-2186.
More Information & Other Wineries
The Summit Road area hosts a variety of wineries worth exploring. For more options, refer to the Summit Wineries association and the Summit to Sea Wine Trail.
For a complete list of wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrowers Association offers a comprehensive guide.
