A guide for visitors and neighbors
Santa Cruz Mountains Wineries
A community-curated tour of the SCM AVA — from Summit ridges to Felton tasting rooms.
The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA is one of California's oldest, defined more by elevation than county lines. Most wineries here are small, family-run, and open by reservation — always check hours and book ahead, especially on weekends.
About the SCM AVA
The Santa Cruz Mountains American Viticultural Area stretches along the ridges between the Pacific Ocean and Silicon Valley, spanning parts of Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. Cool ocean influence and elevations from 800 to 2,600 feet produce distinctive Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. For Hwy 17 neighbors, the tasting rooms along Summit Road, Bear Creek Road, and through Felton and Boulder Creek are some of the most underrated visits in the region.
A neighbor's shortlist
Burrell School Vineyards
Summit (95033)
Hilltop estate in a restored 1890s schoolhouse — classic Summit Pinot and Chardonnay with sweeping views.
Tasting: Weekends, by reservation
Loma Prieta Winery
Summit (95033)
Small Summit producer known for Pinotage and ridge-top Pinot Noir.
Tasting: Weekends
Silver Mountain Vineyards
Summit (95033)
Organic, solar-powered estate at 2,100 feet. One of the original SCM AVA wineries.
Tasting: Saturdays by appointment
Byington Vineyard & Winery
Los Gatos side of Hwy 17 (95033)
Stone château with picnic grounds — easy to pair with a Bear Creek drive.
Tasting: Daily
Beauregard Vineyards
Bonny Doon / Felton area
Multi-generation grower-producer with old-vine Zinfandel and estate Pinot.
Tasting: Daily downtown tasting room; estate by appointment
Hallcrest Vineyards / The Organic Wine Works
Felton (95018)
Family-owned since 1941. Picnic-friendly, family-friendly, dog-friendly.
Tasting: Daily
Storrs Winery — Felton Tasting Room
Felton (95018)
Estate Pinot, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel from SCM vineyards.
Tasting: Thursday–Sunday
Visiting tips from locals
- Most estate wineries are at the end of narrow mountain roads — leave extra time and drive carefully.
- Cell coverage is spotty on Summit and Bear Creek. Download directions before you leave town.
- Reservations are the rule, not the exception. Many small producers only open a few days a month.
- Bring a sweater — temperatures can drop 10–15°F as you climb the ridge.
- Combine a visit with a hike at Castle Rock, Big Basin, or Henry Cowell for a full mountain day.
Know a SCM winery or tasting room we missed?
Sign in and tell your neighbors — this guide grows from community recommendations.