Santa Cruz, CA – May 20, 2025 — A vibrant crowd, dominated by youthful energy and curiosity, gathered in downtown Santa Cruz to enjoy wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains, creating a lively atmosphere during a well-attended local wine stroll. With nearly 300 tickets sold, the event attracted a significant number of UC Santa Cruz students and young wine enthusiasts who eagerly explored the offerings of regional producers.
Among the highlights was the 2024 Boathouse Rosé of Pinot Noir from Kings Mountain Vineyards, crafted by winemaker Nathan Kandler of Thomas Fogarty Winery. Poured at Stripe Design, a boutique known for its eclectic home décor and accessories, the rosé captivated many first-time tasters, particularly due to its pale color and refreshing profile. Attendees displayed a thirst not just for wine but for knowledge, asking detailed questions about winemaking, grape clones, and varietal distinctions.
Unlike seasoned wine drinkers who sometimes arrive with fixed preferences, this younger demographic approached the tasting experience with open minds and untrained palates, offering a refreshing change for vintners aiming to cultivate the next generation of wine lovers. The event also spotlighted the ongoing shift in consumer awareness, with fewer guests asking exclusively for Chardonnay and more expressing interest in broader white wine varieties and rosés.
Wineries such as Madson and Bottlejack were frequently praised, while interest surged in the Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Association’s (SCMWA) Passport Program. Other participating wineries included Bargetto, Big Basin Vineyards, David Bruce, Lago Lomita, Madson Wines, and Roudon-Smith.
Tessier Winery Delivers Bold Summer Selections
Kristie Tacey of Tessier Winery in Berkeley continues to impress with innovative releases perfect for summer sipping. A biochemist-turned-winemaker, Tacey sources her fruit from vineyards in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. Her 2024 skin-contact Gewürztraminer from Ricks Vineyard showcases a layered profile with notes of ginger, coriander, and citrus, having undergone 14 days of maceration and aging in neutral oak.
Her 2024 “Electric Ladyland” blend—featuring Albariño, Picpoul, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and rosé of Grenache and Gamay—is a standout for its tropical medley of starfruit, banana, apricot, and pineapple. This expressive, organically farmed blend, clocking in at 12.5% ABV, embodies summer’s easygoing yet vibrant spirit.
New Talent Shines at Neely Wines
In Portola Valley, Sarah Green has joined Neely Wines as winemaker, bringing experience from Donelan and FEL. Her inaugural 2024 vintage features a standout Grüner Veltliner (Block Verde) with crisp notes of green apple, stone fruit, and tangerine. Also notable is the 2024 Leona Chardonnay, made from young Wente clone vines and fermented in stainless steel, offering a refined palate of melon, quince, and slate.
Green’s 2024 Lucy’s Rosé of Pinot Noir, made in the Provence style, impressed with its delicate balance of strawberry, rhubarb, guava, and lime—a compelling example of minimal skin contact rosé done right.
Meanwhile, winemaker John Benedetti of Sante Arcangeli Family Wines celebrated a recent 95-point score from Wine Enthusiast for the 2023 Integrato Pinot Noir. The wine, crafted from Split Rail, Saveria, and Lester vineyards, marks another milestone in a standout year for the brand.
Upcoming Events in the Santa Cruz Wine Region
Terroir Dinner Series – June 14
Beauregard Ranch will host a four-course winemaker dinner by Brad Briske of HOME Restaurant, featuring wines from Beauregard Vineyards, Big Basin Vineyards, Madson Wines, Sante Arcangeli, and Thomas Fogarty. Tickets are $175++.
Location: 1661 Pine Flat Rd, Santa Cruz
Summer Passport Day – June 21
Passport holders can explore multiple wineries across the region beginning at noon. Passports are $90 and available via the ‘Wines of SCM’ app.
Surf City Wine Walk – July 12, 1–4 p.m.
A relaxed tour of westside Santa Cruz tasting rooms and local shops. Participating wineries include Big Basin, Bottle Jack, David Bruce, Madson, Integrity Wines, and more. Tickets: $45.
Taste of the Mountains – July 24, 5–8 p.m.
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay hosts this signature event, pairing ocean views with wines from across the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA. Participating wineries include Alfaro Family, Ridge, Sandar & Hem, Mount Eden, and others. Tickets: $95 (includes wine, appetizers, and gratuity).
For those planning to stay in Half Moon Bay, local favorite Johnny’s on Main Street offers an acclaimed breakfast menu, including short rib Benedict and crème fraîche chilaquiles. The owners also operate It’s Italia at the Half Moon Bay Inn.
As the wine industry navigates challenges like overproduction and shifting consumer habits, events like these and the fresh enthusiasm of a new generation may prove vital in keeping the region’s wine culture dynamic and thriving.
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