The Santa Cruz Mountains wine region, located south of San Francisco in Northern California, is an exciting and largely underappreciated area. While the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA was officially approved in 1981 wine has been produced here for nearly as long as in the rest of California. The majority of this mountainous region is populated by dense old growth redwood forests. Vineyards here tend to be small and situated in particularly favorable microclimates that allow for complete ripening of fruit. Soils here are riddled with granite and relatively infertile leading most vines to produce small yields of tremendous quality. The area is most known for production of high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but the warmest microclimates can also produce world class wines made from Bordeaux varietals. Farming in this remote region requires passion, effort, and intentionality so very few budget or bulk wines are produced here. If a wine says Santa Cruz Mountains AVA on the label chances are its going to be good!
Dried Bing cherry, sautéed mushroom, rhubarb purée. Boysenberry preserves, fallen pine needle, dehydrated raspberry…
Juicy pineapple, vibrant honeysuckle, freshly baked apple pie. Sweet mango, ocean air, cinnamon poached pear…
Tart black currant, loose-leaf tobacco, young blackberry. Damson plum, smooth graphite, dark chocolate…