Northern California
Santa Cruz Mountains (Bay Area side)
A curated guide to mountain wineries above Silicon Valley
30 featured wineries · 9-page PDF guide
Download the free PDF guideRidgetop vineyards above the valley
Above Saratoga, Los Gatos and Cupertino, winding roads climb into forested ridges where vineyards look out over Silicon Valley and toward the Pacific. The Santa Cruz Mountains were among the first American appellations defined by mountain terrain.
Elevation and the ocean's influence create a mosaic of growing conditions. Sunny ridges on the Bay side are known for age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon, while cooler sites excel with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Charming downtown Saratoga and Los Gatos make easy bases.
At a glance
- Signature wines
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
- Getting there
- From Interstate 280 and Highway 17 into the hills above Silicon Valley
- When to go
- Spring through autumn; mountain roads are most pleasant in dry weather
- Plan ahead
- Mountain estates are often by appointment, and roads are narrow and winding
The 30 featured wineries
- Barterra WineryHalf Moon Bay
- Byington Vineyard & WineryLos Gatos
- Charles UsherSaratoga
- Clos de la TechLa Honda
- Domaine EdenSaratoga
- Fellom Ranch VineyardsCupertino
- Gali VineyardsLos Gatos
- House Family VineyardsSaratoga
- La Nebbia WineryHalf Moon Bay
- Lago Lomita VineyardLos Gatos
- Mindego Ridge VineyardLa Honda
- Mount Eden VineyardsSaratoga
- Muns VineyardLos Gatos
- Naumann VineyardsCupertino
- Neely WinePortola Valley
- Picchetti WineryCupertino
- Portola VineyardsPortola Valley
- Rhys VineyardsLos Gatos
- Ridge VineyardsCupertino
- Roudon Smith WinerySaratoga
- Russian Ridge WineryWoodside
- Saison CellarsLos Gatos
- Sante Arcangeli Family WinesPescadero
- Savannah Chanelle VineyardsSaratoga
- Testarossa VineyardsLos Gatos
- Thomas Fogarty WineryPortola Valley
- Trojak Knier WineryHalf Moon Bay
- Vidovich VineyardsCupertino
- Woodside VineyardsLos Gatos
- Wrights Station Vineyard & WineryLos Gatos
Full details for each winery are in the free PDF guide.
Data: California ABC & TTB public records
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