Many wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains are in the most idyllic spots. There are too many of them to list in this issue, but here are a few that Bacchus has blessed us with. They are all well worth a visit, for their location as well as their wine.
Five of our delightful local wineries have banded together and formed a group called Summit to Sea. Each of these has its own distinct charm, and each sits on a prime piece of land in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Loma Prieta Winery If you want to feel like you’re on cloud nine, then this is the spot for you. A long and winding road takes you to the top of the world at Loma Prieta – but the drive is well worth it. A panoramic view of Monterey Bay awaits you. Take your own picnic and soak it all up. 26985 Loma Prieta Way, Los Gatos. (408) 353-2950. Lomaprietawinery.com.
Poetic Cellars Formed just over a year ago when the winery opened its lovely 4,000 square-foot tasting room in the bucolic Soquel hills, Poetic has gradually groomed its property for weddings, parties, gatherings—or just plain wine tasting. 5000 N. Rodeo Gulch Road, Soquel, 462-3478. poeticcellars.com.
Hunter Hill Vineyard & Winery When you visit Hunter Hill, you couldn’t be any closer to the vineyard. You can reach out and touch the very grapes that are going to make your future wine. A beautiful setting and new water feature make this winery a pleasure to visit. 7099 Glen Haven Road, Soquel, 465-9294. hunterhillwines.com.
Vine Hill Winery Here’s another top-of-the-world location – complete with great ocean view and splendid tasting room. 2300 Jarvis Road, Santa Cruz, 427-0436. vinehillwinery.com.
Burrell School Vineyards Located at the historic 1890 Burrell School House high up on Summit Road, this winery gives you a mountain view over acres of vines. 24060 Summit Road, Los Gatos, (408) 353-6290. burrellschool.com.
Exceptional Locations: Heart O’ The Mountain sits on the old Alfred Hitchcock estate in Scotts Valley. Pictures of iconic movie stars who visited the property include one of Grace Kelly and her husband Prince Rainier of Monaco. Call for info. 345-6133. heartothemountain.com.
Testarossa Vineyards Located close to downtown Los Gatos in the historic 19th Century Novitiate Winery built in 1888 by Jesuit priests. It’s the oldest continuously operating winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Bay Area. 300-A College Ave., Los Gatos. (408) 354-6150. testarossa.com.
