Santa Cruz Mountains AVA

Santa Cruz, Central Coast

When California wines burst on to the international scene in the mid 1970s, it was the Ridge and David Bruce wineries from the Santa Cruz Mountain AVA that lead the way at the prestigious Judgement of Paris wine tasting in France. Today this mountainous region cooled by the nearby Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is still one of the most respected appellations in California. Stretching some 322,000 acres, it has over 80 small vineyards and wineries, but only 1,500 acres under vine. The diversity of weather conditions and geography allow those hearty growers to produce a variety of grapes.

The leading varietals from the area include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Wines from this region tend to have concentrated intense flavors. Many of the vineyards and wineries support sustainable practices such as cover crops, erosion control, solar and biodiesel power. A small number of vineyards also grow organically. Some of the notable wine growing locations within the Santa Cruz Mountain AVA are: Woodside, Cupertino, Saratoga, Loma Prieta, San Lorenzo River Valley, Santa Cruz, Aptos and Corralitos.

The Bargetto Family Winery has been producing award-winning wines since 1933. We have featured their wines in our Gold and Platinum Wine Clubs. You can find their tasting room at Cannery Row if you’re in the neighborhood.