• In Abbott Square, off Cooper St.

Welcome to Wine Country—Santa Cruz Style.

The Santa Cruz Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA), recognized in 1981, was the first AVA in the nation to be defined by its mountain topography. The wineries that flourish in these mountains are for the most part small, family-owned, boutique operations — many don’t have tasting rooms and are rarely open to the public.

At Vinocruz we offer the largest selection of Santa Cruz Mountains wines — more than 150 wines from more than 60 wineries operating within the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, plus a warm and comfortable wine-tasting room in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz.

The Santa Cruz Mountains produce some of the world's finest wines. For decades this has been somewhat of a secret California Wine Country, but word is starting to get out. People in the know have been enjoying Santa Cruz wines for decades — we want to welcome you to join them. Drop by for a tasting!

Find out more about Vinocruz and our mission to bring you the best Santa Cruz Mountains wines.

Now Pouring

now-pouring

Tasting Menu: June 11 – 16

Every week we select five wines to uncork for your tasting pleasure.

  • Salamandre 2011 Chardonnay
  • Quinta Cruz 2012 Albarino
  • Silvertip Vineyards 2009 Pinot Noir
  • Dancing Creek Winery 2009 Syrah
  • Big Basin Vineyards 2010 Homestead

Learn more about the wines on this week’s tasting menu

California wines were just coming to the world’s attention when the Santa Cruz Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA) was recognized in 1981. It had been just five years since the famous “Judgment of Paris” wine competition, a taste test in which a number of California wines were judged by a panel of experts to be as good or better than their lauded French counterparts... [Read More...]

Featured News & Events

BillCooper

Sat. June 8, 2pm-5pm: Bill Cooper of Cooper-Garrod Vineyards

George Cooper and Louise Garrod, Bill Cooper's great-grandparents, started growing Cabernet Sauvignon in 1973 with cuttings from the Paul Masson Vineyard, given to them by the legendary Martin Ray. Over the next 20 years George Cooper learned a lot about winemaking from Ray and other neighbors in and around the 'Chaine d'Or,' and in 1993 Cooper-Garrod began producing commercially. Since Bill Cooper returned to his childhood home above Saratoga, he has continued his family's legacy, making the … [Read More...]

Odonata

Sat. May 25: Denis Hooey of Odonata Wines

Denis Hooey of Odonata Wines will be here Saturday, May 25 from 2pm-5pm to pour some of his hand-crafted wine. Denis, a UCSC alum, apprenticed with winemaker Jeff Emery, of Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, and Rick Anzalone, who has been growing grapes in these parts for 30 years. In addition to serving as production manager for Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, Denis produces a limited production 1,000 cases per year for his own label. According to Odonata, Denis "blends old world methods with … [Read More...]