Santa Cruz can seem like a bustling town due to the busy beaches, boardwalk, and overall tourist vibe, but it also has a relaxing side with numerous wineries where you can relax and enjoy a glass of your favorite wines.
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!
TIPS TO VISIT THE BEST WINERIES IN SANTA CRUZ CA
Storrs Winery and Vineyards
- Address: 303 Potrero St SPC 35, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Started in 1988 by a husband and wife team, Storrs Winery and Vineyards is not just one of the best-known wineries in Santa Cruz Mountains, but it’s also 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 and 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 95060
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 95060
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 and even have a wine dedicated to them; their tasting room decor also reflects that love. You can get a tasting of six wines 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 Ingalls St Suite A, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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 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 95060
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 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 95060
If you’re looking for an easy-going winery, head into Bottle Jack Wines which has also been rated 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. They have two different tasting premises in Santa Cruz and one of them is appointment only so head online to choose the one you prefer.
MJA Vineyards
- Address: 328 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
This vineyard is filled with a Hawaiian flair and a happy crowd to go with it. MJA is known for its cabarets and offers a family-like feeling to anyone who stops to enjoy a glass.
The winery also takes pride in its coffee! In fact, they have been growing and producing quality Kona coffee on the Big Island of Hawaii for over 20 years. And you can 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.
Birichino Winery
- Address: 204 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Founded in 2008, this winery is dedicated to finding the perfect wine with a combination of whimsy.
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 95060
The winery, which started 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, so 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, but sometimes relaxing and enjoying the finer things in life, like wine, is an even greater idea!
