Visit California Wine Country Family Wineries
Santa Cruz - Premium Grape Growing Region Since Late 1800s
There are over 70 wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains, mostly small family-run operations. Many of today's winemakers have been in business since the '70s, when they held part-time day jobs as engineers, doctors, or professors, all with the desire to grow and produce wines from this acclaimed area.
History of Santa Cruz, CA Wine Pioneers of the 1970s
In 1973, the group of 19 wineries formed an unofficial association called The Santa Cruz Mountains Vintners, including David Bennion of Ridge Vineyards and Ken Burnap of Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard. Bennion mapped out a boundary for a proposed mountain appellation.
California’s Premier Mountain Appellation - From Half Moon Bay to Mount Madonna
In 1979, the vintners applied to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and became federally recognized in 1981. The appellation includes the Santa Cruz Mountain range from Half Moon Bay in the north to Mount Madonna in the south. The east and west boundaries are defined by elevation, going down to 800 feet in the east and 400 feet in the west.
Wineries Produce Special Cuvee
In 1991, six wineries produced Epicenter Cuvee 1989 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay to aid county relief efforts after the Oct. 17, 1989 San Andreas earthquake. Bargetto, Bonny Doon, Devlin, Hallcrest, Roudon-Smith, Storrs and Salamandre each donated one barrel of their precious earthquake vintage to make this blend. The label showed the actual 6.7 seismograph reading and media recognition poured in from all over the world.
Santa Cruz Vintners Donate Wine Sale Proceeds
The group presented $10,000 to the Greater Santa Cruz County Community Foundation. Later, at a ceremony conducted by local officials, a bottle of the '89 vintage was placed in a time-capsule along with other local objects, to be buried in commemoration of the devastating ‘89 earthquake.
A larger lot of 1989 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir from Bargetto, Byington, David Bruce, McHenry, Roudon-Smith and Trout Gulch was later produced; proceeds again went to Red Cross relief efforts.
Perfect Setting for Weddings and Honeymoons
Bridal couples who have spent enjoyable afternoons tasting fine local wines, frequently consider one of these locations for their wedding ceremony and reception. Guests can toast the couple's future with premium Santa Cruz wines while taking in stunning natural views.
Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers’ Association (SCMWA) Annual Events
SCMWA sponsors several annual special events at the wineries or at local sites. Indulge in Passport Weekends, Vintner’s Festival, Wine and Crab Taste-Off, Pinot Paradise and the Ultimate Winemakers Dinner at Capitola's renowned Shadowbrook Restaurant.
See the SCMWA website for maps and information on these and other events. The map helps to plan a strategy for traveling on mountainous roads. A visit to no more than two or three wineries per day is recommended unless a touring company is hired. Several are listed in the associate-member section of the website.
Related Articles:
How to Pair Wine With Food by June Smith
Passport Weekend in the Santa Cruz Mountains by Donna West
Senior Winemakers of the Santa Cruz Mountains by June Smith
Gatos Locos Vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains
|
What do you think about this article?
Comments
More in Travel
Latest Articles