The Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation region has created a name for itself as crafting some of the best wines in California. By taking wine tours or going to individual wineries and vineyards, you can not only try some of the wines but also see the local ventures in all their splendor. Santa Cruz offers unique “tasting rooms,” in which winemakers are in the same space as visitors, which makes for a personalized wine tasting outing. Here are just a few of the places to visit when you leave the steps of your spacious Santa Cruz Coast vacation rentals.
MJA Vineyards
At the Westside Tasting Room and Cellar in Santa Cruz is a selection of wines from MJA Vineyards to sample. The casual, personable atmosphere combines well with the knowledgeable staff. As MJA is best known for their Santa Cruz Mountain Pinots and Napa Valley Cabernets, they are must-try varieties. There is live music on Friday and Saturday afternoons too, which adds to the fun.
Bargetto Winery
This winery has been hand-crafting wines in the Santa Cruz Mountains for more than half a century. The wines from Bargetto Winery come from their Regan Estate Vineyard in the mountains. The selection to taste includes Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Grigio. Try the award-winning wines for yourself before returning to your private Santa Cruz beach house rental to relax.
Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard
For European-style wines, this vineyard that has been going strong since 1975 and is one to check out during your travels. The specialty at Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard is the locally grown Pinot Noir, which can age beautifully over three decades. They focus on wines that pair well with foods, which means that they aren’t high-alcohol, oaky wines but instead are ones that complement dishes beautifully. The tasting room is close to Natural Bridges State Park.
David Bruce Winery
This establishment consistently ranks highly in competitive tastings. Recently, David Bruce Winery had its 1997 Central Coast Pinot Noir ranked amongst the top 100 “most exciting wines of 1999” by Wine Spectator. Featured wines at the affordable tastings done by informative staff include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Beauregard Vineyards
For a totally original experience, head to the historic tasting room of Beauregard Vineyards. The family-run business has worked the land in Bonny Doon, CA for 40 years, growing superior wine grapes there. The purity of their wines has earned them a fantastic local reputation. The historic property where the tasting room is used to be a general store at the turn of the century and is now where tastings occur daily.
Vino Prima Wine Bar
This wine bar offers California’s boutique wines by the glass, flight, and bottle. The Vino Prima Wine Bar is on the Santa Cruz Wharf, so it has spectacular oceanfront views that complement the wine tastings. Plus, the iconic pier is close by, offering a range of shops and dining options for both travelers and locals. Over 100 wines are available, from Whites to Rosés and Reds, with more than 40 bottles featured per week.
Making Memories with Wine Tastings
Whether you choose to go to one of these tasting rooms or book a local wine tour, the experience is sure to be full of delicious local wines and fun memories. You typically get a credit back off of the wine tasting if you buy a bottle too.
The outing is all the better when you know you have a comfortable accommodation to return to at the end of the day, such as one of the modern vacation house rentals in Santa Cruz, CA. Have a glass of fine wine, learn about the local region, and create an unforgettable California experience.