Santa Cruz Mountains (AVA)
 Welcome | My Account | Sign Out
Subscribe to our newsletter
Bookmark and Share  


Astonishingly, given the hardships of viticulture in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this appellation hosts some of North America’s elite wineries. Rugged mountains, thin soils, high land prices and Pierce’s disease (not to mention, earthquakes!) are among the challenges which grape growers face. Yet more than fifty wineries operate here, producing wines that include well-regarded Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The appellation is large, crossing the borders of three counties (Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and San Mateo). However, with less than 1500 acres under vine, the Santa Cruz Mountain AVA is small compared to similarly recognized appellations. Microclimates are particularly important here, as the climate can change substantially depending on which side of the range and at what elevation vineyards lay. The coolest climates are at the lower elevations on the Pacific side. In this environment, vineyards which can be as low as 800 feet (most are closer to 2,000 feet) are greatly affected by ocean winds and fog, making varietal selection critical. Low-lying inland vineyards are generally the warmest in the appellation, but still benefit from the moderating effects of San Francisco Bay.

Current Feature

In the southern Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Georgia vineyards are small and few, yet the establishment of the Upper Hiwassee Highlands could bring much more.  [>] continue


Appellation Features

[>] see all Santa Cruz Mountains features (25)

Related Features


 

Best of Appellation

See the best wines of Santa Cruz Mountains

See the best wines of
Santa Cruz Mountains

BLUE BOOK PROFILES

Blue Book Taste Profiles for the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA

Bordeaux Blend - Red

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Sauvignon

Chardonnay

Merlot

Pinot Noir

Alive & Well here


Cabernet Sauvignon: All hail the King! But a king doth not a gentleman make. A temperamental prince in youth, you’re  [>] continue

Correspondent

Laura Ness
is the Regional Correspondent for Santa Cruz Mountains.

Recommendations

Quick Finds

Appellation Honor Role

Search the Santa Cruz Mountains Wine List

 
select wine style:
select grape:
 

Featured Wines

Naumann Vineyards 2002 Merlot - Estate An intense wine with rich concentrated flavors of dark cherry and mocha chocolate complemented with silky tannins.
buy wine $26.00


Clos Tita 2005 Gironde Clos Tita artisinal wines are made in limited quantities from the Santa Cruz Mountains, high above beautiful Monterey Bay.
buy wine $30.00

Buy Santa Cruz Mountains wines
directly from these wineries

Advertisement



    Help us improve travel information to your favorite region...



Winery Sponsors

Winery sponsors of Appellation America’s coverage of the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation.